Pão de Açúcar
Rio (March 21, 2010)
Despite the poverty, congestion, pollution, and other problems here, Rio is unarguably one of the most visually stunning cities in the world. Nowhere is this more apparent than from the top of Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf), which jets out into the bay across from the Botafogo Beach. The gondola going up to Pão de Açúcar goes in two stages, stopping first at the Morro da Urca, where you’ll find a restaurant and souvenir shops. You’ll also find an incredible view of the Guanabara Bay and a heliport. From there, you can jump the second stage of the journey, to the top of Pão de Açúcar, where the view is so awesome it makes you dizzy. From there you can see all the way across the bay to the beaches of Niteroi.
To get to the starting point at the base of Urca Mount, take a taxi or city bus (most say Urca on the front). You’ll arrive at Av. Pasteur 520. From there, you pay R$20 to make the trip, which leaves every half hour with a group. The best time to go is at sunset, but any time on a clear day will make you happy. You might consider a second trip at night to see the city lights. The ride operates from 8am–10pm daily.
