Visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a beautiful city that’s full of life and culture, one of my favorite places on earth, but there’s one attraction that stands out from the rest – the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. You have no choice but to acknowledge it as it stands looking over the South Zone areas such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and more. This landmark is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Rio de Janeiro, but there are a few things you need to know before you go. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro, from how to get there to what to expect once you arrive. Need information on where to stay in Rio?
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About Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer is a 98-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ that stands atop the Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and was constructed between 1922 and 1931.
The statue has become a cultural icon not just for Brazil, but for the entire world. In 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s no surprise that this impressive work of art attracts over two million visitors every year.
Something that most people don’t know is that the statue gets struck by lightning around 4 or 5 times a year. There are photos online and at least one of the times the statue’s thumb was damaged.
Getting to Christ the Redeemer
The easiest way to get to Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro is by taking a train from Cosme Velho station. The train is a cogwheel railway that runs through the lush Tijuca Forest and takes you all the way up to the base of the statue.
Another way to get to Christ the Redeemer is by taking a van. Vans depart from various points in the city, such as Largo do Machado in Catete, and will take you all the way up to the statue. However, keep in mind that the vans might not be the safest or the most comfortable way to get there. Personally, I took a Uber up to the Statue base with my friend that’s a Tour Guide named Obi from The Favela Brothers Tour and then we had to transfer to a van, which took us the rest of the way up.
Finally, if you’re feeling energetic, you can hike to the top of Corcovado Mountain. The hike takes around two hours, but it’s a beautiful trail that’s well worth the effort. Keep in mind that the trail can be steep and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
Is it Safe to Hike to the Christ Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro?
I personally wouldn’t hike it. I have heard many different stories about safety when hiking. I can say that On the train ride down I have seen some of the Brazilian Military present in the forest surrounding it so that may be a good thing for safety.
What to Expect at Christ the Redeemer
Once you arrive at Christ the Redeemer, you’ll need to go through security before entering the site. The statue itself sits atop a platform that offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. The Walk up the stairs is no joke. I recommend that you bring some water and be prepared to exercise.
There are some types of advantages to going with a registered tour guide because they have some type of pass that allows them to enter and leave without waiting. I am not exactly sure how it works but I remember being told this as we were leaving. The wait to leave said almost 40 minutes on the train but we were able to get on the train to come back down without the wait.
You can circle around the base of the statue, admiring the impressive view and taking pictures. There’s also a small chapel located within the base of the statue where you can light a candle and offer a prayer.
Sometimes when you go it can be cloudy making the view of the surroundings un visible. It’s hard to plan this on your itinerary before you get to Rio because there you never know how the weather is going to be.
If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a play area available, complete with a rope bridge and a jungle gym designed to resemble the statue itself.
There’s a small gift shop at the entrance where you can purchase souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. Keep in mind that the prices are higher than what you’ll find outside the attraction.
Tips for Visiting Christ The Redeemer
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to Christ the Redeemer:
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The attraction opens at 8 am and closes at 7 pm.
- Avoid going on the Weekends and Brazilian Holidays. Try to go on the Weekdays.
- Bring Someone with you, and if you are solo Go with a Tour guide so you can get some photos taken of you with the statue.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail leading to the statue can be steep and slippery.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as the sun can be intense in Rio de Janeiro.
- Always keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing is common in crowded areas.
- Buy your tickets in advance
Christ the Redeemer Official Website
How much does tickets cost for Christ The Redeemer? If you are wanting to buy tickets in advance, I recommend purchasing your tickets at Christ The Redeemer Official Website. This is where you can find the Official Cost for visiting the Brasilian National Attraction.
If you are going with a tour guide then you might want to ask them the best option for purchasing your tickets.
Christ the Redeemer Helicopter Tour
If you are disabled or if there is something that is preventing you from walking up many stairs, there is another option to see Christ the Redeemer up close. That’s to take a Helicopter ride and experience it in a different than normal way.
Final thoughts about visiting Christ the Redeemer Statue
Visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro is an unforgettable experience that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s a symbol not just for Rio de Janeiro but for Brazil and the rest of the world.
When visiting Christ the Redeemer, keep in mind that the experience can be crowded and sometimes challenging. However, with just a few tips and a little bit of preparation, you can make the most of your visit and take in the incredible views and ambiance of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Please take a look at more posts on this Travel Blog and let me know about your experience visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro. Also, please let me know if you have any more questions.
