Mirante Dona Marta
Estrada Mirante Dona Marta, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeriro, BRA
Mirante Dona Marta offers some of the best views of Rio de Janeiro, usually with smaller crowds than the city’s better-known viewpoints. From its lookout point, you can take in Rio’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers), Maracanã Stadium, and Pedra da Gavea.
At the top of the hill, which is 1,200 feet (364 meters) high, you’ll find plenty of vantage points to take the perfect photo of Rio de Janeiro. Aside from the main lookout point, there is a helicopter pad nearby that offers 360-degree views of Rio de Janeiro. Some day tours of Rio de Janeiro include a stop at Mirante Dona Marta as an alternative to Corcovado, and some operators offer private sunrise tours.
There are no admission fees for Mirante Dona Marta.
Mirante Dona Marta is located in the Santa Marta favela, which is not recommended to wander around in.
There are typically a few food vendors selling snacks and drinks at the viewpoint.
It is possible to walk up to Mirante Dona Marta, but it is a steep climb. The most popular option is to take a taxi or rideshare service to the parking lot at the top of the hill and then walk a few minutes up the stairs to the viewpoint. Taxis and rideshares typically will not pick up passengers from the hill, however. You will either need to pay your driver to wait for you or walk down the hill until you can find a car.
Mirante Dona Marta is a popular spot for watching the sun rise over Rio de Janeiro. As a sunrise visit requires a very early start, your best option is to book a sunrise tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off and gets you there in time for the sunrise—this has the added advantage of avoiding the hassle of finding return transport.
Just a short drive from Mirante Dona Marta, Sugarloaf Mountain is perhaps Rio de Janeiro’s most famous viewpoint and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. From the top, 360-degree views take in Copacabana, Corcovado, Guanabara Bay, Downtown Rio, and the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. It’s a great sunset spot, although you’ll likely share the experience with large crowds.
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