The-Best-Christ-the-Redeemer-Tour

1. Christ the Redeemer Tour 2025 – 2026

The Christ the Redeemer statue is a symbol of religion recognized worldwide. It is a colossal 39.6-meter-tall statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is located at the peak of the 700-meter Corcovado mountain overlooking the city. The statue was constructed between 1922 and 1931 and is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone. The origin of the idea for the statue was made in the 1850s when Catholic priest Pedro Maria Boss requested financing from Princess Isabel to build a large monument to honor the princess’s ancestors, who had recently regained the Portuguese throne, and to be used as a religious offering to God.

Princess Isabel did not think this was the best use of the people’s money, and it was later decided that the statue of Christ the Redeemer would be a good project for Brazil’s centennial independence anniversary. The shirt came from French sculptor Paul Landowski initially and was later passed onto Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, who was a Catholic and took to the project wholeheartedly. The sculpture was finally completed by DAP (Doerner, Almeyda, and Portugal) a year later than scheduled.

A group of engineers and land developers organized the building of a large statue similar to the Christ the Redeemer in hopes of attracting tourists and religious folk to use their land for building a commercial and residential subdivision. This never came into fruition when the project went bankrupt after reportedly building a road to the site of the statue. It was then presented to the Catholic Church, and the statue was reconstructed on October 12, 1931, where it stands to this day. In 2006, a violent electrical storm damaged some parts of the statue, and it is still being repaired using the same methods and materials used in its original construction.

1.1. Christ the Redeemer: A Brief Overview

Accurate information on the statue from a tourist’s perspective is hard to come by, and details regarding the statue are often blurry or misunderstood. This series has been designed as a solution to this problem, with an aim to educate tourists and thereby provide a greater level of appreciation and satisfaction once they actually come in contact with the respective attractions.

Our series on Christ the Redeemer will debunk some of these long-standing myths about the statue and provide readers with the most accurate information regarding the statue as possible. This section will also aim to provide readers with a greater understanding of the statue before they visit it, in turn providing them with great satisfaction and a deeper understanding should they come into contact with the statue in the future.

This section will begin with a brief historical background of the statue, paying close attention to the cultural and religious climate of Brazil at the time of the statue’s fruition during the mid-20th century. This section will also include details regarding the proclamation of Christ the Redeemer as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Due to the extensive media coverage and aggressive promotion of the event by the Brazilian government, this event was, in large part, responsible for the recent boom in tourism to Rio de Janeiro.

This will be discussed with a focus on the implications for what this means for tourists, at a relatively significant time in history for Rio, and in terms of their future experiences and encounters. This section aims to introduce the statue and highlight its importance, setting the scene for the following section.

1.2. Significance of Christ the Redeemer

The Christ the Redeemer monument is a strong and monumental symbol of Christianity that was built on the 710m peak of the Corcovado mountain to honor the late Brazilian dictator, Getúlio Vargas. Its concept of modern design was created in 1921 by a Catholic priest named Pedro Maria Boss to promote Christianity. Funding was also provided by the Catholic community. The construction of this beautiful monument took nine years, from 1922-1931. Elections were held to determine what the greatest monument of the day was, and Christ the Redeemer won.

The construction of the statue required many steps. First, a model of the statue was created out of clay and plaster, then a replica was made out of a lighter material so that it could be carried up the mountain by cogwheel railway. Once the replica was reconstructed, the stones were cut and placed to cover the entire figure from head to toe. All of the stones used in the construction were taken from the mountain to ensure that the mountain would not be damaged.

The Christ the Redeemer monument is also considered as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is a depiction of Jesus Christ, and is the 5th largest statue of Jesus. The statue stands with open arms and is looking out so that the entire city is visible. It is said that the statue symbolizes peace, and that the outstretched arms are to show that Jesus loves the entire human race.

It also represents the culture of the Brazilian people and is a symbol of Christianity. This beautiful colossal monument is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro and the image of Christ the Redeemer is one of the most recognizable images of Brazil. The significance of Christ the Redeemer is very large in respect to the culture and religion of the Brazilian people.

2. Planning Your Visit

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The best time to visit Cristo Redentor is on a clear day when the magnificent views can best be appreciated. This is in the morning, when the statue is most visible and the views are at their best, before the clouds and mist descend in the afternoon. You can certainly see the statue later in the day, preferably on a day when it is raining in the city and with a view to returning the next morning to see it in full glory.

On days like this the statue may hardly be visible but above all, avoid going up in the clouds and mist or in the rain, when there will be nothing to see. If you are not sure if visibility will be good it is best to delay your visit. Open hours are 08:00-19:00 daily. Coming early or late will help avoid the worst of the crowds and the midday heat.

The easiest and fastest way to get to Cristo Redentor is by the miniature cog train that leaves from the leafy Cosme Velho neighbourhood. This street can be reached by taxi or minibus from the Botafogo or Largo do Machado districts, or you could walk if you are staying in Santa Teresa. If you have a hire car it is possible to drive up but the road is steep, winding stone streets and parking is very limited. Only attempt this in the middle of the week or on Sunday afternoons when the road is closed to motor traffic below the statue, giving more space and less stress.

On Saturday afternoons the road is awash with cyclists and can be particularly difficult to negotiate. The train departs every hour and costs R$ 36 return. On arriving at the top it is a further flight of escalators and steps followed by a short elevator ride up through the mountain to the base of the statue. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for the return trip.

Another way is by minibus van from the station at Largo do Machado (R$ 10-15 each way), but this is more time consuming and often requires a change to another van at Paineiras. A hiking trail to the statue can also be found from Parque Lage. Allow around 2 hours for what is a steep and tough hike. A climb from Tijuca Forest via Acesso Este is slightly shorter. Note that despite these rougher paths it is generally speaking not advisable to spend time walking around these areas due to safety concerns with petty crime.

2.1. Best Time to Visit Christ the Redeemer

The best time to visit Christ the Redeemer is on a clear day. The statue looks incredible when it is surrounded by the city and beaches. While it is open all year round, the statue is visited by two and a half million people each year. If you wish to avoid the crowds, the best times are early morning, late afternoon, or on a weekday.

The statue is 710 meters above sea level, so the view is often obstructed by cloudy or misty weather. If the weather is not good or the city is on high security alert, the visit may be called off until the next day. It is always a good idea to have a plan B for your day, just in case.

2.2. How to Get to Christ the Redeemer

You can get to the park where the statue is located by walking up through the small neighborhood of Santa Teresa called Parque das Ruinas and then taking the Trem do Corcovado train. The easiest way is to take a taxi to the train station (around R$ 25,00 from Ipanema and Copacabana). Travelers can either choose to take a taxi the whole way up to the statue, or can take the train, followed by a van/tractor ride which entails another steep, winding 20-minute ride. The second option is less expensive, however travelers should beware that often the van ride is so full that riders must wait for another to come along.

Tourists should be aware that as of January 18th, 2010, the Corcovado train will be undergoing a restoration process which will last through October of 2010. This will interrupt the train’s services to Christ the Redeemer and thus visitors to the statue will only be able to travel by road and the van/tractor combinations. The road to the statue is accessible from Parque Lage, located in the Jardim Botanico neighborhood.

2.3. Entrance Fees and Tickets

Through Paineiras Park, you can go to the statue by foot. The admission fee at the street level entrance of the Christ the Redeemer statue itself is R$41.60 for an adult ticket to go by train or hike to the top of the Corcovado mountain and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue (price as of 2015). At the top of Corcovado, there is a chapel that can be used for prayer, reflection, or small services, and it is open to visitors. From the terrace, there is a wide and magnificent panoramic view that includes the city of Rio de Janeiro and the Sugar Loaf.

In the dusk of the day, this is a perfect environment for contemplating the images. There are conveyances with facilities for handicapped people and exits at both ends of sidewalks leading to the statue. These entrances have ticket booth areas, elevators, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. Starting with the shuttle van and handling transfer fields, Paineiras section presently offers tourists the best way and comfort in reaching the Christ Redeemer Monument.

3. Exploring Christ the Redeemer

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Fast elevators take tourists from the ground to the observation level in less than a minute. The observation level was built on a mountain about halfway up to the statue. The pedestal and the base of the statue are also an attraction. It offers views of the sprawling Rio de Janeiro cityscape, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the famous Maracana Stadium. A series of escalators and elevators transport visitors from the base of the mountain to the statue.

There are helipads located at the entrance to the visitor’s center. The helicopter ride offers a chance to get a bird’s eye view of the statue and the surrounding areas of Rio de Janeiro. A fairly recent addition to the statue is a chapel, located beneath the statue, where you can hold baptisms and weddings. Many people have had their ashes spread around the statue, in hope of being close to the god. Behind the chapel is a gift shop where you can purchase all kinds of religious souvenirs. To the right of the chapel is a small amphitheater.

This provides a beautiful perspective of the city. It is also a great place to fulfill a dream of playing soccer in Maracana Stadium. There are stands and a glass roof offering shelter, so the rain cannot spoil a game. In 2006, a small museum was set up inside the base of the statue. This helps tourists find out more about the construction of the statue and its importance to the city of Rio de Janeiro.

3.1. Statue and Surroundings

Marvellous Corcovado mountain located in the city of Rio de Janeiro is often hailed as the groundbreaking representation of Christianity. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is a massive 38 meters tall renowned for its magnificent location at the peak of the 710-meter mountain. Jewel in the crown of Rio de Janeiro and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this statue is a must-see for any tourist. The train ride up to the statue is an experience in itself, as visitors wind their way through the lush Tijuca Rainforest in the electric trains.

Once at the top, there are escalators and elevators to shuttle visitors to the base of the statue. Buffeted by the wind and often immersed in clouds, the experience of standing at the feet of the giant, serene Christ the Redeemer statue provides a unique and somewhat eerie experience. Eerie it may be as there are moments when the clouds envelop the statue and nothing is visible.

Thus, engineers have planned to install lightning rods and more access routes to the mountaintop to better protect the statue from lightning, which frequently damages it and the access ways. Viewing the statue up close is a moving experience, experiencing the panoramic views of the city and the bay from the statue’s feet is also simply breathtaking.

3.2. Views from the Top

When you reach the top of the mountain and view the Christ the Redeemer statue up close, you are able to understand the immense size and true beauty of the national Brazilian symbol. The views from the Corcovado mountain are absolutely breathtaking and will never be forgotten. On the way up to the top, there are three different viewpoints where you can take photos of the city, the mountains, and the jungle. Each one provides a different angle and opportunity to capture a great picture.

When you reach the top, you are able to walk around the entire circumference of the platform to capture different views of Rio de Janeiro and its surrounding areas. It is said that the view atop Corcovado mountain is one of the most spectacular city panoramas in the world. From the views of the Niteroi bridge and the famous Maracana stadium, to the views of the northern and southern areas of Rio de Janeiro and the islands in Guanabara bay. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the city of Petropolis. These breathtaking views combined with the magnificence of the Christ the Redeemer statue will truly leave a lasting impression of the Marvelous City.

3.3. Guided Tours and Audio Guides

Guided tours are scheduled in intervals throughout the day. They last approximately 2 hours and include your transport to and from the statue, the official one-hour guided tour, and some time to explore on your own. The advantage of an official tour is that the guide is very knowledgeable about the history of the statue and Brazil, so it is an interesting way to learn more, especially if you do not know much about the country. The guides are also natives and can communicate in various languages. At busy times, the guide can help to skip the queues.

There is a special designated area at the entrance to Corcovado for groups on official tours to form, rather than standing in the regular queue. This is to make sure enough space is kept for the groups to go on the vans. If you decide to take the guided tour from one of our recommended tour operators, be sure that it is the official tour and not just a tour sold by the agency, as they often try to cut costs by using their own guides and not the official ones provided by Paineiras. A smaller fee than the tour is also payable for the official guide at the statue.

If you prefer to take your time exploring, or if the queues for the vans or special train time for the guided tours do not suit you, another option is to purchase a ticket for a van or the special train and an audio guide. The audio guides are available in 7 languages and you can move at your own pace and pause the guide to take in the view or have a break. The audio guides include information about the history of the statue, the trains and vans that access it, and the Tijuca forest.

4. Nearby Attractions

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Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak situated near Rio de Janeiro and is a very popular destination for tourists around the world. The mountain is famous for its cableway and panoramic city views. The original cable car line was built in 1912 and in 1972 it was redesigned and rebuilt with better cable cars. The cable cars travel from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca and then to Pão de Açúcar. The cable cars provide a 360-degree view of the city and take two stages to ascend. The first stage travels from Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca, 220 meters high, and the second stage goes from Morro da Urca to Pão de Açúcar, 396 meters high.

The mountain also provides views of the sprawling city of Rio de Janeiro and the famous beaches. There are many other activities including helicopter tours, hiking, and rock climbing. Sugarloaf Mountain is a hot spot for rappellers and has several points for an easier yet fun climb for most Europeans. This is only part of what makes Sugarloaf a fun activity for tourists. This is why going to Sugarloaf Mountain is considered an excellent nearby attraction for Christ the Redeemer.

Copacabana is a famous neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is widely known for its 4 km balneario beach, which is one of the most famous in the world. The district was one of the first areas developed in Rio de Janeiro and is still one of the most prestigious neighborhoods. It is a great place to relax and watch people with the fine sand and cool off in the water. On Sundays, the roadway lining the beach is closed to vehicles and local residents and tourists use the opportunity to ride bikes, roller skate, jog, and socialize.

The beach has always been a symbol of glamour and is a great place for food, with many restaurants along the beach and quiosques. At one end of the beach is the Forte de Copacabana, a military base open to the public and featuring a cafe and some of the best views in Rio. This is only a few reasons why considering Copacabana Beach just adds another reason to go to Rio de Janeiro.

4.1. Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is the oldest tourist attraction in Brazil, which has gained reputation and popularity. It is located at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay in the Urca neighborhood, in front of Botafogo beach. It has a granite peak over 600 meters high, which provides a view of the entire Rio de Janeiro, including the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the Corcovado, and downtown. The only way to reach the top of this mountain is by taking a cable car, which involves two stages.

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The cable car rocks at certain points, but it is an amazing experience and does not convey any sense of danger. On the way up or down, there is a small stop at Morro da Urca, slightly lower than the mountain’s height, which has gardens, cafes, restaurants, shops, and a small museum. This is a popular place for locals and provides a good view of Rio de Janeiro.

The cable car was first built in 1912, and the system is still the same. The cars can accommodate 75 people, and the ride takes three minutes from the boarding point to Morro da Urca, and another three minutes to the top of Sugarloaf. The cable car runs every 20 minutes from 8am to 10pm. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, it is usually ten degrees cooler, so a light sweater is recommended for visitors. The mountain was named for its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. The mountain is full of various types of plants and trees, and sometimes climbers take the long way up.

4.2. Copacabana Beach

As one of the world’s most celebrated stretches of sand, Copacabana Beach has a history as colorful as the surrounding carnival atmosphere. A beacon to starry-eyed visitors, it comprised the outpost for the Portuguese in their 16th century defense against French privateers, and later a dinky fishing village until 1914. It was not until the construction of a tunnel through neighboring morro de Getulio that the Copacabana of today truly began to take shape.

During the 1920s, the elite of Rio began to flock to the area in the wake of Jardim Bôtanico’s decline, and the development of luxurious hotels such as the Copacabana Palace helped establish the beach as the official playground of the rich. These days the hotels give way to favelas on the hills over the road, yet Copacabana has lost none of its glamour and still acts as a magnet for tourists both local and foreign. On the days of major football celebrations, or when the national team has won an important victory, the Avenida Atlântica and Copacabana Beach are the focal points for Rio’s wild celebrations.

4.3. Tijuca National Park

Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro and considered one of the major lungs of the city, the Tijuca National Park has a famous hiking trail leading to the Pico da Tijuca, the highest point in the city. The Tijuca Forest is a rainforest and a great contrast to the urban areas of Rio.

The park is home to hundreds of Brazilian species, many threatened by extinction, including the howler monkey, the critically endangered golden lion tamarin, the brown howler monkey, the black-fronted piping guan, the South American coati, the masked bobwhite, the spot-billed toucanet, and the red-ruffed fruitcrow. The park has a research institute, an education centre, and a museum. It is considered one of the most significant urban forests in the world and a testament to the conservationist attitude of the people of Rio. It is one of six Brazilian UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Highlights of the park include a large rock at the peak of the mountain known as the “Pedra da Gávea” and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer which sits atop the Corcovado Mountain. This is the easily recognized symbol of Rio de Janeiro and a modern wonder of the world. A round-trip minivan to Corcovado provides a very reasonable alternative to a taxi and allows for a narrated tour with several stops along the way. The view from the statue is breathtaking and provides many great photograph opportunities that are sure to add to your album of memories.

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