Zip Lining Over Rio’s Sugarloaf Mountain Sparks Local Protests and Attracts Adrenaline-Lovers

Flying down a 755-meter zip wire above the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro has the potential to draw adventure enthusiasts from around the world. However, not everyone in the local community shares the same enthusiasm. Hundreds of protesters gathered beneath Rio’s renowned hotspot on Sunday to express their opposition to the ongoing construction of four ziplines, aimed at boosting tourism.

Rio has plans to install four steel ziplines, spanning 755 meters over the forest between Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) and Urca Hill, offering riders speeds of up to 100 km/h. The zipline is expected to become operational in the second half of this year, but an online petition to halt the construction has already garnered nearly 11,000 signatures.

Protesters argue that expanding the current facilities on the mountaintops will have a negative impact on the area’s fauna and flora, not only due to the construction itself but also due to the subsequent increase in foot traffic. Concerns are raised about the potential “disfiguration” of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which extends from the coastal mountain inland and includes other iconic Rio landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer.

During the Sunday gathering at the base of the iconic mountain, protesters held up banners reading “SOS UNESCO” and “Out with zip lines.” However, the zipline project is just the tip of the iceberg, according to a statement from the group, as they express concerns about an even larger project currently under evaluation by authorities. This project entails the construction of additional attractions, shops, a performance hall, and a nightclub atop the two peaks, which already receive 1.6 million visitors annually.

Aurimar dos Prazeres, President of the Urca Residents Association, asserts that the zipline has deviated from the original concept of visiting Sugarloaf Mountain. He believes the natural beauty of the site is contemplative and does not require additional commercialization beyond the existing amenities like toilets, water fountains, bars, and small shops.

For visitors who wish to experience Sugarloaf Mountain, the already existing cable car, which has been in operation for over a century, provides breathtaking views as it transports guests between Pão de Açúcar and Urca. The cable car starts at an elevation of 396 meters and descends to 220 meters, offering one of the city’s finest vistas.

Parque Bondinho Pão de Açúcar, the company responsible for operating the cable cars and leading the 50-million reais (€8.9 million) zipline project, stated that sound tests indicate the noise generated by riders will not be noticeable from below and will not impact climbing routes. Additionally, the visual impact is expected to be minimal as the zipline cables are thinner and vibrate less than the cables of the cable car.

The company maintains that it has obtained all necessary permits for the project and argues that it will ultimately drive tourism in the region.