isotopic studies using sensitive high-resolution technology have recently placed the age of the mountain to be at 560 million years. these new scientific advances have served to emphasize the site's historical importance - originally formed underground, its abundant metamorphosed granite is a result of a combination of natural forces, such as weathering, fractures and the climate in rio de janeiro. known as one of the most expansive urban climbing areas in the world, sugar loaf offers more than 250 routes.

on this link by ayrton, a 360 degree picture of the view of urca and copacabana from the sugar loaf can be navigated - on this link we show the sugar loaf on a wikimapia - the link as we present it is best seen using google chrome, as it might not open at the right coordinates or zoom correctly with other browsers - the entrance to the cable car is on praça tibúrcio, urca, and can be seen on this google map - tickets for the ascent can be purchased on location, or via the official website on this page.