Pista Cláudio Coutinho Rio de Janeiro
A scenic, free coastal trail in Rio de Janeiro offering stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain and lush rainforest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
Pista Cláudio Coutinho Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, free coastal trail in Rio de Janeiro offering stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain and lush rainforest.
"A gorgeous and easy trail by the coast with beautiful views of the Sugar Loaf mountain."
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Opt for trainers or hiking shoes; avoid flip-flops for a safer and more comfortable walk.
⏰ Mind the Closing Time
The trail closes at 5 PM. Ensure you're heading back down or have your cable car wristband if staying later.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal Path Views
Base of the trail
Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas and glimpses of Sugarloaf Mountain along this scenic coastal walk.
Morro da Urca Ascent
Upper section of the trail
Climb to the first peak for panoramic views and a unique perspective of the cable car.
Abundant Birdlife
Throughout the trail
Listen to and spot diverse local bird species amidst the lush jungle surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Access to Sugarloaf Views
Footwear and Weather Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Opt for trainers or hiking shoes; avoid flip-flops for a safer and more comfortable walk. +1
⏰ Mind the Closing Time
The trail closes at 5 PM. Ensure you're heading back down or have your cable car wristband if staying later.
💧 Avoid Post-Rain Visits
Trails can be slippery and muddy after rain, making the hike more challenging.
🌳 Enjoy the Nature
Take time to appreciate the lush vegetation and listen for the diverse birdlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Opt for trainers or hiking shoes; avoid flip-flops for a safer and more comfortable walk. +1
⏰ Mind the Closing Time
The trail closes at 5 PM. Ensure you're heading back down or have your cable car wristband if staying later.
💧 Avoid Post-Rain Visits
Trails can be slippery and muddy after rain, making the hike more challenging.
🌳 Enjoy the Nature
Take time to appreciate the lush vegetation and listen for the diverse birdlife.
🚶♀️ Pace Yourself
It's a moderate hike; take breaks on the benches and enjoy the journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pista Cláudio Coutinho for its stunning coastal views, free access, and moderate hiking challenge. It's praised as a hidden gem offering a refreshing nature escape with opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy panoramic vistas of Sugarloaf Mountain. Some note that it can be steep in parts and advise against visiting after rain.
"The trail is free and very easy. I’d consider it a light nature walk suitable for people between 10 and 50 years old, depending on physical fitness. Some sections are a bit steep, but overall it’s very easy and manageable for most people. I wouldn’t recommend going in flip-flops or shoes that aren’t appropriate for walking."
Pedro Carvalheiro
"Easy to moderate walk, pace yourself, and wear trainers/sneakers. I wouldn't go up if it rained the day before. Nice viewpoint near the top for the cable cart. About 40 mins up and 40 mins back down or take cable cart."
Kirah G
"I went up with the cablecar, and then Hiked my way down and back up.
Perfect to escape the crowd from the sugarloaf mountain for a while, you need to be back up at 17 o clock or they close the gate, even if it says 17u30 they close at 17u but becausd i had my wristband on wich proved that i came by cabelcar they let me threw at 17u30, other people had to walk back down"
Iliasse
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is located near Praia Vermelha in Urca. You can reach Praia Vermelha by bus or taxi. From the beach, the entrance to the trail is clearly visible. +1
Limited street parking is available near Praia Vermelha, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider public transport or ride-sharing.
Yes, several bus lines stop near Praia Vermelha. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
The initial part of the trail along the coast is relatively flat and might be manageable for some strollers, but the ascent to Morro da Urca involves steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
The trail leads up to the first station of the Sugarloaf cable car (Morro da Urca), allowing you to continue your journey to the summit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Pista Cláudio Coutinho trail is completely free to access. It's a great way to enjoy nature and views without any cost.
The trail is generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. However, it's crucial to be aware that gates may close strictly at 5 PM, so plan your hike accordingly.
No advance booking is required as the trail is free. However, if you plan to use the Sugarloaf cable car after your hike, you will need to purchase tickets for that separately.
Yes, you can hike down from the first station (Morro da Urca) via the Pista Cláudio Coutinho trail. Remember to check the closing times.
The main restriction is the closing time of 5 PM. It's also advisable to avoid visiting immediately after heavy rainfall due to potential slippery conditions.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The hike typically takes about 30-50 minutes one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views or wildlife.
It's considered an easy to moderate trail. The initial part is flat, but there are some steep sections with steps as you ascend towards Morro da Urca. +1
You'll get beautiful coastal views, glimpses of Sugarloaf Mountain, and the surrounding Guanabara Bay. You can also see planes taking off from Santos Dumont Airport.
Restrooms and water fountains are generally not available directly on the trail itself. It's best to use facilities at Praia Vermelha before starting your hike.
The trail is generally considered safe, especially during daylight hours when other visitors are present. However, always be aware of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints overlooking Praia Vermelha, the coastal path with Sugarloaf in the background, and the panoramic vistas from Morro da Urca.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, but mornings can also provide clear skies and fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in Rio de Janeiro. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Keep an eye out for various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot small lizards or monkeys.
From the upper parts of the trail, you can get unique angles of the Sugarloaf cable cars ascending and descending, with the mountain itself as a backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
Many locals use it for their daily runs and training. You can choose to do a quick out-and-back or incorporate the ascent to Morro da Urca for a more intense session. The scenic surroundings make it a far more enjoyable run than a treadmill. 💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Free Hike to Sugarloaf's First Peak
The trail is well-maintained, with clear paths and some sections featuring steps. While generally considered easy, some parts can be a bit steep, so comfortable footwear is a must. Along the way, you'll be treated to lovely ocean vistas, the sounds of waves, and the chance to spot various bird species in the lush Atlantic rainforest.
Reaching Morro da Urca via the trail allows you to experience the journey at your own pace. From this vantage point, you can admire the cable cars in motion and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area before deciding whether to purchase a ticket to continue to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain or to hike back down.
Wildlife Spotting and Nature Immersion
While the primary draw for many is the view of Sugarloaf, taking a moment to appreciate the smaller details can be very rewarding. You might spot lizards basking in the sun on rocks or small monkeys if you're particularly lucky and quiet. The dense vegetation creates a vibrant green backdrop, making it a refreshing escape from the urban bustle.
Remember that this is a natural environment. While the trail is generally safe and well-trodden, it's always wise to be mindful of your surroundings. The presence of venomous animal warnings on some signs serves as a reminder to stick to the path and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit