Travel bucket list idea:

Statue of Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil

Bucket List Experience

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

Credit Shutterstock.com/DnDavis

Last updated: 23 June, 2023

Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

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: Any

Age suitable: 18+

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

Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps

Rio de Janeiro

Get picked up at the meeting point and drive up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - at the top of Corcovado Mountain. Travel through a short and beautiful route through Tijuca Forest – one of the largest urban forests in the world – before opening up to incredible views of the entire city. When reaching the top, enjoy the most famous tour attraction in Brazil and a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro in 360º, 710m (2,330 feet) tall. Return from the Christ the Redeemer and drive past Santa Teresa, the famous neighbourhood located on a hillside known for the narrow cobblestone streets, unique cultural flair, and iconic yellow tram. Arrive at the neighbourhood of Lapa, the area with Rio’s traditional nightlife and known for the Carioca Aqueduct, before reaching the brightly colored tiles of the world-famous Selarón Steps, one of Rio's most distinctive landmarks. Return to the meeting point.

Price: $44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.76 / 5 [144 ratings]

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Full Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron with Lunch

Rio de Janeiro

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: $62

Min age: 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [2111 ratings]

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

Rio de Janeiro

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: $80

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [524 ratings]

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Two of Rio's Best: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain Half-Day Tour

Rio de Janeiro

If you are short on time, this the perfect tour to see the top attractions in Rio in just one morning. Embark on a tour to visit the Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy the cable car ride in the Sugarloaf Mountain ascending to its highest point. Marvel at the sight of the long shore of Rio and the beautiful hills covered with the Atlantic Forest. Relax at the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain and take beautiful pictures to remember this moment. Follow the tour guide to the next site: the Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy the minivan ride through the Paineiras route in the Corcovado Mountain. Revel at the splendor of the Christ the Redeemer statue standing at the top of the Corcovado. Find the best position to take the famous picture imitating the Christ the Redeemer pose. Enjoy the sweeping views of the city before returning to the hotel. Tour guide, roundtrip transfer, tickets to the Christ the Redeemer and the Sugarloaf Mountain included.

Price: $84

Min age: 0

Rating 4.43 / 5 [169 ratings]

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

Rio de Janeiro

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: $103

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [357 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf and Copacabana Beach - From Cruise Terminal

Rio de Janeiro

Get picked up from the Cruise Terminal Pier Mauá and drive up to the Christ the Redeemer Statue - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - on top of Corcovado Mountain. The drive is short and beautiful, traveling through the Tijuca Forest - one of the largest urban forests of the world - before opening up to incredible views of the entire city. After, pass by the edge of the Copacabana Beach and get a panoramic view of one the one of the most famous beaches in Brazil. Take a final trip to Sugarloaf Mountain, located in the Urca neighbourhood. Ride a series of 2 cable cars en route to the summit, first arriving at Urca Hill, and then continuing to the top of Sugarloaf, reaching a height of 1,295 feet (395 m). Conclude the tour with an exquisitely beautiful panorama of Rio de Janeiro. Return to the Cruise Terminal Pier Mauá.

Price: $118

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [50 ratings]

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

Rio de Janeiro

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: $122

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [1093 ratings]

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

Rio de Janeiro

Visit the best of Rio de Janeiro in a single day: Christ the Redeemer by Train, Sugarloaf Mountain, Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, Sambadrome, and Metropolitan Cathedral, and lunch at Brazilian steakhouse. The tour includes lunch at Brazilian steakhouse (meal included / drinks not included). Includes roundtrip transportation.

Price: $150

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [458 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Sugar Loaf and Christ The Redeemer Tour

Rio de Janeiro

Discover the two most famous sightseeing spots of Rio de Janeiro in one day. Visit the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue and enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the Sugarloaf. This tour is ideal for those short on time. Enjoy full privacy and flexibility.

Price: $250

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [20 ratings]

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Private Tour: Rio City Essentials including Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf

Rio de Janeiro

Important ! The itinerary described here is a suggestion. We are very flexible to change it according to your interests ! Enjoy the best private city tour in Rio de Janeiro with a driver and a tour guide at your disposal. Visit major landmarks, such as Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer Statue), Sugar Loaf, the Selaron Stairs and more ! A truly unforgettable experience !!

Price: R917

Min age: 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [175 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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