Rising 396 meters from the shores of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain is Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable natural landmark and offers what many consider the most spectacular urban panorama on Earth. The journey to the summit is an experience in itself — a two-stage cable car ride first ascends to the forested hilltop of Morro da Urca at 220 meters, then soars across open air to the rounded granite peak of Pao de Acucar. From the top, the entire sprawl of Rio unfolds in every direction: the golden arc of Copacabana Beach, the Christ the Redeemer statue standing with arms outstretched on Corcovado, the green expanse of Tijuca Forest, the red span of the Niteroi Bridge, and the scattered islands of the bay shimmering in the tropical light.

The experience changes dramatically depending on when you visit. In the morning, the air is often crystal clear and the light illuminates every detail of the coastline. At sunset, the sky erupts in shades of amber and rose, silhouetting the city skyline and casting long shadows across the bay. On selected evenings, live samba and bossa nova performances take place on the Morro da Urca terrace, transforming the mountainside into an open-air concert venue with the most glamorous backdrop imaginable.

Pro tip: Instead of taking the cable car both ways, hike the Pista Claudio Coutinho trail at the base and then climb the Costao route (suitable for beginners with a guide) up Morro da Urca for a more adventurous approach. Then take the cable car for the final leg to the summit and ride it back down — you save money and get a far more rewarding experience.