Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

English

Spanish

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover the Costao trail, the original route to the summit of the Sugarloaf Mountain! This steep trail is one of the most incredible hikes in the city and few visitors know about it - most assume that the only way to the top is by cable car. Although the trail features a vertical pitch of rock climbing, it does not require prior climbing experience. With the help of safety gear and our certified climbing guides, you can conquer this challenge and continue to the top of Rio’s famous Sugarloaf Mountain. This is a classic Carioca experience not to be missed!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All safety equipment

Descent to Morro da Urca by cable car

Certified climbing guide

Gratuities

What To Expect

The ascent to the top of Sugarloaf consists of steep trail hiking, easy rock "scrambles" and a vertical pitch of rock climbing. Throughout the hike, we enjoy magnificent views stretching over the Guanabara Bay and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. We also get off the trail occasionally to enjoy breaks at the best lookout points! These views are only for those that climb! Although the trail is strenuous, prior hiking or rock climbing experience is not required. Our guides always lead at a pace that is suitable for all participants. Once at the vertical portion of the trail, we use full safety equipment, including a rope and harnesses, to climb up the section with safety and confidence. Furthermore, our guides always stay close and give lots of climbing tips! It takes about two to three hours to reach the summit. After enjoying some time at the top of Sugarloaf, we take the charming cable car to the smaller peak Morro da Urca and from there, an easy forest trail to return to our starting point

Options

Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain

Reviews

5.00

62 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Everything great
nim354,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip with breathtaking views. Everything was perfectly organised and on time. The guide was super kind and kept us safe at all times.
Awesome experience, highly recommended
cooldog777,
Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic time with Reginald as our guide. He was an experienced climber and knew the way like the palm of his hand. Despite having no climbing experience and there being the steepest rock scrambles we'd ever faced, we felt safe due to Regis's helpfulness and communication. DO pick this tour if you're a reasonably fit hiker wanting a thrilling adventure and little foray into outdoor climbing. Do NOT pick this if you are not fit or have an injured limb as you will need all four!
Best birthday possible
inkeltjep,
Mar 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an amazing time climbing the Italians mas Segundo route up to Sugar Loaf, I felt really supported and safe, Igor is a great guide and they are really easy with lending equipment if you don't have everything yourself.
Do it!
S3503JDadamb,
Jul 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Incredible experience. Our guide (Reginaldo) was stellar, little insights into the local history and fauna were fthe cherry on top, and his experience was clea, showing and helping us really well. The route itself was fantastic too, we rocked up perhaps underestimating it a little, more challenging than a standard forest hike, and a little technical - don't underestimate the value of a good pair of shoes. Views on the way up are worth every penny, by far the most memorable experience we've had on Rio.
Great outdoor multi-pitch climbing experience with fantastic views.
Summitbysunrise,
Dec 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a fantastic time climbing multi-pitch outdoors at Sugarloaf with Thomas as our guide. He was very knowledgeable and cared about our safety. He also took such great photos and videos as a bonus! My partner is not as experienced in climbing but with Thomas's help, he was able to complete the climb as well and had so much fun. Highly recommended!
Incredible climbing
267aliceg,
Nov 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, Didi, was awesome!! My husband and I had never climbed before and Didi gave us all the guidance and we felt super capable and safe to do the climb. The view is beautiful and the path was really cool!
Unforgettable Experience :)
Lenard G,
Oct 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the pleasure to do this stunning hike with our remarkable Tour guide, Thomas. We learnt so much about the mountain, the nature & environment, the history of the surroundings and above all we had so much fun together. It was an unforgettable experience hiking the sugarloaf mountain. Thanks so much, Thomas and Team!
Coringa Route up Pao de Acucar
baon392,
Sep 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sport climb Pao de Acucar- sugarloaf mountain with guia Didi. Great time. Didi was great and professional. World class guide. Tough 4 hours (I work in an office- haha). Worth the money. The view was worth every bit of it. 👍🏼👍🏼
Hike and climbing experince up Sugarloaf Mountain
Cate572,
Aug 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Jiji was a brilliant guide who made this experience super enjoyable and interesting! The hike itself included some steep and challenging scrambles, but the views were amazing and worth the sweat :) Thank you very much, would definitely recommend to those seeking an adrenaline-fuelled way to reach the top of Sugarloaf!
Amazing hike and climb
Travican95,
Jul 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a very nice hike and climb with regie! We have seen amazing views and had a very nice guide..