Morro da Urca has always stood in the shadow of its taller and more famous neighbour, the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, but in recent years this flat-topped mountain has carved out a reputation as an important destination in its own right, becoming the backdrop for some of the city's fanciest parties and concerts. Once only considered a mandatory stop on the way to the Pão de Açúcar, it may still not be a daytime destination in itself (other than for walkers via a pleasant hike from Praia Vermelha), but Morro da Urca now hosts yearly editions of an open-bar New Year’s party, a traditional festa junina known as Arraial do Morro and the Verão do Morro end of summer bash.

Accessible only via the bondinhos (cable cars) that glide upwards from Praia Vermelha, the mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and Guanabara Bay, as well as several hiking trails by day. At night, the space transforms into a state-of-the-art open air venue with atmospheric lighting and enough space to have three different bands playing on separate stages simultaneously without feeling cramped.