Discovering Rio De Janeiro's Backcountry Charm
What to See in Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is more than just Copacabana and Ipanema. The city’s backcountry offers a wealth of attractions that are often overlooked by tourists. From the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain to the lesser-known Urca Hill, there’s plenty to explore.
How to Get There?
Getting to these attractions is relatively straightforward. The Tijuca Forest, which includes the Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca Hill, can be accessed via the Tijuca Forest Park entrance on Avenida Brasil. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but a metro ride to the Tijuca station and then a short hike is also an option. For Urca Hill, the best approach is via the Urca Beach or the nearby Urca Metro station.When to Go?
The best time to visit these attractions is early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner. The peak season for tourism is from December to February, so plan your visit outside these months to avoid the heat and crowds.Exploring the Sugarloaf Mountain
What It Costs?
The Sugarloaf Mountain is free to visit, but you will need to pay for the cable car to reach the summit. The cable car ride costs around R$70 per person, which includes the round trip. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain, which takes about 2-3 hours and costs nothing.Where to Stay Nearby?
For those looking to stay close to the Sugarloaf Mountain, consider staying in the Barra da Tijuca or Leblon neighborhoods. These areas offer a mix of budget and luxury accommodations, with options like the Barra Rio Suites and the Hotel Leblon.
Scaling Urca Hill
What It Costs?
Urca Hill is a bit more budget-friendly, with no entrance fee. However, the cable car to the top costs around R$40 per person. The hike up the hill itself is free and takes about 30 minutes.Where to Stay Nearby?
For those staying near Urca Hill, consider the Urca neighborhood, which is closer to the beach and offers a variety of lodging options, including the Urca Beach Hotel and the Residence Urca.FAQs
How long does it take to hike up Sugarloaf Mountain?
The hike up Sugarloaf Mountain takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and the route you choose.Is the cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain worth it?
Yes, the cable car ride offers stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and is a unique experience. However, if you prefer a more adventurous climb, you can opt for the hike, which is free and provides a great workout.Are there any guided tours for exploring the Tijuca Forest?
Yes, there are several guided tours available that can provide insights into the local flora and fauna. Look for tours that offer both group and private options, with prices ranging from R$100 to R$200 per person.What are the opening hours for the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car?
The Sugarloaf Mountain cable car operates from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last ride departing at 6:00 PM. Check the official website for any seasonal changes or maintenance schedules.Is it safe to hike up Urca Hill at night?
While it is possible to hike up Urca Hill at night, it is not recommended due to safety concerns. Stick to daytime hikes to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.Planning Your Visit
Destinations?
For more detailed information on destinations, visit our destinations page.Tours?
Explore our tours section for guided experiences in and around Rio de Janeiro.Hotels?
Find the perfect accommodation near your chosen destination with our hotel listings.Articles?
Read more about travel tips and trends in our articles.Sources
For more information on Rio de Janeiro, visit the official tourism website of Rio de Janeiro: https://www.rio.com.br/.What flights LON to RIO actually cost
Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Cheapest dates to fly
| Departure | Price | Airline | Stops | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mar 2027 | €833 | LA | 2 stop | Check |
| 16 Sept 2026 | €890 | W4 | 3 stop | Check |
| 7 Feb 2027 | €916 | British Airways | 2 stop | Check |
| 18 Feb 2027 | €932 | DE | 2 stop | Check |
| 19 Apr 2027 | €952 | AV | 1 stop | Check |
Live fares, checked 30 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.
Booking in Rio de Janeiro: where to look
We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.
- Airalo — eSIM data the moment you land, no SIM swap
- Saily — Travel eSIM with per-country plans
- Yesim — eSIM covering multiple countries on one plan