Sugar Loaf - Pao de Açucar

One of the most present background in the scenary of Rio de Janeiro, is the mountain of "Sugar Loaf-Pao de Açucar" a monolithic of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water's edge around Rio de Janeiro and marks the entrance of the Guanabara Bay.


Rising 396 metres (1,299 ft) above sea-level, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. However, it is believed by some that the name actually derives from Pau-nh-acuqua (“high hill”) in the Tupi-Guarani language, as used by the indigenous Tamoios.


A glass-paneled cable car, capable of holding 75 passengers, runs along a 1400-metre route between the peaks of pao de açucar and cara de cao. The original cable car line was built in 1912. So familiar is this peak, the mere sight of it in a film is sufficient to establish the setting as Rio.


Visitors can watch rock climbers on Sugarloaf and the other two mountains in the area: Morro da Babilônia (Babylon Mountain), and Morro da Urca (Urca's Mountain). Together, they form one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world, with more than 270 routes


Within 30 minutes walk along a footpath in the middle of the tropical forest it is possible to reach the first rock, Morro da Urca and enjoy the incredible city of Rio de Janeiro.