Christ the Redeemer - Brazil
Whilst in Rio there is no missing the most iconic sight of the imposing Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue on top of Corcovado Mountain (which means ‘hunchback’), who watches over the city. Corcovado Mountain lies within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, which is a mountainous hand-planted rainforest, and the world’s largest urban forest, covering some 8,000 acres.
The most popular way to reach the statue is via train that departs every 30 minutes, and takes about 20 minutes to reach the top. At the top be prepared to climb a number of stairs to get to the base of the statue where you will find a small chapel. Feeling toasty? Don’t worry there are also a few cafes where you can relax and take in some of the city’s best views.
Brazilian architect Heitor da Silva Costa designed the figure. He imagined that the city’s residents would see it as the first image to emerge from the darkness at dawn. And at dusk, he hoped the city dwellers would view the setting sun as a halo behind the statue’s head. The statue was completed in 1931, and was headed by French sculptor Paul Landownsky and a team of artisans.
Voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is the tallest religious statue in the world. The 125-foot tall and 700 ton concrete and soapstone figure, whose left arm points to Rio de Janeiro’s north zone and the right to the south zone, is one of Rio’s internationally recognized symbols, and is visible from nearly every part of the city, day and night.
There is no best time of the day to visit Christ the Redeemer, some say a morning visit is cooler and less crowded, whilst other prefer the afternoon, as it is much better for sightseeing and visibility. Either way, there is no denying the photographic spectacular of the stunning surroundings and dramatic blue skies.
Christ the Redeemer is open from 8.00pm to 7.00pm seven days a week.
Admission fees
Corcovado Train:
- R $ 68.00: In high season or on weekends and holidays
- R $ 56.00: In low season
- R $ 44.00: Children from 6 to 11 years
- R $ 22.00: Elderly (resident Brazilians or foreigners over 60 years)
- Free: Children up to 5 years
Van Copacabana – Corcovado:
- R $ 65.00: In high season or on weekends and holidays
- R $ 53.00: In low season
- R $ 41.00: of Children 5 to 11 years
- R $ 34.00: Elderly (Brazilian or foreign residents from 60 years)
- Free: Children up to 4 years
Van Largo do Machado – Corcovado:
- R $ 65.00: In high season or on weekends and holidays
- R $ 53.00: In low season
- R $ 41.00: of Children 5 to 11 years
- R $ 34.00: Elderly (Brazilian or foreign residents from 60 years)
- Free: Children up to 4 years
Van Paineiras – Corcovado:
- R $ 38.00: In high season or on weekends and holidays
- R $ 26.00: In low season
- R $ 14.00: of Children 5 to 11 years
- R $ 7.00: Elderly (Brazilian or foreign residents from 60 years)
- Free: Children up to 4 years
On Foot:
- R $ 24.00: In high season or on weekends and holidays
- R $ 12.00: In low season
- Free: Children up to 11 years, seniors from 60 years (Brazilians or foreigners living in Brazil) and registered tour guides in the Ministry of Tourism