Updated in September 2026, this Yup Star Rio guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, transport, accessibility and what to see.
The Yup Star Rio is an 88-metre observation wheel in Porto Maravilha, Rio de Janeiro. Cabins come air-conditioned and pet-friendly, and you can book tickets in advance through GetYourGuide to skip the on-site queue. This guide was updated in September 2026: the current adult ticket costs R$59,90, well below the R$69,90 to R$129 that some listings and older resale pages still quote.
Quick facts about the Yup Star Rio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Av. Rodrigues Alves, 455, Porto Maravilha, Rio de Janeiro |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10am–6pm |
| Height | 88 metres |
| Adult ticket | R$59,90 |
| Child ticket (4–11) | R$39,90 |
| Senior ticket (60+) | R$39,90, with photo ID |
| Ride duration | About 20 minutes |
| Cabin capacity | Up to 8 people |
Why book Yup Star Rio tickets?
- 🎡 Latin America’s tallest wheel: at 88 metres, Yup Star Rio is billed as the tallest Ferris wheel in Latin America.
- 🎟️ Air-conditioned cabins: each climate-controlled cabin holds up to 8 people, whatever the Rio heat is doing outside.
- 🌿 Pet-friendly rides: bring your dog along, a rare policy among observation wheels.
- 📜 Iconic views: spot Christ the Redeemer, the Museum of Tomorrow and Guanabara Bay from the top.
- 💰 Family and senior pricing: children aged 4–11 and adults over 60 both pay a reduced R$39,90.
Opening hours at the Yup Star Rio
The wheel runs every day of the week, including public holidays, from 10am to 6pm. Some travel guides list different weekend hours or a weekly closed day, but the current official ticket site confirms one flat schedule for every day of the year.
Ticket prices for the Yup Star Rio
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (12+) | R$59,90 |
| Child (4–11) | R$39,90 |
| Senior (60+, with photo ID) | R$39,90 |
| Dinner in the Heights, for 2 people | Price varies by date; check the current calendar |
Prices are quoted in Brazilian reais and include the full 20-minute ride in a shared cabin. A limited-date “Jantar nas Alturas” (Dinner in the Heights) experience for two runs on selected evenings, with dinner served inside a cabin during the ride. Book in advance through GetYourGuide to guarantee a slot without queuing at the ticket booth.
How to get to the Yup Star Rio
On foot: the wheel stands just a short walk from Praça Mauá, in the heart of the revitalised Porto Maravilha waterfront.
By car or taxi: Av. Rodrigues Alves runs directly past the wheel, and taxis and rideshares can drop off right outside.
By tram: Rio’s VLT light rail serves the Porto Maravilha area, with stops within walking distance of Praça Mauá.
By bike: a waterfront cycling path runs through the district, with rental stations scattered nearby.
Parking at the Yup Star Rio
There is no dedicated free car park at the wheel itself. Local visitor guides report a paid parking arrangement with the nearby Aqwa Corporate building, about 100 metres away, though it is worth confirming current pricing on arrival.
How long to spend at the Yup Star Rio
The ride itself lasts around 20 minutes, so budget 30 to 45 minutes in total once you include the ticket queue and boarding time.
Accessibility at the Yup Star Rio
The official site does not publish a dedicated accessibility statement. Boarding uses a slow-moving gondola typical of modern observation wheels, which usually suits most mobility needs, but it is worth contacting Yup Star directly beforehand to confirm arrangements for wheelchair users.
What to see from the Yup Star Rio
The 20-minute rotation: each cycle carries you slowly up to 88 metres, giving several long minutes at the top rather than a quick peak.
Views of Rio’s icons: from the cabin, you can pick out Christ the Redeemer, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, the Morro da Providência favela and the futuristic curves of the Museum of Tomorrow.
Special occasion packages: the wheel hosts marriage proposals, gender-reveal parties and birthday celebrations inside a private cabin, arranged in advance with the venue.
Dinner in the Heights: on selected dates, a table for two is set up inside a cabin for a multi-course dinner timed to Rio’s sunset.
Practical visitor tips for the Yup Star Rio
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Go at sunset | Late afternoon light over Guanabara Bay makes for the best photos. |
| Bring photo ID | The senior discount requires proof of age at the ticket booth. |
| Book ahead | Book tickets in advance through GetYourGuide to avoid queuing on busy days. |
| Pair it with Praça Mauá | The Museum of Tomorrow and AquaRio sit within easy walking distance. |
| Check event dates | Dinner in the Heights runs on selected evenings only, so confirm dates before planning around it. |
Frequently asked questions about the Yup Star Rio
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the Yup Star Rio’s opening hours? | The wheel runs daily from 10am to 6pm, including public holidays. |
| How much does a ticket cost? | Adult tickets cost R$59,90; children aged 4–11 and seniors aged 60+ pay a reduced R$39,90. |
| How long does a ride last? | A full rotation takes around 20 minutes. |
| Can I bring my pet? | Yes, Yup Star Rio is a pet-friendly attraction. |
| Is there parking nearby? | A paid car park sits about 100 metres away, though there is no dedicated free parking on site. |
Things to do near the Yup Star Rio
The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) stands a short walk away on Praça Mauá, its striking waterfront architecture visible from the wheel itself.
AquaRio, South America’s largest aquarium, sits nearby in Gamboa, with a shark tunnel as its main draw.
The Boulevard Olímpico waterfront promenade links the district’s museums and street art, making for an easy stroll before or after your ride.
Escadaria Selarón, the mosaic-tiled staircase linking Lapa and Santa Teresa, is a short taxi ride away.
Santa Teresa, Rio’s bohemian hillside neighbourhood, offers cobbled streets, galleries and a historic tram, reachable by a short drive.
Alternative elevated views in Rio and beyond
The Sugarloaf Mountain cable car carries visitors up two peaks for a panoramic view over Rio’s bay, a short drive from Porto Maravilha.
Christ the Redeemer, reached by cog train up Corcovado mountain, offers Rio’s most famous elevated viewpoint, roughly 30 minutes away.
Mirante Dona Marta is a free lookout point with sweeping views over the city, popular at sunrise and sunset.
The Roda Rico observation wheel in São Paulo offers a similar experience in Brazil’s largest city, though it sits a short flight rather than a short drive away.
Yup Star Foz do Iguaçu, the company’s sister wheel near the Iguaçu Falls, shares the same design and pricing structure, but involves a flight of well over two hours.
