A new attraction in Rio de Janeiro for adrenaline lovers

The cable car that goes up to the famous Rio de Janeiro natural monument, located in the Urca neighborhood, will no longer be the only option with a privileged view of the city: starting in November, a zip line will connect the Sugarloaf Mountain with the Morro de Urca and It will be available to all visitors who dare to travel the route in less than a minute.

In 1817, the English mountaineer Henrietta Carstairs became the first person to climb the Rio de Janeiro Sugarloaf Mountain. To celebrate her achievement, the pioneer Ella nailed a flag of her country to the top of the hill, which at that time was a challenge only accessible to brave climbers. After the installation of the cable car (Bondinho) -at the beginning of the 20th century- more than five million people have visited the natural monument made up of the two iconic hills of Rio de Janeiro. 

But starting this year, visitors to the Pan de Azúcar will have a new option to enjoy its charms: a 755-meter zip line between the two hills, with four lines that will allow a journey of less than a minute at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour. 

The attraction will start operating in November, when the Bondinho turns 110 years old. “It will be the most beautiful zip line in the world; It won't be the longest or the fastest, but it will be the prettiest”, says Sandro Fernandes, president of the company that manages access to the monument. The project for the zip line still depends on bureaucratic procedures, but it is expected to be available to visitors before the end of the year, and thus offer a new perspective to those who want to admire the exciting landscape of Rio de Janeiro, with a panoramic view of Guanabara Bay. 

For Sílvio Nascimento, president of EMBRATUR, “The Sugar Loaf is a postcard, a symbol of world tourism, like so many other iconic landmarks around the planet. It is a gift from Cariocas to visitors, Brazilians and foreigners; and we hope that the zipline will attract more people to the city for a unique and exciting experience.” 

Inaugurated in 1909, the Sugar Loaf cable car was the first in Brazil and the third in the world. It is currently the oldest in operation globally and from being a tourist spot it has become a gastronomic and entertainment center, with shows and live events, day and night.  

From the top of the two hills it is possible to admire the dazzling urban landscape, which includes Botafogo beach, the Copacabana waterfront and the entrance to Guanabara Bay. In the summer, the amphitheater located at the top of the Urca hill is the scene of concerts and entertainment activities, when the nocturnal agitation adds to the beauty of the landscape and a light show is displayed in tribute to the city.