How to Visit Christ the Redeemer

One of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is a must-see attraction to those who visit Rio de Janeiro.

Standing with his arms open from the 710-meter-high tall (2,329 feet) Corcovado Mountain, and surrounded by the vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, the iconic monument is the best known Brazilian image in the world.

To make sure you get the most out of your visit, we have prepared a complete guide on how to visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, including all essential information and insider tips.

Corcovado Mountain is located inside the Tijuca’s National Park, a rainforest within the city boundaries considered one of the world’s largest urban forests.

Every year more than 1 million people visit the famous landmark, that is also the first open-air sanctuary of the world, marveling at the most beautiful view overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

Basically, there are 3 main ways to visit the attraction:

Corcovado Train

Corcovado train is a centenarian eco-friendly electric train that takes you to the monument in a 20-minute journey through the Atlantic Forest (part of Tijuca’s National Park). It is the most popular and, in our opinion, the best way to get to the top.

Inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor D. Pedro II, the Corcovado railroad is the oldest tourist train route in the country.

The Corcovado train station is in the Cosme Velho neighborhood. The best way to get there is by bus (from Copacabana: line 583) or Uber/taxi.

Tickets include a round trip and the entrance to visit the monument. You can purchase at the box office or on the attraction website here. We highly recommend buying your ticket in advance to avoid queues, especially during the high season.

Carioca Tip:

The best place to sit on the way up is on the right side of the train (and on the left side downhill). Prepare the camera, and be alert to observe the hidden view in the woods and the animals of the Tijuca forest, such as birds and little monkeys.

* Trem do Corcovado: Rua Cosme Velho, 513 Cosme Velho – Rio de Janeiro – RJ.

Website: https://www.tremdocorcovado.rio/

Paineiras - Corcovado Official Van

Another way to visit the monument is to go by van, the official transport of Tijuca National Park.

You can choose one of the following boarding points: embark at Praça do Lido in Copacabana, at Praça do Largo do Machado, or directly at the paineiras visitor center.

Carioca Tip:

The visitor center is a stop worth visiting. They have a permanent exhibition about the history of the forest and Christ the Redeemer, as well as a souvenir store, a coffee shop and a nice restaurant with an outdoor deck designed six meters high from the woods.

All vans have air conditioning and the green seal because it has low emission of pollutants. They ascend through the Tijuca forest to the monument, stopping at the Paineiras visitor center.

Tickets also include a round trip and entrance to the monument. The value changes according to your departure location (Copacabana and Largo do Machado are the same price). You can buy it on the official website here or at the box offices at the boarding points.

* Corcovado Paineiras: Estrada das Paineiras, S/N – Rio de Janeiro.

Website: https://ingressos.paineirascorcovado.com.br/

Hiking

Although we love hiking and the idea of visiting Christ the Redeemer by doing it is a very appealing option, we must warn you: this particular hike is neither easy nor safe.

The hike to the monument entrance begins at Parque Lage in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood. It is a challenging 4-hour hike and requires a higher level of fitness. While it starts out easy, it gets really steep, and at some points, you have to pull yourself up to the top using chains and ropes.

Secondly, we are afraid to say it is not a safe option. Unfortunately, there have been some reports of robberies on the path, so even the Cariocas are not doing it anymore, which makes it even more desert.

But if you really want to have this experience while in Rio, we highly recommend hiring a knowledgeable local tour guide to do this hike. Contact us, and we will select one of our licensed tour guides to guide you safely.

General tips for visiting Christ the Redeemer

• Avoid peak times. Even though the monument is always crowded (after all, it is the number 1 attraction in Rio de Janeiro), we suggest you go early in the morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon (after 3:30 pm). Generally, there are few crowds, less heat, and better visibility at these times.

• Buy your tickets in advance. Regardless of the chosen option to visit the Christ, this is a golden rule: don’t wait until the last minute to buy your ticket. Even if you are visiting in the low season, you will likely find long queues there.

• Take a bottle of water with you and wear sunscreen. As you know, the temperature in Rio de Janeiro is always hot, and the humidity of the forest can bring a bit of discomfort.

• Don’t miss the chapel located under the base of the statue. It is a small Catholic chapel dedicated to the Patroness of Brazil – Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Our Lady of Aparecida). Even if you are not religious, it’s a lovely small chapel that is usually missed by visitors.

• Be careful with pickpockets, especially during high season. Although there’s always police surveillance and a municipal guard helping visitors at the top, be aware of the crowds, especially at the train station’s entrance.

–> Check our other safety tips here.

Ready to visit Christ the Redeemer?

We hope this guide helps you to visit the main tourist attraction in our Marvelous city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

How about getting to know this iconic monument by combining your visit with another attraction?

Choose from visiting Christ the Redeemer with Sugarloaf Mountain, with the stunning viewpoint Mirante Dona Marta or getting to know Santa Teresa, the bohemian and historic neighborhood, including the Selarón steps.

Are you seeking accommodation in Rio de Janeiro? Explore our comprehensive guide Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro and effortlessly book your ideal hotel here.

If you require any assistance in planning your visit or would like to have a customized itinerary for your trip, contact us! Our local expert team is dedicated to making your journey to Rio de Janeiro memorable.

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