As you approach Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, a striking figure rises above the city - and it might remind you of something very familiar, except that it’s not pure white. That’s right: Sugarloaf Mountain’s namesake is the popular sugarloaf, the form that refined sugar took until the late 19th century. The curve of Sugarloaf Mountain’s summit strongly resembles the tall cone and rounded top of the sugarloaf. Sections of its jagged sides look like sugar nips had been used to cut parts of it off over the past 600 million years that the mountain is estimated to have been around.

Apart from its appearance, what’s so great about the mountain anyway? Well, at 395 meters above the bay, reaching the summit via cable car offers unparalleled views of Rio de Janeiro, from the high-rise buildings nestled in between peaking mountains to the glimmering emerald waters of the bay. On clear days, the view is even more breathtaking, with cotton-candy clouds traversing the blue sky. For those of you who are adventurous and want to get their adrenaline pumping, you can hike partway up on Urca Hill from the ground station. You'll get to see verdant tropical vegetation, along with its many inhabitants like the playful monkeys, butterflies, and the occasional lizard. No matter how you do it, the journey up Sugarloaf Mountain will be a trip to remember!