Rock climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain - Guided “CEPI” route in Rio de Janeiro

CEPI - ROUTE overview

Who it is for

Climbers with prior outdoor multi-pitch experience

Climbers who are comfortable with heights

Climbers confident in their overall fitness and stamina

Who it is NOT for

First-time climbers

Indoor-only climbers

Anyone unfamiliar with multi-pitch procedures

Why climbers love CEPI:

A unique vertical ascent on Sugarloaf
CEPI offers a different style of climbing on one of Rio’s most famous mountains. Its via-ferrata character creates a continuous, upward progression that feels engaging, physical, and deeply rewarding from start to finish.

A substantial climb without highly technical movement
While CEPI requires solid multi-pitch experience and comfort on vertical terrain, it does not impose complex technical cruxes. This makes it a great choice for climbers who want a long and meaningful ascent without the technical difficulty found on routes like Italianos com Secundo.

Fast-paced and athletic progression
Rather than stopping frequently to solve difficult sequences, climbers enjoy a steady rhythm of upward movement. Many describe the climb as dynamic, fun, and highly engaging throughout its length.

A full Sugarloaf summit experience
The climb finishes on the iconic summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, combining a unique ascent style with panoramic views, a strong sense of accomplishment, and a memorable finish to the day.

For climbers who already know multi-pitch systems and want a physical, vertical ascent without highly technical climbing, CEPI offers a uniquely satisfying alternative among Sugarloaf routes.

What to expect on CEPI:

We meet at Praça General Tibúrcio in Urca and begin with a steady approach to the base of Sugarloaf’s west face. Before starting the ascent, your guide reviews communication systems, rope management, and the progression of the route, ensuring that everyone is aligned and prepared for a rewarding, efficient day on the mountain.

CEPI is a via-ferrata style line, though it is more vertical than traditional European routes of the same style. For this reason, we use the same safety systems employed in regular multi-pitch roped climbing. Climbers are expected to be comfortable with multi-pitch procedures and movement on exposed terrain, even though the technical climbing difficulty remains generally moderate.

Climbing CEPI is exceptionally fun. Rather than technical cruxes, the route offers an athletic, fast-paced, and sustained upward progression. Its vertical nature and significant height contribute to a strong sense of scale and adventure throughout the ascent.

After completing the climb, we arrive at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, where there is time to rest, take in the panoramic views, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with a long, continuous ascent. We descend comfortably by cable car to Morro da Urca, and then return to the starting point via an easy trail.

✅ Live availability and instant confirmation
✅ Free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance of the reservation
✅ Rainy day protection - we will reschedule or refund your reservation according to your preference

PLEASE NOTE: We are a small team of professional guides and all bookings are private, which means availability is limited. If you have a specific date in mind, we recommend reserving as soon as possible to secure your preferred choice and avoid missing out.

Price

One person: R$560
Two people: R$480 per person

Group size

Maximum participant to guide ratio is 2:1
All reservations are private - your guide will be exclusive to your reservation

Duration

4 to 6 hours in total

Availability

Every day, all year round

What is included

Certified rock climbing guide
Collective rock climbing equipment: rope, quick-draws and anchor building equipment
Any individual rock climbing equipment you may need to borrow (see below)
Return from Sugarloaf to Morro da Urca by cable car (from Morro da Urca we descend by trail)

Equipment you will need

Your individual rock climbing equipment:

• rock shoes

• harness

• helmet

• ATC-type belay device and carabiner

• personal anchor

You can borrow from us if you don’t have your own equipment set or are missing an item.
Please indicate any equipment needs in the booking form.

What else you should bring

Water (1.5L per person) and snacks
Sunscreen and bug repellent
Backpack to carry your belongings and keep your hands and arms free during the climb. Hand bags and shoulder bags are not permitted.

Wear walking, hiking or running shoes. Flip-flops and casual sandals are not permitted.

Participant responsibilities

You are an equal partner in the safety and success of your climbing experience. Ensure that you read and understand your responsibilities as a participant

Assumption of risk

It is impossible to eliminate all risks associated with climbing. Our goal is to minimize your risk, but ultimately you must assume full responsibility for your participation. Ensure that you read and understand our assumption of risk terms

Cancellation and reschedulinG

Read our cancellation and rescheduling policy to understand what happens if you need to change your plans or if the conditions on the reserved day are not suitable for your chosen activity