Travel bucket list idea:

Statue of Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil

Close up looking up of the Christ under blue sky up close

Credit Shutterstock.com/DnDavis

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

Perched over Rio, on a high peak swathed with rainforest and illuminated in brilliant-white at night, this art deco beauty is a global icon every bit as good in real life as it looks in the pictures.

And the views of the city from the statue’s feet are as breathtaking as the Christ itself – the heart-shaped lagoon, Ipanema Beach and the distant bulk of the Sugar Loaf sitting over the shimmering bay.

There are many ways to see it – private car, taxi or organized tour – but the best way is probably via the funicular train, on a ride up through rainforest filled with floating butterflies, in the early morning when the light is golden. If budget allows, take a helicopter from Corcovado or Sugarloaf and go face-to-face with this spectacular statue, rather than staring up from its feet.

While you’re there

Combine a trip to Corcovado with a visit to the wildlife- and waterfall-filled Tijuca National Park. There are restaurants in the forest, including Os Esquilos in a forest glade, which has good lunches). Or wander around artsy Santa Teresa, Rio’s Montmartre, a 15-minute cab ride away. Aprazivel in Santa Teresa serves up comfort food and special views.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

You can reach the Christ statue by road (car, cab or tour) or funicular rail. The latter is the best way – relaxed, scenic and traffic free. The ‘Trem do Corcovado’ funicular railway station in Cosme Velho neighbourhood, at the base of the mountain, is about 20 minutes cab from Ipanema and Copacabana or 30 minutes from Santa Teresa.

The train carries you to the summit (20 minutes), through the forest of Tijuca National Park. It’s a short stroll from the arrival station to the escalator that brings you to the statue itself. Allow at least 3 hours for a leisurely visit (including the train). There are cafes at the statue selling drinks and snacks, and a kiosk in the Trem do Corcovado station sells bottled drinks.

The last train back leaves at around 4pm, but the statue itself closes at 7pm. If you want to stay for sunset (which is behind the mountain not over the bay), take the train up and a taxi down. You can use a radio cab (do this through a company recommended by your hotel) though there are usually plenty of cabs available near the park gates for the return trip.

When to do it

The funicular railway trains to the top and back operate all year round. Trains run every 20-30 minutes.

It’s quietest early in the morning (get here at 7.30am to catch the first train at 8.00am) and late afternoon. Around midday it can get hot and hectic and if you come by road, you will get stuck in traffic jams.

Corcovado is unpleasantly busy in high season – Christmas and New Year, Carnival and during the Brazilian school holidays in June.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch

Rio de Janeiro

Viator

Enjoy full-day tour in Rio de Janeiro visiting all the must-see attractions in one-single day: Christ The Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain (option with and without ticket included), Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, and Metropolitan Cathedral. Lunch at Brazilian steakhouse (option with and without lunch included. Drinks are not included). You will also get hotel pickup and drop-off and be accompanied by a professional tour guide.

Price $68

Min age 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [2504 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

Rio de Janeiro

Viator

Make the most of your time in Rio in an 8-hour city tour to discover its most iconic attractions enjoying the company of a local guide and a small group of max 15 people. Following pick-ups at some hotels in the south and downtown of Rio, tourists are taken for a lively day filled with popular attractions. The itinerary contemplates Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Maracanã Stadium, Selarón staircase, historical downtown, Sugar Loaf and Corcovado mountains along with the Christ the Redeemer and other sights. Discover the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, home to a collection of local boutiques and galleries. Enjoy fast-track entry with the tickets and break for lunch at a nice all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. (All Inclusive) The tour follows a set itinerary attracting people from all ages, backgrounds and nationalities seeking to discover the beauties of the marvelous city in the company of an expert guide escorting and providing tour explanations

Price $138

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [1930 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Best Half Day in Rio with Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Hill

Rio de Janeiro

Viator

Enjoy a small-group tour to visit the most iconics landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. First visit the Christ the Redeemer statue early in the morning and then ride the cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views. Your tour includes transport, a professional guide and all entrance fees. We also have the option to take this guided tour without the inclusion of the tickets. They can be bought directly at the venue. If you prefer to enjoy your morning relaxing in the Hotel, or at the beach, check our option for the afternoon tour.

Price $84

Min age 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [883 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full Day in Rio: Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, Selarón & Barbecue

Rio de Janeiro

Viator

Visit the best of Rio de Janeiro in a single day: Christ the Redeemer by Train, Sugarloaf Mountain (Visit to Sugarloaf Mountain included only in the "Christ by Train, Sugarloaf & Lunch" option), Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, and Metropolitan Cathedral, and lunch at Brazilian steakhouse (Lunch included only in the "Christ by Train, Sugarloaf & Lunch" option). Drinks and desserts must be paid for separately. Includes roundtrip transportation. The "Half Day Tour: Christ by Train" tour offers a perfect blend of comfort and iconic sightseeing for those with limited time in the marvelous city. Experience the Christ the Redeemer statue, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, Cathedral, and Selarón Steps with ease and security. In contrast, the "Christ by Train, Sugarloaf & Lunch" tour extends the adventure to include must-see attractions like Sugarloaf Mountain, alongside a delicious Brazilian barbecue lunch. Ideal for immersing in Rio's wonders all day long.

Price $70

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [566 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Rio Sunset Tour Including Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer, Cathedral and Selaron

Rio de Janeiro

Viator

Spend an amazing afternoon visiting the best of Rio: Christ The Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You will finish with a cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, where you get one of the city's most beautiful panoramic views and a chance to admire the sunset. Includes roundtrip transportation.

Price $96

Min age 0

Rating 4.68 / 5 [433 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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