Cable Car Overview

The Sugarloaf cable car in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has welcomed over 37 million visitors since its inauguration in 1912. Hence, cable cars operate every 30 minutes or when the car reaches full capacity.

The experience consists of two stages, each lasting approximately three minutes. The initial stage transports you from Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) to Morro da Urca (Urca Hill), ascending to an altitude of 220 meters or about 240 yards. Subsequently, the second stage conveys you from Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf Mountain, reaching 528 meters or about 577 yards. The speed of the cable car fluctuates between 21 to 31 kilometers per hour, and each car is designed to accommodate 65 passengers.

This remarkable cable car was originally conceived by Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos, who was a founding member of Companhia Caminho Aéreo Pão de Açúcar. The cable car system underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 1972, followed by cable updates in 2002 and an electronic operating system upgrade in May 2009. New cable cars, featuring an improved ventilation system and tinted anti-glare glass, were installed in 2008 for the ride between Praia Vermelha and Urca. Additionally, four new cars for the Morro da Urca-Sugarloaf segment were brought in from Switzerland during the renovation’s second phase, costing approximately 3 million euros. The Sugarloaf cable car system is renowned for its safety globally.

The View

The 360-degree view during your journey and from the peaks of Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain, encapsulates the enchanting Rio beaches—including Flamengo, Botafogo, Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Moreover, you’ll witness the stunning Corcovado, Guanabara Bay, downtown Rio, Santos Dumont Airport, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and the remarkable Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger)—a peak soaring from Brazil’s coastal range (Serra do Mar) in Teresópolis, about 50 miles from Rio.

The Tourist Complex at Morro da Urca

This complex encompasses three distinct areas and hosts an array of events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, festivals, shows, and weddings. The amphitheater is equipped with a retractable roof, a stage, grandstands, and a dance floor. Furthermore, the Disks area features three round platforms alongside a garden offering sweeping views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf. Altogether, the complex can accommodate up to 2,500 guests.

Shops and Food

Pão de Açúcar shops located at Praia Vermelha, Morro da Urca, and Sugarloaf provide a selection of souvenirs. Jewelry enthusiasts can visit H. Stern on Morro da Urca or Amsterdam Sauer on Sugarloaf for unique pieces.

Bar Abençoado (which translates to “blessed,” likely due to its spectacular view) serves delightful caipirinhas crafted from its exclusive cachaça brand, alongside delectable appetizers and an innovative twist on escondidinho—a meat and manioc casserole, here uniquely prepared with a blend of puréed arracacha and yams.

Moreover, you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches, and light snacks at the summit of Sugarloaf, at Pão de Açúcar Gourmet, which provides outdoor seating with magnificent views.

Things to Know

• The Sugarloaf complex is designed to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and individuals with limited mobility, featuring elevators and ramps. Accessible restrooms are available at both Morro da Urca and Sugarloaf.
• Helisight, a company offering helicopter tours over Rio de Janeiro, operates a station at Morro da Urca.

How to Get There

The location is Avenida Pasteur 520, Urca. A taxi is the most convenient option for transportation. Alternatively, you can take the Metro (subway) to the Botafogo station and then walk to the cable car entrance. For budget-conscious travelers, the bus is the most affordable option; look for the 511 (sign reading “Ataulfo de Paiva”) or the 512 (sign reading “Bartholomeu Mitre”). Cash is required for bus fares, with no change available.

Tickets

Tickets for the cable car can be purchased online, granting a 10 percent discount. Seniors aged 60 years and older, individuals with disabilities, students, and persons aged 13 to 21 enjoy a 50 percent discount. If purchasing at the cable car station, ticket office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 p.m., while the complex operates from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Each ticket is valid for a round trip to the Sugarloaf summit; therefore, ensure you keep your ticket accessible for presentation upon boarding the cable car at Morro da Urca.

The ticket price varies based on the level of service selected. As of January 2019, the cost of a basic cable car ride ticket at the ticket office was 110 Brazilian Reals (approximately $29.50 USD), with online prices featuring a 10 percent discount. For those seeking a premium experience, the “Golden Ticket” includes a reception with a glass of sparkling wine in an air-conditioned lounge, priority boarding, and access to VIP areas at other stations, priced at 205 Brazilian Reals (approximately $55 USD) at the ticket office as of January 2019.