Sugarloaf mountain, one of the most iconic symbols of Rio de Janeiro, was named for its resemblance to old sugar loaves, the cones formed from refining sugar in the old days, long before the idea of granulated or cubed sugar. The view from atop the

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Sugarloaf mountain, one of the most iconic symbols of Rio de Janeiro, was named for its resemblance to old sugar loaves, the cones formed from refining sugar in the old days, long before the idea of granulated or cubed sugar. The view from atop the mountain is incredible, with Christ the Redeemer, the city scape, and the Atlantic Ocean spread before you. A cable car leaves every half-hour from 8am to 10pm daily, more frequently if there are enough people waiting. The ascent takes two steps: The first goes from the ground station in Urca to 721 feet; then the second, Morro de Urca, goes up to 1,299 feet. Trams are timed so it's next to impossible to make both trips without spending transition time on the Morro, so better to relax and enjoy life. The Morro offers excellent views, a cafe, snack bar, restaurant, souvenir stands, and children's play area.

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