Christ the Redeemer looms large over Rio de Janeiro. Built on a 700-meter tall mountain and itself towering at 30 meters tall, the iconic statue does this both literally and figuratively. Depicting Christ with his arms stretched out wide, the imposing statue has become one of the city's most important landmarks. It is not only a striking representation of Christian faith, but an important symbol of Rio and Brazil by large. It is also the most visited attraction in the whole country, receiving nearly 2 million visitors on a yearly basis.
In this in-depth guide, we will provide you with all the need-to-know details for visiting Christ the Redeemer. For more on the ground insight, don't hesitate to contact our knowledgeable local guides to organize a private tour.
History
Christ the Redeemer (or Christo Redentor as the statue is known in Portuguese) was originally built between 1922 and 1931. However, the initial plans for creating a Christian statue at this location were made all the way back in the 1850s. The art deco statue was a joint collaboration between several different artists and engineers. Italian-born artist Carlos Oswald designed the statue, while French sculptor Paul Landowski is credited as the creator, along with his collaborator, French engineer Albert Caquot. Interestingly, the statue's face was fashioned by yet another artist, Romanian born sculptor Gheorghe Leonida.
Although the original design had called for a metal structure, the statue was eventually built using concrete and soapstone. The concrete used for the base of the statue was imported all the way from Sweden. Overall, the finished statue differed greatly from the original design, which included Christ holding a globe in one hand and a cross in the other. As the statue stands today, Christ's hands are empty, and his arms are spread out wide.
Over the years, the statue has been affected by strong winds and erosion, as well as being battered by thunderstorms. The monument has gone through extensive restoration work, but it is gradually turning a darker hue as not enough of the original pale stone is available.
Access
Christ the Redeemer is located on top of the Corcovado Mountain, a 700-meter-high peak located in Tijuca National Park just outside Rio de Janeiro. As the statue is not located directly in the city, getting there requires some planning. There are two main options for reaching it, so take some time to consider which approach is best for you and your group. Keep in mind that getting there is not just a hurdle to tackle, but a key part of the whole experience!
The most popular way to reach Christ the Redeemer is to take the Corcovado Rack Railway. This scenic mountain railway sees a train departing from the Cosme Velho station every 30 minutes or so, and offers lush views of the mountainous rainforest. (You can reach Cosme Velho from your accommodation in Rio by taking the metro, taxi, or bus.) The train runs from 8 am to 9 pm and goes all the way up to the summit. Tickets are available to purchase on site, but due to its huge popularity we recommend making an online booking beforehand, or asking your guide to handle reservations for you in advance.
The second option for reaching the monument is to take a taxi halfway up and then an official Tijuca National Park van to reach the summit. Keep an eye out for the vans with the green seal of approval (they are easy to spot). You can buy a combined entrance and van ride ticket directly at the car park or through an online booking. The vans are modern and air-conditioned, can seat up to 14 people, and will take you through a section of the National Park on your way up.
Technically, there is a third option for reaching the statue as well. This entails taking a 3-hour-long hike from Parque Lage, a large park located close to Rio's botanical gardens, all the way up to Corcovado's summit. It is a challenging climb, but the scenery is beautiful, with waterfalls, lush greenery, and animal life accompanying you on your way up. Unfortunately, this hiking route has been targeted by robbers in the past and has even been closed for safety reasons. Always put your safety first and carefully consider if the adventure is worth the risk.
As you can see, figuring out the logistics adds a whole new dimension to visiting Christ the Redeemer. Keep in mind that the majestic beauty of the statue and the views provided from way up high are more than worth the effort! If you want to skip all the drama and simply enjoy the experience to the fullest, consider enlisting one of our vetted private guides, who will take care of all the logistics for you.
Before You Visit
First, an important thing to keep in mind is that Christ the Redeemer is the most visited attraction in Brazil. In other words, you can expect quite a few people to be visiting the statue at the same time as you, especially if you are in Rio during Carnival or other major holidays.
An easy way to try to and avoid the crowds is to plan your visit for a weekday instead of the weekend. If possible, try to visit the statue either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as these times tend to be less crowded. Additionally, the weather is not quite as hot, and the visibility tends to be better. After all, this monument is all about the views!
The ticket prices vary based on when you're visiting (high vs. low season), as well as what is included in your ticket. The entrance ticket to the statue alone is around $24 BRL ($4 USD) during the high season and $12 BRL ($2 USD) in the low season. You can also purchase tickets which include either the train or van ride up to the statue. Advanced online purchase is recommended, especially if you want to ride the popular cog train.
Finally, remember to bring some snacks and water with you! There are a few vendors available on site, but their goods tend to be overpriced. You also wouldn't want to spend any time standing in line for a bottle of water when you could be enjoying those million-dollar views instead!
Conclusion
Visiting Christ the Redeemer in person is an experience you are sure to cherish for years to come. From the stunning form of the statue itself to the majestic views over the city, this landmark deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list.
Private tours are a great way to experience this iconic monument to the fullest. A professional local guide will take care of all the logistics and translation for you, as well as explain all the most important details and hidden stories of the monument itself, thus adding a whole new dimension into your excursion.