One of the main attractions to see in Rio de Janerio is the Sugar Loaf mountain – known in Brazil as Pao de Acucar ( which literally means Sugar Bread). Rising above the clould level there are two mountains that sit side by side and the only way to the top is via a gondola. The line up to the mountain is quite long so it is best to get there early.
Traveling with a group of friends we drive across Rio’s longest bridge which happens to be the Rio-Niterói Bridge at almost 14 km it is the longest bridge in the southern hemisphere connecting the city of Niterói to Rio. It’s quite a pretty drive in and some of my companions who don’t speak English point to the mountain every time we drive past to let me know that this is our destination.
Arriving to the mountain we make our way through the crowd to get our tickets. There is a policy in Brazil that if you have small children in your group, rather than wait in the long line you can skip ahead. We choose to do this and it’s not long before we are on the gondola to the smaller mountain. At the smaller mountain there is a cafe and amenities. I look out across the mountain and I can see Christo Rendentor ( Christ the Redeemer) shrouded in mist and looking over the inhabitants of the city. Below lies Botofogo beach, home to one of Brazil’s most popular soccer teams.
We only stop for a few moments and board the second gondola up to the mountain to the higher section of the twin mountains. It’s much smaller at the peak and there is only a trail here. Small monkeys runt through the trees and chitter chatter with each other playing games. Rain forest surrounds the peak with an abundance of wildlife. We are amongst the clouds and it feels like standing with the Gods. Spending just a few moments to take our photos. An archipelago surrounds the coastline and the view is breathtaking and we look down on the city as clouds pass by.
Photography Tips:
When traveling you don't want to draw attention to yourself and your expensive gear, so take a camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. Avoid anything that sits across your back or that you don't have eyes on all the time. I would recommend a bag that is a cross body bag like the Tenba DNA 9 Messenger Bag that you can wear across you. Always hold the straps when you walk.
Take as minimal gear as possible, two lenses at most, so you don't draw attention to yourself. In Rio crime rates are high, and being obvious that you have expensive gear is not recommended.
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