Visiting Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro: Tips & Highlights

The name of the mountain, as sweet a sight as it is, also puzzles many bound for Brazil. This makes sense, since those without a background in agriculture probably won't be able to see the resemblance. It got its name in the 16th century, when Portuguese colonial businessmen named it after the country's most profitable industry: sugar cane cultivation. The mountain closely resembled the loaf-like shape of refined sugar, which was a hot trade commodity at the time.

The Christ the Redeemer statue is so iconic that it's hard to believe it was built only a century ago, nearly 400 years after the naming of Sugarloaf. While this fact doesn't erase the magnificence of the statue — or counteract the enduring coolness of its Art Deco design — it does offer context: Corcovado was largely anonymous until Christ the Redeemer's construction, while the Sugarloaf has always stood on its own.

When your Brazil vacation takes you to Rio de Janeiro, you'll notice that Sugarloaf is prominent in most restaurants and souvenir shops, adorning the walls in photographs, and representing Rio on postcards. It's much more ubiquitous than its man-made competitor. You might even perceive this as you explore the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood or sunbathe on Copacabana Beach. While you can see Christ the Redeemer if you're looking for it, Sugarloaf Mountain practically commands your attention.

Once you ride the funicular to the top of Corcovado for a closer look at the statue — and finish taking your obligatory arms-outstretched selfie — the focal point of the "money shot" you'll snap of Rio's cityscape will undoubtedly be Sugarloaf Mountain. It manages both to dominate and dwarf everything else around it while tying the entire scene together. Its ever-present status is intriguing, and one of the best ways to see it in all its glory is with a Sugarloaf Mountain hike.

The vantage point from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain can't be beat. On one side, you can see straight across the water to Niterói. From this view, try and spot the iconic, surrealistic art museum designed by famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. On the other side, you'll see Copacabana Beach, and in the far distance, Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer stand tall.

After getting your fill of photos and videos, remember to take a few breaths and have a moment of stillness just for yourself. Then, it's time to head back down. The great news is that while you can technically go down the same way you came up (and many thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies do), most tours have a one-way cable car Sugarloaf ticket priced in, so you can sit back, relax and relish in what you just achieved.

When you come down Sugarloaf Mountain, make sure to explore Urca, the neighborhood that sits at its base. Constructed on a landfill urban planners laid out shortly after World War I, what started as one of Rio de Janeiro's most utilitarian neighborhoods has blossomed into one of its most character-laden ones.

Beyond the bright, pastel colors of many of its buildings, what's immediately striking about Urca is that it's primarily composed of single-family homes — as opposed to the multi-story hotels and residential buildings that predominate in Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. At the time of its construction, it housed ordinary families who relocated from elsewhere in Rio to the then-new neighborhood. These days, with land and space at a premium, Urca is one of the wealthiest areas of Rio de Janeiro.

That being said, it's not expensive to enjoy Urca. For every high-end, luxury boutique, there's a shop selling something affordable and accessible, like Brazil's best-selling Havaianas flip-flops. Likewise, while Cantina do Jorge is so exclusive that only residents of the blocks around it can enjoy a meal there, nearby Urca Grill is as easy to access as the sea breeze effortlessly flowing through its open-air dining room. There's no better way to celebrate a successful Sugarloaf Mountain rock climbing excursion than with a cold beer and a big meal of Brazil's best comfort food.

If the view of the beaches from the top of Sugarloaf made you crave a sun-soaked beach day, walk around the base of the mountain to secluded Praia do Forte, which is smaller than the more popular Rio beaches and also much quieter. And if the rampart of the Fortaleza de São João piqued your interest, keep in mind that you typically need an advance booking to tour it.