Morro da Urca Rio de Janeiro
Hike or ride the cable car to Morro da Urca for stunning Rio views, wildlife, and vibrant sunset parties.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Morro da Urca Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike or ride the cable car to Morro da Urca for stunning Rio views, wildlife, and vibrant sunset parties.
"The view here is totally beautiful. Look at Rio from a wide angle view is breathtaking."
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Entry
Opt for the free trail from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca for stunning views and to skip cable car fees.
☕ Breakfast with a View
Enjoy breakfast at Clássico Beach Club on Morro da Urca for incredible city panoramas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views
Summit of Morro da Urca
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer on clear days.

The Morro da Urca Trail
Praia Vermelha (Red Beach)
A moderate, free hike through lush scenery leading to the summit, often spotting local wildlife.

Sunset Parties
Morro da Urca Summit
Experience vibrant sunset parties with DJs and music, offering a unique evening atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Hike or Visit Off-Peak
Cable Car Tickets & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Entry
Opt for the free trail from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca for stunning views and to skip cable car fees.
☕ Breakfast with a View
Enjoy breakfast at Clássico Beach Club on Morro da Urca for incredible city panoramas.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are legendary; consider staying for evening events or parties.
🐒 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for marmosets along the hiking trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike for Free Entry
Opt for the free trail from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca for stunning views and to skip cable car fees.
☕ Breakfast with a View
Enjoy breakfast at Clássico Beach Club on Morro da Urca for incredible city panoramas.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are legendary; consider staying for evening events or parties.
🐒 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for marmosets along the hiking trail.
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
Buy cable car tickets in advance if you plan to go to Sugarloaf from Morro da Urca.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Morro da Urca, often deeming them even more beautiful than Sugarloaf itself. The option to hike up for free is a significant draw, and many enjoy the vibrant sunset parties. However, some find the on-site restaurants overpriced and the food quality lacking.
"A once in a lifetime experience. Make sure to go on it with a tour."
Chelsea T-Reffet
"In my personal opinion, the view from Urca is even more beautiful than Pão de Açúcar (although they're both breathtaking!) I do recommend avoiding the restaurant on Morro, it was overpriced with awful food. Spend your time taking in the gorgeous scenery!"
Elinor Ackerman
"The view here is totally beautiful. Look at Rio from a wide angle view is breathtaking. There was a party there when I visited, so it’s even a better experience for me."
Onigbokun Sodiq Adedayo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to Praia Vermelha, the starting point for the hike or cable car. Public transport options involve buses to the Urca neighborhood. Some Redditors suggest walking routes, but caution is advised for safety.
While some routes exist, walking from Copacabana to Urca over the mountains is not straightforward and may involve less-maintained trails. The safest and most direct approach is via taxi or bus to Praia Vermelha.
You have two main options: hike the free trail from Praia Vermelha or take the cable car. The hike is a moderate 30-45 minute ascent with beautiful scenery.
Parking near Praia Vermelha can be limited and challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transport, ride-sharing services, or walk to avoid parking hassles.
The hike from Praia Vermelha is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours. It's a popular route with other visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hiking up Morro da Urca is free. If you plan to use the cable car to reach Sugarloaf Mountain from Morro da Urca, you will need to purchase a ticket.
Entry to Morro da Urca itself is free if you hike. Cable car tickets are required for onward travel to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Cable car tickets can be purchased at the base station near Praia Vermelha. It's advisable to buy them in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid queues.
Yes, there are discounts for Brazilians and Cariocas (residents of Rio de Janeiro). Children also have reduced fares. Check the official Parque Bondinho website for current pricing.
Access to Morro da Urca for the sunset event typically closes around 5 PM. The sunset roll event itself runs from around 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy stunning panoramic views, hike the trail, spot wildlife like marmosets, dine at restaurants, and experience sunset parties with DJs.
Yes, Morro da Urca is the first of two hills leading to Sugarloaf Mountain. You can take a second cable car from Morro da Urca to the summit of Sugarloaf for even higher views.
You have a good chance of spotting buffy-tufted marmosets and white-eared marmosets along the hiking path.
Yes, Morro da Urca is known for its sunset parties, often featuring DJs and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.
The hike up Morro da Urca typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options, including the Clássico Beach Club offering breakfast with a view. However, some reviews suggest avoiding certain restaurants due to high prices and quality.
While some places offer good experiences like breakfast at Clássico, other reviews mention overpriced and subpar food at some establishments on Morro da Urca.
Based on reviews, it might be better to enjoy the views and consider dining elsewhere in Urca, perhaps near Bar da Urca for a more local experience.
Absolutely! Clássico Beach Club offers a breakfast with a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro.
You can find various beverage options, including craft beer, especially if you visit a place like the one mentioned by a Redditor who enjoyed an IPA.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire summit offers incredible vantage points. Look for spots overlooking Botafogo Bay, Flamengo, and the city skyline for iconic shots.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Late afternoons provide dramatic sunset colors, but can be crowded.
On clear days, you can get a good view of Christ the Redeemer from Morro da Urca, adding to the photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cityscapes. A zoom lens can be useful for details of Sugarloaf or distant landmarks.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific event rules if attending a party.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Morro da Urca Hike: A Free Adventure
The hike provides increasingly rewarding views as you climb. About halfway up, you'll reach a plateau offering beautiful vistas over Botafogo Bay and Flamengo. The final stretch leads to the summit of Morro da Urca, where you're greeted with spectacular, sweeping views of the entire city of Rio de Janeiro. This free access makes it a popular choice for many visitors looking to experience the beauty of Rio without the cable car cost.
Experiencing Sunset and Nightlife at Morro da Urca
While the parties are a major draw, it's worth noting that access to Morro da Urca for these events has specific timings. The 'sunset roll' event, for instance, runs from mid-afternoon to early evening. If you're planning to attend, be sure to check the exact closing times for access to ensure you don't miss out. Some visitors have noted that while the views are incredible, dining options on the Morro can be overpriced, so planning your food and drinks accordingly is advisable.
Dining and Refreshments: Views vs. Value
However, it's important to be aware that some reviews suggest that restaurants on Morro da Urca can be overpriced and may not always deliver on food quality. Travelers looking for better value or a more authentic local culinary experience might consider exploring dining options in the Urca neighborhood itself, such as the popular Bar da Urca, especially for enjoying the sunset with a drink and appetizer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit