
Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 78 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain worth booking?
Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain is a 4-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $55 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 78 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (78)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $55 per person
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 th
What you get
About this experience
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!
What's included
Included
- All safety equipment
- Descent to Morro da Urca by cable car
- Certified climbing guide
Not included
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
You will meet your guide at the angel statue located in the center of the square. Please bring with you a backpack, water (1.5L per person), snacks, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Wear closed-toe outdoor shoes with good traction on rock.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will meet your guide at the angel statue located in the center of the square. Please bring with you a backpack, water (1.5L per person), snacks, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Wear closed-toe outdoor shoes with good traction on rock.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rio Mountain Sports
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 78 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
78 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Sugarloaf climb
Did the Via Ferrata route on Sugarloaf with guide Fernando. If you try this route, strongly recommend going with a good guide as there are some tricky sections and I was happy to be the second on Fernando’s solid lead. Overall experience was great and the views were amazing.
via Tripadvisor
Sugarloaf trek and climb with Thomas
The whole day was spectacular. Thomas spoke perfect English and was an A+ guide, from his knowledge of the mountain, the region and his ability to focus his attention on all of us individually and as a group
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant instructor
Was my first time outdoor climbing and had a really great time. The instructor was incredibly friendly and reassuring.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect experience with Rio Mountain Sports
Rio Mountain sports helped by organizing the best surprise ever for my boyfriend. He has a super great moment climbing the Sugarloaf (Coringa road). Fernando was awesome, very professional but also kind and reassuring. His English was perfect et he took amazing photos during the climb ! A big thank to all the team ☺️
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
Climbing Pao de Acucar over the ocean was amazing. Fernando’s guidance and company made the experience that much more memorable. He did a great job making sure we stayed safe while also educating on the history, terrain, wildlife and more of Brazil. My only feedback (not for Fernando) is I wish Rio Mountain Sports advertised whether the route was going to be a slab vs overhang, etc. Nevertheless, it was a once in a lifetime experience and I can’t thank the company and Fernando enough!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $95
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain cost?
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Prices start at $55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 78 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain?
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Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half Day Hiking to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
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On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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