Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro is an absolutely must-visit attraction any time of the year, from where you can have one of the best views of Rio. However, you can also photograph Sugar Loaf from the bottom, before visiting it, which consists of taking the cable cars (gondolas) up to the summit of the mountain.
You can take some unique (if not the best) photos in Urca — the area around Sugar Loaf — since most tourists don’t know the off the beaten path good-for-photographing spots around Sugar Loaf.
The best time to photograph Sugar Loaf is in late afternoon, when the sun is on the face of the hill. One of the best spots to be at that time is on Praia Vermelha (Red Beach).
Most tourist don’t go to that beach although you can get there in no time — is only 3 minutes walking from the cable car station and ticket office. The area is 100% safe as it is surrounded by military institutions and, as a matter of fact, one of the best, quietest, and well-located districts to live in Rio de Janeiro.
Another great spot to photograph Sugar Loaf is from Pista Claudio Coutinho, which is one of the best pedestrian paths in Rio de Janeiro (1.2 km long — roughly 1200 yards). From there you can have different perspective of Sugar Loaf and photograph it by the side of it. You can cover this path in about 45 minutes time.
A not to be missed photographing spot is from the bottom of Sugar Loaf Hill, but right in the jungle. To get there you need to hike for about 25 minutes. Once at the bottom, you will have the best angle to photograph the rock climbers who usually climb Sugar Loaf on the weekends.
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