Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car - Pão de Açúcar e bondinho
A ride up the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain is a breathtaking experience
Sugarloaf Mountain or Pão de Açúcar is one of the most popular attractions in Rio de Janeiro having had over 37 million visitors. The Sugarloaf Cable Car is one of the safest in the world. You won't want to leave Rio before riding to the top of this world famous landmark in one of the 65 passenger plexiglass wrapped cable cars affording you an incredible 360° view of the beaches and forests spread out below.
The Sugarloaf cable car consists of two stages with each one taking about three minutes to traverse. The first stage of the ride starts at Praia Vermelha, or Red Beach and carries you up to Morro Da Urca. The second stage takes you the rest of the way to the top. You reach an altitude of 528 meters at a leisurely rate of between 21 and 31 kilometers per hour.
The cable car system is rated as one of the safest in the world and the maintenance of the system leave nothing to be desired. The cables are replaced on a regular basis and the cars do not move if the weather is foul. Its engineer, Augusto Ferreira Ramos, would be proud to see the joy that his creation has brought to visitors in Rio de Janeiro.
From the car, you and 64 other passengers will love the full circle view of the surrounding forests and beaches, you get to see downtown Rio, the airport and the famous Rio-Niteroi Bridge. If you know where to look and are lucky, you might even see a few enthusiastic hikers walking the trails on Morro da Urca, something you can also enjoy. The gondolas which travel the first stage of the cable car system are specially ventilated and have anti-glare glass to help keep you cool and prevent the bright sun from ruining your view.
Once you get to the top, it is not just a case of enjoying the view. There are shops selling curios and souvenirs to keep you entertained and give you the opportunity to take home some unique gifts for your friends and family. You'll also find coffee shops and cafes at the top of the mountain so you can take some time to have a romantic lunch or simply a quick snack.
It is good to note that the Sugarloaf complex has elevators making it possible for those who are physically disabled to enjoy this great experience.
A ride on the Sugarloaf Cable Car is an excellent way to get a panoramic view of a large portion of Rio de Janeiro. Make sure that you don't miss it!
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAddress: Sugarloaf Mountain - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Official Website: Pão de Açúcar e bondinho
Pão de Açúcar e bondinho Reviews
Rated out of 5
The best place to visit in Rio! simply the most spectacular panoramic views and plenty to do (even a haviana store!). Lots of options for food and a nice little Forrest walk to meet some furry friends. I recommend paying for the fast pass if you can manage as it’s much quicker!
Thomas J R - 3 weeks ago
The only negative comment is that buying tickets in person was horribly slow. The ticket lines are also confusing for everyone. But the rides up, the views, the shops and restaurants at the top are all wonderful.
Mark Sanchioni - 3 weeks ago
My favorite tourist attraction in Rio! Simply breathtaking. Be sure to go on a sunny clear day for the full beauty. The cable cars feel super safe. I would recommend buying tickets in advance or skip the lines tickets if possible. However, if you qualify for the preferential line (for disabled people, elderly, autistic, etc), you only need a normal ticket. As a disabled person, I have never been treated so respectfully in a public place/tourist attraction. It was truly a delightful experience and I was very impressed with the staff's respect and helpfulness. Although it's expensive, I would go back again because it was just so incredible!
Elinor Ackerman - a month ago
You have to go there very early because later there are too many people. Beautiful views!! I recommend starting from the second mountain first.
Mario - 3 months ago
Fantastic scenery but try to go there on a weekday or preplan your visit otherwise waiting time is too long. Interestingly the vibes at Morro de Urca is more energetic than here but the peripheral view is unbeatable
Sabri Kürüm - 3 weeks ago
Directions
| Metro and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 Green | Botafogo | 4 Minutes |
How to get to Pão de Açúcar e bondinho by Metro and Bus
Take the Metro to Botafogo Station. Take the Rua Voluntarios da Patria exit and catch Bus #513 (have exact change ready for the extra fare) at the stop northbound on Rua Nelson Mandela just south of the corner of Rua Voluntarios da Patria (across the street from the southern most Metro exit). Ride the bus to the 3rd and last stop on Av. Pasteur. Exit the bus and continue walking east on Av. Pasteur going to your right when you get to the parking area and you will see the entrance to the gondola straight ahead.
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Photo Gallery
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Gondola approaching the top of Sugarloaf Mountain with Rio in the background cc licensed photo by LASZLO ILYES -
Looking up at Sugarloaf from the lower lookout on Morro-da-Urca cc licensed photo by Cyro Silva -
Looking northwest toward Morro Cara de Cão from Sugarloaf cc licensed photo by Robert Cutts -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: nan palmero - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Leandro's World Tour - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: nan palmero - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arian Zwegers - cc license via Flickr
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