Sugar Loaf - Rio De Janeiro

One of the most iconic rocks in the world, Sugar Loaf towers above the beaches of Rio De Janeiro on a peninsula jetting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Pick a nice day, this is one of the best views you'll ever see. Two cable cars lift you 1,299 feet (396 meters) above Rio & Guanabara Bay. Each cable car holds around 65 passengers. Amazingly, the first cable car line was built to the summit in 1912. The original cable car is on display and looks kind of unsafe to me but the project was overseen by the Germans who were doing these kind of things in Germany. Consider if you want to see the view during the day or night. For both, just go a few hours before sunset. The name Sugar Loaf was coined in the 16th century by the Portuguese during the heyday of sugar cane trade in Brazil. At that time, blocks of sugar were placed in conical molds made of clay for transportation and had a similar look to this rock. To save half the cost and have an even better adventure, consider hiking up the first leg from Praia Vermelha to the summit of Morro da Urca. A nature path leaves the far end of the parking lot. This is a one mile paved nature trail called Pista Claudio Coutinho. It winds around the base of Morro da Urca to Praia Vermelha or Red Beach. About 10 minutes along this scenic trail is a signed left turn leaving the nice wide path onto a steep unforgiving trail. With logs and often the roots of trees as steps, this trail climbs the jungle to the saddle between the two Sugar Loaf tram stations. Along the way we found monkeys dangling from branches. At the saddle, turn left and follow the widest trail to the tram station. This station at the top of Morro da Urca is spacious with an amphitheatre, restaurants, and shops. There is no trail up the second leg so find the small ticket booth. On the summit of Sugar Loaf, you can find several levels for a variety of scenic vantage points. There are even a few shops selling soft drinks, ice cream and other snacks. After 7 p.m. all downhill rides are free so you don't have to hike down the first half.

Sugar Loaf - Pao de Acucar

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