Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho)
Urca, Rio de Janeiro
Most visitors buy the full Sugarloaf cable-car ticket, but locals in Urca know a better secret: the Pista Cláudio Coutinho, a paved coastal path at the base of Morro da Urca, connects to a well-marked forest trail that climbs to the first summit for free. The 40-minute hike passes through Atlantic Forest with capuchin monkeys, marmosets, and dramatic ocean cliffs; at the top you can either enjoy the view and hike back down or buy a one-way cable-car ticket at half the normal price to continue up to Sugarloaf itself. It's the smartest way to combine hiking, wildlife and Rio's most iconic view.
Quick facts
- Category: viewpoints
- Neighborhood: Urca
- Best time to visit: Start the hike by 8 AM to avoid mid-day heat and to catch monkeys most active in cooler hours.
- Coordinates: -22.9483, -43.1653
- Cost: Free entry — see "How to Get There" for transport costs.
Why Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) is special
You get half of the Sugarloaf experience for free, avoid the busiest cable-car queue, and see wildlife you'd never spot from the tram. The Pista Cláudio Coutinho itself — even without the climb — is one of the prettiest 1.2-km oceanfront walks in the entire city.
Best time to visit
Start the hike by 8 AM to avoid mid-day heat and to catch monkeys most active in cooler hours. The trail closes at 6 PM. Avoid rainy days — the granite gets extremely slippery.
How to get to Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho)
Uber to Praia Vermelha, Urca — the Pista Cláudio Coutinho entrance is at the far end of the beach. The signed trailhead to Morro da Urca is about 200 m along the paved path on your left.
Safety tips for Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho)
Wear real hiking shoes with grip — the granite slabs are steep. Bring 1.5 L of water per person; there's no water on the trail. Don't feed the monkeys (they bite). Go with a partner and let someone know your plan. There are park rangers at the base but no phone signal higher up.
Prefer to visit with a local guide?
We've hand-picked an English-speaking small-group tour that features Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) and nearby Urca highlights.
See Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) tours on GetYourGuideLocation on the map
Approximate location in Urca — see "How to Get There" above for turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho)?
Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) is located in Urca, Rio de Janeiro (approximate coordinates -22.9483, -43.1653). Uber to Praia Vermelha, Urca — the Pista Cláudio Coutinho entrance is at the far end of the beach. The signed trailhead to Morro da Urca is about 200 m along the paved path on your left.
When is the best time to visit Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho)?
Start the hike by 8 AM to avoid mid-day heat and to catch monkeys most active in cooler hours. The trail closes at 6 PM. Avoid rainy days — the granite gets extremely slippery.
Is Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) safe for tourists?
Wear real hiking shoes with grip — the granite slabs are steep. Bring 1.5 L of water per person; there's no water on the trail. Don't feed the monkeys (they bite). Go with a partner and let someone know your plan. There are park rangers at the base but no phone signal higher up.
Why is Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) considered a hidden gem in Rio?
You get half of the Sugarloaf experience for free, avoid the busiest cable-car queue, and see wildlife you'd never spot from the tram. The Pista Cláudio Coutinho itself — even without the climb — is one of the prettiest 1.2-km oceanfront walks in the entire city.
Book tours & experiences near Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) (GetYourGuide)
Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) guided tour
A small-group tour that features Morro da Urca Trail (Pista Cláudio Coutinho) and nearby Urca highlights.
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