The Statue of Christ the Redeemer

Most people associate Rio de Janeiro with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new seven wonders of the world, which overlooks the city from the top of Corcovado Mountain. Visitors to Rio make their way to the top of Corcovado via a cog wheel train, a taxi, or by walking on the five-mile long path. Our Celebrity Infinity shore excursion group did the two-mile, 10-minute train ride to the top of Corcovado passing through scenic Tijuca Forest. We purchased tickets with a stamped boarding time for the ride to the top, but had to wait in line to ride back down. At the train station near the top, escalators or 220 steps upward take visitors the to the foot of the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The massive statue at the top of Corcovado Mountain is impressive. The views of Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana are amazing on a clear day.

Surely Mount Corcovado is Rio’s main attraction. With 710 m (2,329 ft) above see level, this mountain supports the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the best known monuments all over the world. The 38 meter (125 ft) high statue weighs 1,145 tons (1,262 net tons), and was inaugurated in 1931. To reach the main terrace, you have to climb 222 steep stairs, or use an escalator or panoramic elevator. To ascend Mount Corcovado, a train on one of the oldest Brazilian railways, inaugurated by Emperor Peter II in 1884, may be used.

The base stands on the top of the Corcovado hill (710 meters) offering a magnificent view of Rio: the Guanabara bay, Niteroi, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon, the botanical garden, the Jockey Club and the Tijuca National Park, Further north, Copacabana, Botafogo, Flamengo and the famous Sugar Loaf.
On the platform there are souvenir stores, an information office, toilets, bars and small shops with fast food and light meals at reasonable prices. You may visit it from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Admission, either on foot or by car, is $8 per person.