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Monumento Natural dos Morros do Pão de Açúcar e da Urca: A Landmark of Rio

Discover Rio's iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca Hill: stunning views, historic trails, and natural beauty in one unforgettable monument.

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The Natural Monument of the Hills of Pão de Açúcar and Urca is a protected area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, encompassing the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca Hill. Known for its stunning views and historical significance, it's a must-visit destination offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Monumento Natural dos Morros do Pão de Açúcar e da Urca

Local tips

  • Visit early or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and catch a beautiful sunset.
  • Take the Pista Cláudio Coutinho for a scenic walk along the base of the hills.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at Praia Vermelha, a charming beach near the cable car entrance.
  • Check for shows and events at the amphitheater on Urca Hill, especially during the summer.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the entrance of the Natural Monument, take the subway to Botafogo Station. From there, catch bus 513 and disembark at UNIRIO University. From there it is a short walk to the cable car station. Bus fare is around R$4.05.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Take a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber) to Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar. A ride from Copacabana or Ipanema will typically cost between R$25 and R$40.

  • Walking

    For a scenic walk, follow the shoreline from Ipanema or Copacabana. From Copacabana, it takes approximately 1 hour. Once in Urca, walk towards Praia Vermelha, where you'll find the entrance to Pista Cláudio Coutinho and the cable car station.

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Discover more about Monumento Natural dos Morros do Pão de Açúcar e da Urca

The Natural Monument of the Hills of Pão de Açúcar and Urca, located in the Urca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, is a complex of hills comprising Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and Morro da Urca (Urca Hill). These hills stand as geographical landmarks at the entrance of Guanabara Bay. Sugarloaf Mountain, rising 396 meters (1,299 ft) above Guanabara Bay, is a 600-million-year-old mountain. The area has a rich history. Rio de Janeiro was founded at the foot of these hills. The monument was created to guarantee green spaces, conserve the Atlantic Forest ecosystem, protect the landscape, and preserve natural assets. Visitors can access the summit of Sugarloaf via a cable car ride in two stages. The first cable car goes to the top of Morro da Urca. There, visitors can enjoy wider views. The second cable car takes you to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The ride offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. The cable car, known as Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar, was conceived in 1908 and inaugurated in 1912, becoming the first cable car installed in Brazil and the third in the world. Other attractions in the area include the Pista Cláudio Coutinho, a walking trail, and the Morro da Urca trail.

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