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Hiking Morro da Urca in Rio

Brazil· Our Tasty EscapesPosted by Kacy

23 Jul

Hiking Morro da Urca in RioBecause our trip to Rio was a bit of an unplanned splurge, we tried to keep our spending in check while we were there. We didn’t get to visit Pao de Acucar during our trip last year, due to foggy weather, and hoped to check it out this time around. Friends back home introduced us to a local, Anna, who offered to guide us on a hike in the area.
new hike new friend in RioWe met her at the base of Pao de Acucar (translating to Sugarloaf, because it resembles a giant loaf of bread) in Rio’s neighborhood of Urca, offering sweet views from Praia Vermelha.
View of Pao de Acucar from Praia Vermelha, Rio De JaneiroThis is a fun little underrated beach. Nowhere near as crowded as Copacabana with lots of surfers and other water sports partakers about. There’s also a little park further inland, near the ticket counter for rides up the Pao de Acucar tram which seemed nice for reading and relaxing, clandestine meetings, or what have you.
Park in front of Praia Vermelha, RioBut our goal of the day was to climb, not to relax, so when Anna arrived we headed straight for the trail up Morro da Urca, the smaller “mountain” to the left of Pao de Acucar.
Entrance to Morro da Urca hikeThe trail begins on a paved path directly to the left of Praia Vermelha, you can’t miss it, but if you do I’m sure a friendly carioca can point you in the right direction. It’s about a 5 minute walk or less to the real trail head. On the way, we spotted some wildlife.
Urca hike - marmosetsThese little guys were not afraid of us at all. Cute little buggers. A quick peek-a-boo view through the trees, and then it was time to start climbing.
view from the bottom of the Morro da Urca trail
Start of the ascent up Morro da UrcaSince we haven’t had much opportunity to hike lately, I found the ascent to the top of Morro da Urca to be moderately challenging. It’s a quick 45 minutes to the top, but there are very few reprieves from elevation increase. After a bit of huffing and puffing (note to self, upgrade my workout game), we arrived at the top.
Morro da Urca sign
first overlook, Morro da Urca hikeThe sun was going down to our left, offering stunning views of the ocean, the city and the distant Corcovado statue.
View from Morro da Urca
View of Rio from the top of Morro da Urca
Distant view of Corcovado from Morro da UrcaTo the right, we were up close and personal with Pao de Acucar.
View of Pao de Acucar from Morro da UrcaWe could have bought tickets and taken the tram over to main event, but I have a strange aversion to tourist attractions that require waiting in line. Plus, our guide had a better idea. We went back down the morro, and into the neighborhood of Urca lined with fancy houses and, obviously, water views.
beach in UrcaAnna explained that going to hang out along the waterfront in Urca was a quintessential carioca thing to do. Friends gather to eat pasteis, a traditional Brazilian fried pastry, drink beer and chill out, enjoying the views. Twist my arm. We got a beer to share and pasteles de camarão (shrimp) at the famous Bar Urca, the perfect way to unwind after a hike.
Bar Urca
Cariocas hanging out in UrcaAlthough we didn’t see Urca or Pao de Acucar in the typical way, I feel like we saw it through the eyes of a local.

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Linked up with Weekend Travel Inspiration. Read more here.

What unconventional means have you used to see popular tourist attractions?

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17 Comments

« Balancing Work and Travel in Rio
Good Eats in Rio de Janeiro »

Comments

  1. jessica says

    July 23, 2015 at 10:21 am

    I think Brazil officially has the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. Also, how did you not sneak one of those little critters into your purse and bring him home??

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      July 23, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      I was just saying this to someone this morning! I’m going to miss them so much! I think a large part of it is that the sun sets really early here, since it’s winter, but the days are mostly warm and gorgeous so I’m more likely to be out and able to enjoy them.

      Reply
  2. Parita @ myinnershakti says

    July 24, 2015 at 7:53 am

    I get irrationally irritated when I see people hiking in flip flips. Not sure why but it makes my blood boil!
    Sounds like you guys had an amazing time. Brazil is definitely inching it’s way up on my “to visit” list!

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      July 26, 2015 at 11:55 am

      It really is bizarre. How do you not get hurt? Brazil is definitely a wonderful place to visit. I’d recommend it to anyone!

      Reply
  3. Naomi says

    July 24, 2015 at 9:46 am

    I loved Rio when I was there so much but I feel like I nearly didn’t see enough of this gorgeous city. Definitely hope to go back soon! Beautiful shots.

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      July 26, 2015 at 11:56 am

      Thank you Naomi! That was how I felt after my first trip. It was good to go back and explore a little deeper, but even that wasn’t enough!

      Reply
  4. Carla Beans says

    July 24, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Now that was a rewarding hike! The place and the views it offers are amazing! Lucky you who got to experience it with a local. Will keep that in mind for whenever I’ll get the chance to visit!

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      July 26, 2015 at 11:56 am

      We definitely wouldn’t have had the same experience if we’d done it on our own. Getting to know locals and their insights is always so rewarding. Thanks for reading Carla!

      Reply
  5. Linda Bibb says

    July 28, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Such a cool story. I enjoy serendipitous encounters like that.
    There is nothing as great as getting a tour from a local. They always have great things to do, and you can be pretty sure that it’s not going to be something you’ll find in a guidebook. And isn’t that what travel is really all about: experiencing a new place?
    P.S. – You’ve left me wondering how much you saved by not taking the tourist tram.

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      July 28, 2015 at 2:07 pm

      Great question Linda! Adult tickets up the tram are $62 reais (around $20 USD depending on the exchange rate). So not a huge savings, but it made a difference!

      Reply
  6. Sally@Toddlers on Tour says

    August 8, 2015 at 11:05 pm

    What an absolutely stunning view with the sun setting over the mountain and sea, it’s always great to get a local to show you an area they know the best vantage points.

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      August 9, 2015 at 9:05 am

      Thank you so much Sally! It was one of my most memorable days in Brazil, and having a local/new friend to show us the parts we wouldn’t have found on our own was icing on the cake!

      Reply
  7. Ray says

    December 15, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I am one of those “tourists” who waited in line to go up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. My Girlfriend and I were there midday as part of this day long tour around Rio’s top sights, and all we saw was a foggy haze in the horizon and a boat load of other tourists trying to all take the same panoramic shot of Rio. It took us 30 minutes to wait in line to get to Sugar Loaf Mountain, and our tour guide only gave us 20 minutes at the top to take photos. So, I envy you as you did it the right way by hiking and chilling at the seaside with the locals.

    Reply
  8. Amy Trumpeter says

    January 31, 2016 at 7:15 am

    Looks like a great hike. Those little lemurs are so cute! I’m hoping to head to South America in September, thanks for the info.

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      February 1, 2016 at 11:00 am

      Thanks for reading Amy! Where are you going in South America? Have an amazing trip!

      Reply
  9. Amy Trumpeter says

    February 2, 2016 at 6:22 am

    Peru and Columbia in September if all goes to plan 😉

    Reply
    • Kacy says

      February 4, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      Have an amazing time! I’m bummed I didn’t get to visit either of those countries when I was in South America, but hopefully someday soon!

      Reply

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