The Christ Statue in Rio de Janeiro on Corcovado Mountain

The image of the Christ Statue in Rio de Janeiro on the Corcovado mountain overlooking the city is for sure among the most well known in the world. The statue, also referred to as Christ the Redeemer or in Portuguese Cristo Redentor, is located more than 700 meters above the sea on top of Corcovado Mountain and offers fantastic views of the city. Being one of The Seven New Wonders of the World you realize it is really something worthwhile visiting.

In weekends, holidays and the high season (December-March) it gets really crowded. Make sure the weather is good, being high above sea level in a rainforest it is not uncommon to have zero visibility (check the real time camera to see if it is possible to see the Christ). The Christ Statue in Rio is definitely one of the most spectacular places you can visit, so there is no doubt that you should go there.

The best time to visit the monument is early in the morning, it opens at 8 am, to make sure you have the sun in the back and will be able to take a good picture. Another option is during sunset, when the sun disappears behind the Christ. If you wait long enough, the sun loses its power and you will be able to take some awesome photos.

How to Get to the Christ Statue?

There are three ways how you can go up to the Christ. You can walk, you can go by train, you can go by van and you can go by car. So here is the list on how to get there.

Car or taxi

If you choose this option, you will have the most flexibility. You can rent a car, go with a friend or simply go up with a taxi or uber. You will need to buy the entrance to the statue at the visitor center and still have to do the last part to the Christ with a van, that is included in the entrance fee.

Train

The train is the most traditional way to visit the Christ Statue in Rio. The rails was built in the 20s to transport all the materials to construct the Christ Statue, and was the first railway in Brazil. The train leaves from the neighborhood Cosme Velho. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by taxi/uber. You also can get there by metro – get out at station Largo do Machado – and get a taxi there or use the bus to Cosme Velho. Especially if you are with more people, the taxi is by far the best option since you will split the bill anyways.

Van

This option is probably the easiest one. There are three locations to leave with the van, from Copacabana, Largo do Machado and Barra. When arriving at the visitor center, you will need to switch to another van, that will take you all the way to the top of the Corcovado mountain. When going back you will need to get the same van back to the place where you left. It is not possible to switch vans to one of the other points.

Hike

For the people who are a bit more adventurous this maybe a great alternative. From the lake, leaving in the park Parque Lage, there is a trail going to the top of Corcovado. it takes a few hours to climb to the summit, but it is a great work out. Warning; There have been occurrences of muggings and other petty theft on this trail, so it may be a good idea to leave the camera at home but also always check with some locals about the situation. You pay the entrance at the top.

Must-do tip when visiting the Christ Statue

When you choose to go to visit the Christ Statue by car, it is a must to drop by Mirante Dona Marta on your way back. Ask your taxi driver or the person your with to go there, so you can enjoy some beautiful views without the huge crowds. On one side you will see an incredible view of the Christ the Redeemer, and on the other side you will have the view of the city – almost for yourself. For people who love photography, it is one of the best places to photograph the sunrise in Rio.

A visit to the Christ Statue also is a part of the day tour we recommend on our Tours page. Have a look there if this tour is of any help for you during your stay.