Rio 2016 (Part-10)

Sugarloaf Mountain (Portuguese: Pão de Açúcar pronounced [ˈpɐ̃w̃ d͡ʒi aˈsukaʁ]) is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Rising 396 m (1,299 ft) above the harbor, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. It is known worldwide for its cableway and panoramic views of the city.

Sugarloaf

The name "Sugarloaf" was coined in the 16th century by the Portuguese during the heyday of sugar cane trade in Brazil. According to historian Vieira Fazenda, blocks of sugar were placed in conical molds made of clay to be transported on ships. The shape given by these molds was similar to the peak, hence the name. “WIKI”

On the cable car...

The first leg of the trip is from Avenida Pasteur in Praia Vermelha, the Red Beach District, which takes you to the top of Urca Mountain. The one kilometer ride gives you the first aerial view of Copacabana, the Christ statue, Niteroi Bridge and Guanabara Bay. There are some gift shops, restaurants and a small theater with informational videos. Don’t forget to carry your camera to record some of the most spectacular views of the region. There a number of trials through the thick vegetation and natural observation posts put up at different heights.

Sugarloaf

The second cable car takes you from Urca to the top of Sugarloaf with an amazing 360-degree view of the region. You can sit down and enjoy the view from one of the fast-food shops around the area. Alternatively, you can follow a trail around the top of the hill. Be there at sunset and you will be treated to the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Undoubtedly, the overlooks on Sugarloaf provide some jaw-dropping views of the ocean and the city as well. Those sensitive to heights better beware.

Sugarloaf

“Sugarloaf” is a must go/visit not only for tourist but also for travelers. There are two ways you can climb. You can take a cable car or you can hike. You don’t have to pay anything if you hike however if you wanna take a cable car you need to pay.

View from the cable car

We wanted to see the sunset from the top of the mountain so we decided to go there after lunch. Shakib was available so he decided to join us.

View from the top 

This is where Razan Bhai got upset again. We decided to go by cable car and adult ticket costs R$71.00 & Student/under age ticket costs only R$35.00. I paid the student price and Shakib paid the same as we used student ID card. However Razon Bhai had to pay the full price. He was so upset.

Take two paths cable car to peak, it is amazing. If you really want to spend time for watching sunset, remember to bring jacket as strong wind there. Generally, two and half hours is enough much there for sight-seeing and shopping at shops there.

Sugarloaf

Cable cars run every 20 minutes. The first cable car up departs at 8:10am and the last cable car up departs at 8pm. The last car down departs from the summit at 8:40pm. The box office where you exchange your voucher is open between 8am and 7:50pm.

View from the top

Although Razon Bhai was upset due to paying full price however after seeing the view from the cable car he calm himself down. The view was spectacular and hard to describe.

Sugarfie...

We went to the first mountain and stayed there for half an hour and enjoyed the view. We then took another car to the second mountain. View from Second Mountain was even more jaw-dropping. Someone said million dollar view however I think it’s a billion dollar view.

We stayed at the second mountain about an hour. Shakib decided to leave as he has some other plans. I and Razon Bhai decided to hike on our way back however after hiking about 20 minutes we became so tired. Weather was so hot and humid.

On top of the Mountain

Million dollar view

We came back to the first mountain and stayed there for couple of hours to observe the sunset however we had to leave just before the sunset as we were so tired.

The view

A day well spent. Slowly all places in Rio are being ticket off from my list. We were happy to see the progress.

< To Be Continued >