Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor)
Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil
Keeping a watchful eye over the people of Rio de Janeiro, the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor) sits atop Corcovado Mountain at 2,300 feet (700 meters). Unveiled in 1931 and voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, this impressive statue of Jesus Christ is often credited as the most iconic site in Brazil. It boasts panoramic views of the city below, and beyond.
The basics
The awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue stands 130 feet (39 meters) tall, with open arms measuring 98 feet (30 meters) across. It’s the largest art deco statue in the world. Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa worked with French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski to design the statue which is made of reinforced concrete.
Just about every tour of the city of Rio de Janeiro includes a stop at Christ the Redeemer. Many combine a visit with other top attractions such as the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car and Santa Teresa. Choose between hiking tours, city sightseeing tours, and half-day trips to the statue.
Things to know before you go
Skip-the-line Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor) tickets and exclusive early-access Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor) tours allow you to beat the crowds to the top.
Choose between a private tour and a small-group tour for an exclusive experience.
Tours include either cog train tickets or vehicle transportation to the top of the mountain.
The Corcovado Train departs every 20 to 30 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
To reach the statue at the top of Corcovado, take the cog train or minibus from Santa Teresa. The train, which offers some spectacular views (especially if you sit on the right-hand side), leaves from the Cosme Velho train station at Rua Cosme Velho 513.
When to get there
The site is open from morning to evening, with hours varying seasonally. On a clear day, the views from the base of the statue include Copacabana Beach, Leblon Beach (Leblon Beach), Ipanema Beach, and Guanabara Bay. After dark, the statue lights up and appears to hover over all of Rio. Expect heavy crowds in the summer, so consider booking a skip-the-line ticket to save some time.
Visiting the nearby Tijuca Rainforest
Regardless of how you reach the top of Corcovado, you'll travel through the Tijuca Rainforest. One of the world's largest urban rain forests at 12.4 square miles (32 square kilometers), Tijuca is home to diverse species of Brazilian plant and animal life. Before or after your visit to the statue, plan to spend some time exploring the surroundings here.
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