Christ the Redeemer

Experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World as you journey through the world’s largest urban forest by historic train to reach Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmark, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Marvelous City.

Highlights:

• Ride the century-old Corcovado Train through the lush Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world.
• Stand at the feet of the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue and feel the awe of this world-famous monument.
• Capture stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the city’s picturesque coastline.

Tickets & Prices

I strongly recommend booking your Corcovado Train tickets to Christ the Redeemer ahead of time – You definitely don’t want to make the trek to Cosme Velho only to find they’re sold out for the day! 

Your ticket covers both the scenic train ride and full access to the statue and viewing platforms. 

Got cold feet about your travel plans? No worries – you can cancel up to 24 hours before and get a full refund. Bringing the kids? Children 5-11 get in at a reduced price, while the little ones (4 and under) visit for free.

More info about Christ the Redeemer ticket ->

Tours

Want more than just the basic experience? 

The Rio Guided Tour might be your best bet. I’ve taken friends on this 5-hour excursion several times and it’s always a hit – you’ll get the train journey plus knowledgeable guides who speak multiple languages (including English, French, German, and Spanish). 

The door-to-door service from hotels in Copacabana and Ipanema is a nice touch, especially if you’re not confident navigating Rio’s public transit. 

If you’re short on time in Rio, consider one of the combo tours that hit both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in a single day – exhausting but worth it to check off Rio’s two most iconic views.

Opening Hours

The Corcovado Train runs daily, but don’t just show up expecting to hop on board – you’ll need to check specific departure times when booking. 

Trust me on this one: arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled train to avoid any last-minute rushing. 

If you’re visiting during holiday periods (especially December 24th, December 31st, or the wild days of Carnival from February 22nd-25th), note that schedules often shift, with many tours starting earlier at 8:00 AM to accommodate the festive crowds.

What to See and Do

Here’s your complete guide to the incredible things to do at Christ the Redeemer, one of Brazil’s most iconic landmarks.

Journey Through History on the Corcovado Train

Step aboard Brazil’s first electrified railroad for an experience that’s both scenic and historic. The Corcovado Railroad isn’t just your transport to the statue—it’s an attraction in its own right. Inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor Dom Pedro II, this railway predates the Christ statue itself and played a crucial role in its construction, carrying pieces of the monument up the mountain over four consecutive years.

The 20-minute journey takes you through the heart of Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world. 

Keep your camera ready as you ascend through lush Atlantic Forest vegetation with occasional glimpses of the city below through breaks in the canopy. The train ride offers a perfect introduction to Rio’s unique geography where urban development meets preserved natural beauty.

Marvel at the Colossal Christ Statue Up Close

When you finally reach the top of Corcovado Mountain and lay eyes on the 98-foot (30-meter) Art Deco masterpiece, you’ll understand why it was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The statue’s scale is truly humbling—Christ’s outstretched arms span 92 feet (28 meters), symbolically embracing the entire city below.

Take time to walk around the base and viewing platforms to appreciate different angles of this architectural marvel. 

The soapstone exterior has a subtle glow that changes with the lighting throughout the day—early morning visits offer a magical quality as the rising sun illuminates the statue, while evening visits capture dramatic shadows and the twinkling city lights below.

Insider tip: Visit between 8-9 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the largest crowds. The mid-morning and early afternoon periods tend to be the busiest.

Explore the Museum and Visitor Center

Most tourists rush straight to the statue and miss one of my favorite parts of the experience – the small but fascinating museum at the base of the monument. I spent nearly an hour here on my last visit! 

You’ll discover the statue’s journey from concept to completion through engaging interactive displays and historical photographs that really bring the engineering challenges to life.

What really struck me was learning about the cultural significance this monument holds for Brazilians. 

While I initially came for the obligatory photo op (as most visitors do), the museum gave me a deeper appreciation for why locals see this as more than just a tourist spot. 

The religious symbolism, artistic achievement, and engineering feat all come together to explain why Christ the Redeemer has become such a powerful symbol of Brazilian identity and pride.

Capture Panoramic Views of Rio de Janeiro

The observation deck at Christ the Redeemer offers what many consider to be the most spectacular urban panorama in the world. 

From this privileged 2,300-foot (700-meter) vantage point, you can take in Rio’s unique topography where mountains, forests, beaches, and cityscape coexist in stunning harmony.

On clear days, you’ll easily spot iconic landmarks like Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Maracanã Stadium, and Guanabara Bay. 

The sprawling cityscape nestled between mountain and sea reveals why Rio earned its nickname as the “Marvelous City.” The 360-degree views provide perfect photo opportunities, so take your time to soak it all in.

Insider tip: Download a landmark-spotting app before your visit to help identify the different mountains, neighborhoods, and attractions visible from the viewpoint.

Savor the Moment with Brazilian Refreshments

After taking in the sights, enjoy a refreshing coconut water or cafezinho (small Brazilian coffee) from one of the small cafés near the viewing platforms. 

While not extensive, these food offerings provide a welcome opportunity to sit and contemplate the views a bit longer.

The altitude at Corcovado Mountain creates a pleasant microclimate that’s often a few degrees cooler than the city below—a welcome respite during Rio’s hot summer months. Find a bench, enjoy your drink, and simply appreciate being in one of the world’s most spectacular locations.

Directions

Getting to Christ the Redeemer isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of planning. Head to the Corcovado Train station at Rua Cosme Velho, 513 in the leafy Cosme Velho neighborhood. 

Coming from downtown? Jump on the metro to Largo do Machado station, then grab the dedicated subway bus that drops you right at the train station entrance – it couldn’t be easier! 

If you’re staying in the beach zones like Copacabana or Ipanema, you’ve got options: book a tour with hotel pickup (my recommendation for first-timers) or grab an Uber directly to “Trem do Corcovado” – most drivers know exactly where to go, and it’ll save you the hassle of navigating public transport.

Nearby Places

Tijuca National Park: The world’s largest urban forest surrounds Christ the Redeemer and offers excellent hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities for nature lovers. The park covers approximately 32 square kilometers and is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals.

Sugar Loaf Mountain: Another iconic Rio landmark offering spectacular views from a different perspective, accessible via a scenic cable car ride. Many visitors combine both attractions in a single day to experience the two most famous viewpoints in Rio.

Santa Teresa: This charming bohemian neighborhood near Cosme Velho features colorful colonial architecture, artists’ studios, and quaint cafés. Its winding streets and artistic atmosphere make it a perfect spot to explore after visiting Christ the Redeemer.

Lapa District: Known for its vibrant nightlife, samba clubs, and the famous Selarón Steps, this historic neighborhood showcases Rio’s energetic cultural scene. The district comes alive at night with music, dancing, and street food vendors.

Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches: Rio’s famous beaches are relatively close to Christ the Redeemer and offer the perfect place to relax after your mountain excursion. These world-renowned stretches of sand provide excellent people-watching, beach activities, and beautiful coastal views.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. The Christ the Redeemer statue was constructed over a nine-year period from 1922 to 1931, with materials transported piece by piece up Corcovado Mountain by the very same train tourists use today.
   
2. The statue is struck by lightning approximately 3-5 times per year, and has a special lightning rod system and heat-resistant soapstone exterior to withstand these strikes.
   
3. Although it appears solid from a distance, Christ the Redeemer is actually hollow inside with a complex internal structure that includes stairs and maintenance platforms.
   
4. In 2010, the statue underwent a major $4 million restoration to repair damage from weather, lightning strikes, and erosion, with workers rappelling down its surface to replace damaged stones.
   
5. Christ the Redeemer narrowly won its place among the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, securing the final spot in a worldwide vote that attracted millions of participants.
   

History:

• 1859: The first idea for a large religious monument on Corcovado Mountain is proposed by Catholic priest Pedro Maria Boss, but the project doesn’t move forward at that time.
  
• 1884: The Corcovado Railroad is inaugurated by Emperor Dom Pedro II, becoming Brazil’s first electrified railroad, decades before the statue would be built.
  
• 1921: The Catholic Circle of Rio officially approves the project for a large Christ statue on the mountain after a petition collects over 20,000 signatures from Catholic women.
  
• 1922: The cornerstone of the monument is laid, coinciding with Brazil’s centennial of independence from Portugal.
  
• 1926-1930: Main construction phase of the statue takes place, with materials being transported up the mountain via the Corcovado Train.
  
• October 12, 1931: Christ the Redeemer is officially inaugurated after nine years of construction, with the statue’s lights turned on remotely from Rome by Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of the radio.
  
• 1980s: The statue undergoes its first major renovation work.
  
• 2007: Christ the Redeemer is named one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, significantly increasing its global recognition and tourism.
  
• 2010: A comprehensive $4 million restoration project repairs damage from decades of exposure to weather and lightning.
  
• 2020-2021: The monument celebrates its 90th anniversary, having become Brazil’s most recognized symbol and one of the world’s most visited landmarks.

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