Sugarloaf Overview
Intermediate to Advanced
Urca, Rio de Janeiro
4-6 hours
Raising almost 400 meters above the sea, the Sugarloaf Mountain has dozens of climbing routes across all levels of difficulty. Its central location with sweeping views of the city and its beaches make climbing Sugarloaf the classic Rio de Janeiro rock climbing experience. Among Sugarloaf's routes are some of the best-known and most historic climbs in all of Brazil
Ivanir Chamberlain climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain, route Italianos
Chimney climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
Rock climbing routes on Sugarloaf
Below you will find the Sugarloaf routes that we most often guide and most highly recommend. They stand out due to their uniqueness, aesthetics, grade consistency and overall quality. Climbing them is simply unforgettable!
If you have something specific in mind and you don’t see it here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will help you identify the best route for you
If you have never climbed before, check out the classic Sugarloaf Costao trail - an incredible hiking experience suitable for all skill levels that also features a short pitch of rock climbing. For additional climbing options for first-time climbers, see other rock climbing destinations in Rio de Janeiro
intermediate
CORINGA
One of the most popular climbing routes on Sugarloaf, Coringa is a consistent and challenging 3-pitch climb with sweeping ocean and mountain views. Demanding precise footwork on small holds as well as confidence smearing on granite, Coringa is a great introduction to the technical style of climbing that is dominant in Rio de Janeiro! After completing the route, you can continue to the summit by hiking or linking up to other routes
Grading
3º IV BR | 4 FR | 5.8 US
Length
100 meters (3 pitches), plus hike to the summit
Approach
20-minute trail hike from our meeting point
Descent
Return from the summit by cable car and trail
Prerequisites:
Multi-pitch experience or willingness to learn
Outdoor climbing skills at or above the route's difficulty grade
intermediate/advanced
ITALIANOS COM SECUNDO
Italianos com Secundo is Sugarloaf’s most classic route and one of the best-known rock climbing experiences in Rio de Janeiro. Vertical, technical and consistent, it follows up the impressive west face of the mountain, directly below the famous cable car.
Grading
5º Vsup BR | 5+ FR | 5.10a US
Length
260 meters (9 pitches)
Approach
30-minute trail hike from our meeting point
Descent
Return from the summit by cable car and trail
Prerequisites:
Multi-pitch experience
Outdoor climbing skills at or above the route's difficulty grade
intermediate/advanced
CEPI
CEPI is a “via ferrata” - a route equipped with a permanent steel cable line, leading up to the summit along the west face of the Sugarloaf. It does not require much technical rock climbing ability, however, for passing over vertical and overhanging rock, it does demand a lot of stamina! For those that are up for a challenge, CEPI can also be free-climbed (see grades below)!
Grading
Via ferrata
6º VIIc BR | 7a FR | 5.11d US
Length
220 meters (7 pitches)
Approach
30-minute trail hike from our meeting point
Descent
Return from the summit by cable car and trail
Prerequisites:
Multi-pitch experience
Planning your climb
Price
One person: R$520
Two people: R$440 per person
Group size
Maximum participant to guide ratio is 2:1
All reservations are private - your guide will be exclusive to your reservation
Duration
4 to 6 hours in total
Availability
Every day, all year round
What is included
Certified rock climbing guide
Collective rock climbing equipment: rope, quick-draws and anchor building equipment
Any individual rock climbing equipment you may need to borrow (see below)
Return from Sugarloaf to Morro da Urca by cable car (from Morro da Urca we descend by trail)
Equipment you will need
Your individual rock climbing equipment:
rock shoes
harness
helmet
ATC-type belay device and carabiner
personal anchor
You can borrow from us if you don’t have your own equipment set or are missing an item.
Please indicate any equipment needs in the booking form.
What else you should bring
Water (1.5L per person) and snacks
Sunscreen and bug repellent
Backpack to carry your belongings and keep your hands and arms free during the climb. Hand bags and shoulder bags are not permitted.
Wear walking, hiking or running shoes. Flip-flops and casual sandals are not permitted.
Where we meet
Angel Statue in the center of the Praça General Tibúrcio in the neighbourhood of Urca. See your confirmation email for full details.
Keep these in mind
Participant responsibilities
You are an equal partner in the safety and success of your climbing experience. Ensure that you read and understand your responsibilities as a participant
Assumption of risk
It is impossible to eliminate all risks associated with climbing. Our goal is to minimize your risk, but ultimately you must assume full responsibility for your participation. Ensure that you read and understand our assumption of risk terms
Cancellation and reschedulinG
Read our cancellation and rescheduling policy to understand what happens if you need to change your plans or if the conditions on the reserved day are not suitable for your chosen activity
Via dos Italianos rock climbing route seen from a distance on the west face of the Sugarloaf Mountain
Climber enjoying a rest and beautiful views half-way up the Sugarloaf Mountain
Chimney climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
Multi-pitch climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
Beginner rock climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Secure online booking
Booking is easy. Our availability is reflected live in the system. Making your booking will secure your date and you can contact us at any time to ask questions, discuss options and finalize details
Interested in expanding your skills to take on bigger adventures? Check out our extensive range of outdoor rock climbing courses in Rio de Janeiro
From R$440/person