Conquer the first tier of the cable car on foot and enjoy this beautiful trail immersed in the Atlantic Forest with free access to the food court.
If you long to explore the Sugarloaf complex in a way more connected to nature (and, as a bonus, save money on tickets), the Morro da Urca Trail is a perfect and charming choice. This is the lower hill of the complex (where the first cable car station is located) and accessing it on foot is a beloved activity by Rio locals.
The trail begins on the left corner of the gorgeous Praia Vermelha, along the Cláudio Coutinho Pathway. After walking a few meters on the paved path, you'll find the dirt entrance to the hill. The route takes only 30 to 40 minutes under the tree canopy, and encounters with families of marmosets, Brazilian tanagers, and harmless lizards are very common.
The path includes steps made of logs and slightly steep stretches, but it is completely viable for beginners. Upon reaching the top of Morro da Urca (220 meters), you will have free access to the huge food court, spectacular viewpoints of Guanabara Bay, and a privileged up-close view of the Sugarloaf Mountain right in front of you.
Cariocando Tip: Those who hike up Morro da Urca can buy a ticket at the top just for the second stage of the cable car (which leads to the summit of Sugarloaf), saving a lot of money compared to the full ticket sold at the bottom.
