Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Overview
Climbing Sugarloaf, rather than taking the cable car up, is one of the most rewarding things you can do while in town. You can experience one of a kind rock climbing adventure, while also visiting one of the most famous tourist attractions in town. It is common for us to hear that it was the highlight of the trip.
Our international team of guides come from varied backgrounds and are some of the most experienced and best reviewed guides in the city. We have over 15 years of experience guiding clients from all of the world and while safety and professionalism are always our priority, we also make a point of creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We enjoy getting to know people and sharing our experience of living in Rio. Often times our conversation strays from the typical topics of local history or geography, into more complex subjects like politics and culture. We want people to get an idea of the complexities of this amazing city, while also enjoying a great climb.
What's Included
- The cable car descent from the summit to Morro da Urca is also not charged to climbers.
- All required safety equipment is included.
- Snacks Water and snacks should be brought by clients. Any purchases made on the summit are NOT included in our price.
- Transportation to and from the meeting NOT is not included in our price.
Meeting Location
Avenida Pasteur
520 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
The hike starts at the foot of Sugarloaf and then swings around the backside of the mountain to begin a steep yet technically simple ascent up a well-traveled trail that offers both great views and the exciting feeling of exposure that comes with rock climbing. These first few hundred meters involve some sections of unroped scrambling that can be challenging for people with a serious fear of heights, but that are safe and your guide will help talk you through. About half way up the mountain there is a short 15 meter pitch of more technical climbing, that although is not considered difficult, does require the use of a rope and safety harness. This is a great chance for those interested in learning more about rock climbing to get a feel for the sport without having to commit to anything too extreme.
We will then pack up our equipment and continue our push to the summit. Along the way we will stop to enjoy several views only available to those that climb, such as the famous “Philosopher’s Stone”. The summit is also stunning and offers great options for food and drinks. To get down, we take the cable car down to Morro da Urca and then a 15 minute trail to our initial starting point.
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 a high level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-164632P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 135 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (-03).
- The cable car descent from the summit to Morro da Urca is also not charged to climbers.
- All required safety equipment is included.
- Snacks. Water and snacks should be brought by clients. Any purchases made on the summit are NOT included in our price.
- Transportation to and from the meeting NOT is not included in our price.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 10. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain is as follows:
- 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 a high level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Climb to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- The cable car descent from the summit to Morro da Urca is also not charged to climbers.
- All required safety equipment is included.
- SnacksWater and snacks should be brought by clients. Any purchases made on the summit are NOT included in our price.
- Transportation to and from the meeting NOT is not included in our price.
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 a high level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
