Morro da Urca, Rio de Janeiro - a helicopter sitting on top of a tarmac next to a body of water
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Morro da Urca Rio de Janeiro

4.9
·819 reviews·, Brazil

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Morro da Urca, Rio de Janeiro - a helicopter sitting on top of a tarmac next to a body of water

Morro da Urca Rio de Janeiro

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.9
(819 reviews)

"The view here is totally beautiful. Look at Rio from a wide angle view is breathtaking."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

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.

Reddit
The Morro da Urca Trail

The Morro da Urca Trail

Praia Vermelha (Red Beach)

A moderate, free hike through lush scenery leading to the summit, often spotting local wildlife.

TikTokReddit
Sunset Parties

Sunset Parties

Morro da Urca Summit

Experience vibrant sunset parties with DJs and music, offering a unique evening atmosphere.

TikTokReddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Hike or Visit Off-Peak

Consider hiking up Morro da Urca for free entry and fewer crowds, especially if you're aiming for sunset. Alternatively, visiting during weekdays or early mornings can offer a more serene experience than peak weekend hours. TikTok+1

Cable Car Tickets & Access

While hiking is free, you'll need cable car tickets to reach Sugarloaf Mountain from Morro da Urca. Purchase these in advance to save time. Note that access to Morro da Urca closes at 5 PM for the sunset event. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekdays, early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons for sunset
Why
Spectacular views & parties
Crowd
High
When
Wed & Fri evenings
Why
Lively party atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sobre Festas no Morro da Urca MARAVILHOSA #morrodaurca #rj #riodejaneiro #festa #amanhecer
@carlos.lapique
130.4K likes • 971.3K views

🚶‍♀️ 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. TikTokReddit

☕ Breakfast with a View

Enjoy breakfast at Clássico Beach Club on Morro da Urca for incredible city panoramas. TikTok

Café da manhã com vista no Rio de Janeiro 💙 Esse é o café da manhã do Clássico no Pão de Açúcar na Urca. Para chegar lá tem que pegar o bondinho, e você consegue 10% de desconto no Parque Bondinho com meu código MARI10 Gostou? Então já envia para quem vai tomar esse café da manhã com você. #ondecomernorio #parquebondinho #classicobeachclub #urca #cafedamanharj #restaurantesrj #restauranterj #cafe...
@mariqguimaraes
59K likes • 822.5K views
Quer ir no Pão de Açúcar de graça? Trilha do Morro da Urca #riodejaneiro #urca #morrodaurca #praiavermelha #turismo #natureza #bondinho #trilha #trakking
@showdocris
49.5K likes • 764.5K views

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The sunset views are legendary; consider staying for evening events or parties. TikTok+1

🐒 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for marmosets along the hiking trail. Reddit

LAUDO DE CRIA SUNSET MORRO DA URCA - RJ O famoso por do sol do RJ com DJ tá rolando no Morro da Urca, que tu consegue subir de Bondinho (R$ 150,00 brasileiros, R$ 80,00 para cariocas e R$ 40,00 crianças de 3-12 anos - esses valores são para subir e descer o Morro da Urca e o Pão de Açúcar). Ou consegue subir de trilha que é de graça a entrada e não paga nada lá em cima, só o que consumir (a entr...
@laudodecria
33.6K likes • 472.4K views

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. TikTokReddit

☕ Breakfast with a View

Enjoy breakfast at Clássico Beach Club on Morro da Urca for incredible city panoramas. TikTok

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The sunset views are legendary; consider staying for evening events or parties. TikTok+1

🐒 Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for marmosets along the hiking trail. Reddit

🎟️ Cable Car Tickets

Buy cable car tickets in advance if you plan to go to Sugarloaf from Morro da Urca. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(819 reviews)

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

Spectacular panoramic views
Free hike option
Vibrant sunset parties

What People Dislike

Overpriced food
Inconsistent food quality

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

The hike from Praia Vermelha is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours. It's a popular route with other visitors. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

Entry to Morro da Urca itself is free if you hike. Cable car tickets are required for onward travel to Sugarloaf Mountain. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Enjoy stunning panoramic views, hike the trail, spot wildlife like marmosets, dine at restaurants, and experience sunset parties with DJs. TikTokReddit+2

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. Reddit

You have a good chance of spotting buffy-tufted marmosets and white-eared marmosets along the hiking path. Reddit

Yes, Morro da Urca is known for its sunset parties, often featuring DJs and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. TikTokReddit+1

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokReddit

While some places offer good experiences like breakfast at Clássico, other reviews mention overpriced and subpar food at some establishments on Morro da Urca. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Clássico Beach Club offers a breakfast with a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire summit offers incredible vantage points. Look for spots overlooking Botafogo Bay, Flamengo, and the city skyline for iconic shots. Reddit

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Late afternoons provide dramatic sunset colors, but can be crowded. TikTok

On clear days, you can get a good view of Christ the Redeemer from Morro da Urca, adding to the photographic opportunities. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cityscapes. A zoom lens can be useful for details of Sugarloaf or distant landmarks. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific event rules if attending a party. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Morro da Urca offers a fantastic outing for families. The hike up from Praia Vermelha is an adventure in itself, and kids often enjoy spotting the marmosets along the trail. Reddit The cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain is also a thrilling experience for younger visitors. Remember to pack snacks and water, as dining options can be pricey. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds and the intense afternoon sun. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the best strategy is to hike up Morro da Urca for free. This allows you to enjoy the stunning views without paying for the cable car. TikTokReddit You can then decide if the cable car to Sugarloaf is worth the additional cost. Pack your own snacks and water to save money on food and drinks at the summit. Reddit

💑 Couples

Morro da Urca provides a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Consider taking the cable car up in the late afternoon to witness the city lights twinkle to life. TikTok Enjoy a drink with a view, or if you're feeling active, hike up together for a more intimate experience and enjoy the panoramic vistas. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Morro da Urca Hike: A Free Adventure

For an adventurous and budget-friendly experience, hiking up Morro da Urca is highly recommended. The trail begins at the picturesque Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) and is a moderate ascent, typically taking around 30-45 minutes. Along the way, you'll traverse a paved path before ascending a staircase formed by tree roots, offering a unique natural challenge. Keep your eyes peeled, as you might spot local wildlife like buffy-tufted marmosets and white-eared marmosets. TikTokReddit+1

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. TikTokReddit

Experiencing Sunset and Nightlife at Morro da Urca

Morro da Urca transforms into a vibrant hub as the day winds down, especially known for its sunset parties. These events often feature DJs, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying the golden hour and beyond. TikTokReddit+1 Access for these events typically closes around 5 PM, with the festivities continuing into the evening. It's a fantastic way to experience Rio's nightlife with an unparalleled backdrop.

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. TikTok 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. Reddit

Dining and Refreshments: Views vs. Value

Morro da Urca offers dining opportunities, most notably the Clássico Beach Club, which provides breakfast with a breathtaking view of Rio. This can be a memorable way to start your day, enjoying delicious food while soaking in the iconic scenery. TikTok

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. Reddit

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