Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

Ride or walk to the city’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, named in the 16th century after the conical shape of a concentrated loaf of sugar, which it strongly resembles. The mountain is located at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, on a peninsula sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean. Towering 396 m (1,299 ft) above the bay, the mountain is one of several monolithic granite and quartz formations rising from the water’s edge. To reach the summit, you can take one of two glass-walled cable cars, which operate continuously throughout the day. These bubble-shaped cars, which can hold up to 65 people each and run along a 1,400-meter (4,593 ft) scenic route, offer passengers 360-degree views of the surrounding city. Use our Rio de Janeiro day trip site to add Sugarloaf Mountain and other attractions to your Rio de Janeiro vacation plans.