Sugarloaf vs Corcovado

Replies: 15 - Last Post: Oct 13, 2012 4:02 PM Last Post By: igalep132

← Back to topic list

Sep 30, 2012 9:10 AM
Posts: 31

Sugarloaf vs Corcovado

Hi,

I've a half day (7:50 a.m to 4:50 p.m) connection in Rio. (never been there before).

The connection day would be Saturday at the begging of November (*weekend*)...

Which one is better to visit, the Sugarloaf or the Corcovado ?

(of course the size of the entrance queue is high factor here...)

Thanks !

dammat89

Sep 30, 2012 7:23 PM
Posts: 75

It's probably quickest to get up corcovado - a taxi can take you straight to the top. You get the famous view of the sugar loaf and harbour from there.
However, I personally prefer the sugar loaf - it's more of an adventure to get to the top (2 cable car rides) and you'd probably see monkeys if you did one of the short walks at the top. I also prefer the view - it's centred more around the harbour, whereas from corcovado you see more of the city. The trip up and down the sugar loaf could take too long for you, though. I can't give you a time, hopefully someone else here can

trent84

Oct 1, 2012 12:03 AM
Posts: 1,291

I prefer Sugarloaf. Its a bit more spaced out and not as crowded. Depending on crowds, it could get take 30 minutes to an hour. But I'm unaware of times.

igalep132

Oct 1, 2012 2:28 AM
Posts: 31

but isn't the scenery is more spectacular from Corcovado ? (that's how it's looks like in Google earth...)

trent84

Oct 1, 2012 2:37 AM
Posts: 1,291

Its all dependant on your idea of 'spectacular'.

I would go check out Flickr, and search for photos from Corcovado and Sugarloaf. Both are spectacular. But choosing one is hard.

lucapal

Oct 1, 2012 9:51 AM
Posts: 10,107

I preferred Sugarloaf too.

Too crowded at Corcovado.And the ride up to Sugarloaf is a nicer experience.Great views from both though.

DjalmaUlrich

Oct 1, 2012 3:22 PM
Posts: 432

There can be very long queues at Corcovado on weekends, especially long weekends. I took my son up in May and waited two hours, not inclufing the time spent waiting to purchase the tickets. Of course you can take a taxi up and that will reduce the wait.

trent84

Oct 2, 2012 5:16 AM
Posts: 1,291

A taxi can be expensive. When we went, the tram wasn't working. So there was a huge convoy of Taxis. This led to a massive line to get tickets for entry. And then another line for a bus to the top.

ParvatiPatil

Oct 9, 2012 1:53 PM
Posts: 6

i preferred Corcovado. But it might depend on the weather. years ago, before the climate change, the weather in november was quite bad in Rio. We stayed 5 days, and only one day was good enough to go up to the Cristo. and there was indeed a crowd at the Corcovado. if you can't see the Cristo, don't go up there;-)
good luck with choosing:-)

igalep132

Oct 9, 2012 2:41 PM
Posts: 31

Wow, I must say that i really don't know where to go now after I read all your posts :)

I guess it all be depend on the weather that day ...

Thanks you all for your tips !

DjalmaUlrich

Oct 9, 2012 4:03 PM
Posts: 432

Bingo! Decide on the basis of the weather.

trent84

Oct 9, 2012 10:48 PM
Posts: 1,291

Definitely. If its cloudy, its probably not worth it. Stick to doing something else instead. Just keep your options open. There is plenty in Rio to do rain, hail or shine.

amobr82

Oct 10, 2012 7:37 AM
Posts: 1,314

I was in Rio for 3 or 4 brief visits before I finally got a clear day to go up to Corcovado. On one visit, you couldn't even see the statue from beach/city level. So do have an alternative plan. So much interesting stuff to choose from though.

thatoldchestnut

Oct 10, 2012 2:43 PM
Posts: 11

Views are better from Sugarloaf, and also it's a better trip - you can spend ages there. it's more spacious and less packed, etc. Corcovado is much quicker.

in terms of price, Christ redeemer is 44 real, as is the sugarloaf ticket i think. However, if you walk up the first hill of Sugarloaf (a fun trek, takes about 45 mins) you can get the rest of the way for only 26 r$, and also means you avoid the queues at the bottom. If you decide to do this, to do so go to the beach infront of the main station. On the left of the beach is a path leading on a nice walk around the coast. After a little way (less than a km) is a path with some very steep steps on the left, made of logs. Follow this and it takes you right to the top, it's lovely but be careful (and you would need an average level of fitness).

trent84

Oct 10, 2012 11:15 PM
Posts: 1,291

Or you can do the exciting and fun way and actually climb up sugarloaf (but you need to go with a guide and probably have some experience with climbing).