Sugarloaf Mountain. One of the most instantly recognisable hills in the world.

It’s now time to head over to Sugarloaf mountain. Famous for its unique dome shape, this mountain takes its name from its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar loaf. But first, we need to get there.

There are two segments to the cable car ride. The first takes you to Morro da Urca, a smaller hill in the shadow of Sugarloaf.

Even though Morro Da Urca isn’t the main attraction here, it was a great place to get panoramic views across the Urca district. There’s a lot going on here, so make sure you stick around for a bit. For example, you can find out about Rio’s heritage as World Cup hosts in 2014 and Olympics host in 2016. And who knows, you might even make friends with some of the local residents!

Of course, there’s no denying that Sugarloaf is the main draw here. There’s a second cable car which will take you the rest of the way which is iconic in itself. Installed in 1912, it was a trailblazer, with it being the third of its kind in the world. It’s featured in many popular movies and television shows, such as the Simpsons and an unforgettable fight scene in the James Bond film Moonraker. With each car having a capacity of 65 people at a time, it can get a little cosy, but the each side is covered in transparent glass which means you’ll get a good view no matter where you stand.

When you get to the top, you get to realise why this is a must-do, no matter how busy it may look. With views across the jaw-dropping bay, you are in for an absolute treat once you get to the top.

#brazil #rio #riodejaneiro #sugarloaf #holiday

Post by Mikethetravellingscouser | May 14, 2025