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Copacabana Beach vs Sugarloaf Mountain

Both are highly recommended by travel writers. Overall, Sugar Loaf Mountain scores significantly higher than Copacabana Beach. Sugar Loaf Mountain has a TripExpert Score of 97 with accolades from 7 reviews including Concierge, Lonely Planet and Afar Magazine.

Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach
8 / 10
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro
From $0 /night
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Play beach volleyball or football, drink a coco gelado (fresh coconut juice) or build a sandcastle - there is no end of activities on Copacabana beach! " Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Thousands of tourists flock to this world-famous beach each year to sun themselves among the sea of Cariocas in Brazilian bikinis." Full review
i
But: locals will tell you to avoid it all at night, when it's over-crowded, touristy, and seedy.
U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report
8.0
"One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighborhood." Full review
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain
9 / 10
Av. Pasteur, 520, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 22290-240
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"The indigenous Tupi people originally called the soaring 396-meter (1,300-foot) granite block at the mouth of Baía de Guanabara pau-nh-acugua (high, pointed peak)." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"On sunny, clear days, the cable car ride up to 700-foot Morro da Urca and then on to the taller, 1,300-foot Pão de Açucar is a classic Rio experience."
Frommer's Frommer's
"Along with samba, beaches, and beautiful women, the Sugarloaf remains one of the original and enduring Rio attractions." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the world." Full review
i
Avoid cloudy days.
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Sugarloaf Mountain, the rocky peak named after the shape of its outline... affords an uninterrupted view over Rio." Full review
i
When the sun goes down, the panorama is absolutely magical but as such it draws heavy crowds.
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