Mirante Dona Marta

Mirante Dona Marta is possibly the best viewpoint in Rio! Hear me out…

The View

Most viewpoints in Rio are either paid entry (Sugarloaf, Cristo Redentor) or difficult to reach (Dois Irmaos, Pedra da Gavea). Mirante Dona Marta is easily accessible and free! The place is 15 min drive from Botafogo Beach and you can easily get there with an Uber. There is a big parking lot at the top, and from there it’s a 1min walk to a viewing platform.

From there, you get a sweeping view across the city, with something interesting in every direction. The best part is the iconic view of Sugarloaf and Praia de Botafogo, against the pinnacles of Guanabara Bay. To the left, there is an ample view across the northern districts of Rio. Turn around and you have the majestic Cristo Redentor reigning over the city.

The view overall is somewhat similar to that from Cristo Redentor, but there is the difference in elevation (360m vs. 710m), so you’d get a broader perspective across the bay from the statue itself. I personally prefer the view of Sugarloaf from Dona Marta though and the sight of Cristo sitting atop Corcovado is an added bonus!

When to go

This viewpoint is really well suited for a sunrise or sunset experience. We visited at sunrise and the light really brought out the best colours all around us. Sunrise in Rio happens quite early, around 4:30-5:30 throughout the year, so this is something for the early birds. Note that Cristo Redentor opens at 8:00, and so it’s not possible to watch the sunrise from there. If that’s what you’re after, Mirante Dona Marta is the place!

If you are determined to wake up early for sunrise and beat the crowds, you could potentially pair the two attractions, due to their location. Watch the sunrise from Mirante Dona Marta and then catch the first train up to Corcovado!

Safety

With regards to safety, this is a popular spot and so there will be others around and even police presence in the parking area at times. I would say you are probably fine regardless.

The colourful Santa Marta favela just below the viewpoint is one of Rio’s safest.