5 Most Beautiful Hikes in Rio de Janeiro

Stephanie Kempker | November 12, 2015

Morro da Urca

Morro da Urca is a common attraction for many Rio visitors, but not for the hike. The top of Morro da Urca is actually the first stop on the cable car trip to Pao de Acucar (“Sugarloaf”), which is one of the must-see tourist attractions of Rio, and an iconic part of the skyline.

Stephanie Kempker / Own Work

You can reach the top of the hill easily by following the short and simple trail (about 20 minutes long), and gain a different perspective of the popular tourist attraction. The first section of the trail is especially easy, as it is paved and fairly shallow, but the second half is muddy so be sure to wear proper shoes.

If you buy a cable car ticket before starting on your hike, you can continue from the top of Morro da Urca on the cable car up to the top of Pao de Acucar. If that’s not your thing, you can pause for some photos and then continue back on down the hill.

Stephanie Kempker / Own Work

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