The Sugarloaf hike at a glance
The normal hike is a forest trail from the Pista Cláudio Coutinho up to Morro da Urca. It is not a continuous walk to the Sugarloaf summit. From Morro da Urca you continue by cable car, and you need a ticket for that part. If you prefer to ride all the way, start with the Sugarloaf cable car tickets guide.
The trail is about 900 m long. Plan 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace and how often you stop. Hikers do not get a free ride down. The ride from Morro da Urca costs BRL 65, or BRL 32 reduced (as of August 2026).
Reaching the trail and the gate
Two different paths, two different sets of hours.
The Pista Cláudio Coutinho
This coastal path is 1,250 m long and open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. The hiking trail starts from it. Counted from Praia Vermelha, including the walk along the Pista, the way to Morro da Urca is about 1.5 km. Counted from the Pista, it is the 900 m above.
The gate at the top
The park gate at the upper end of the trail opens at 08:30 or 09:00, depending on the day, and closes at 17:00. Time your start so that you reach it after it opens, and check the current hours before you go.
Our pick: a guided hike and climb
A guide, certified climbing gear and accident insurance make this the guided way up Sugarloaf on foot.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sugarloaf tickets and guided tours
Cable car tickets, guided visits and combinations with the mountain, with live prices and availability.
The way down costs money
Hikers pay for the cable car like everyone else.
| Option | Adult | Reduced |
|---|---|---|
| Ride down from Morro da Urca to Praia Vermelha | BRL 65 | BRL 32 |
| Add-on with the ride up to Sugarloaf and the cable car back down | BRL 140 | BRL 70 |
Both tickets are sold only at the ticket totem on Morro da Urca, during park operating hours. Prices are as of August 2026. For most hikers who also want the summit view, the BRL 140 add-on is the one to pick. If Morro da Urca is enough for you, BRL 65 covers the ride down. Members of the state climbing federation (FEMERJ) with ID may ride down free, so ask at the totem what that covers.
Climbing Sugarloaf
The mountain has over 150 climbing routes. The classic Costão climb goes over exposed rock and includes a vertical section of the 3rd grade, with about 900 m of route in total. It needs experience, technique and the right equipment. There have been fatal accidents among people who tried the rock without a rope.
If you are not an experienced climber, go only with a certified instructor or mountain guide. Experienced climbers should still check the current rules with the guides and the park management. Commercial rappelling is not allowed in the protected area. This page does not describe routes: a guide shows you the line and judges the day's conditions on the rock.
Rules in the protected area
The trail lies inside a natural monument with Atlantic Forest around it.
Stay on the path
Do not take shortcuts beside the marked trail. Do not light fires, and do not take plants or seeds out or bring them in.
Leave the animals alone
Do not feed or disturb animals. Dogs are generally not allowed. Assistance and documented support dogs are an exception.
Groups
Groups of 30 people or more must tell the park management about their visit to the trail or the Pista in advance.
Staying comfortable
Hike in daylight and plan to be at the top gate well before it closes at 17:00. Wear shoes with grip, carry water and use sun protection. The walk is short, but the sun and the humidity on the path add up.
Rio advice applies here too. Theft and robbery happen in the city, also during the day. Carry only what you need and keep your phone away on the Pista. More tips are under is Rio safe. For the walk to Christ the Redeemer, there is a separate hiking guide.
Plan the rest of your day
What to do once you reach Morro da Urca.
Sugarloaf hike: frequently asked questions
Can you hike to the top of Sugarloaf?
The normal trail ends at Morro da Urca, the middle station. To reach the Sugarloaf summit you continue by cable car or climb the rock with a guide.
Is the ride down free for hikers?
No. The ride from Morro da Urca costs BRL 65, or BRL 32 reduced (as of August 2026). Members of the state climbing federation (FEMERJ) with ID may ride down free. Ask at the totem what that covers.
How long does the hike take?
Plan 20 minutes to 1 hour for the 900 m trail from the Pista Cláudio Coutinho, depending on your pace.
Do I need a guide to climb Sugarloaf?
Without climbing experience and equipment, yes: go only with a certified instructor or mountain guide. Experienced climbers should still check the current rules. This page gives no route instructions.
Can I bring my dog on the trail?
Dogs are generally not allowed in the protected area. Assistance and documented support dogs are an exception.