Christ The Redeemer, Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro

A must in Rio is to see the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue. Towering over the city on Corcovado mountain 30 m high, it was finished in 1931. It is usually very busy here with tourists buying all kinds of souvenirs in the overpriced shops. We got there via taxi but there is a bus 583 and the subway. don't forget to take pics of the city from this great vantage point.

The Christ Redemeer is an absolute must-do when visiting Rio de Janeiro. The view over the city is absolutely amazing and you feel like you are on top of the world. Getting to the statue isn't a problem because the taxis leave you right next to the statue. I highly recommend this Wonder of the world!

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Corcovado is the high mountain you have over Rio where there is a statue of christ on the top.
The statue of christ is actually not that pretty.
It's a fairly ugly concrete construction with no specific details, but the view from Corcovado is one of the very best views in the world and going up there is an absolute must when you are in Rio cause the spectacular setting of the city really comes to it's right up there.
There are many ways of getting up there but i would recommend taking the little train as that takes you through some really nice nature on the way up the mountain and you have some great views from the train too.

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Who hasn't used the expression "breathtaking view"? You have to go to Corcovado and look down to feel the real meaning of the expression.

Suddenly, you feel that you have all the air in the world around you and all for yourself, but... you can't breathe it.

Depending on the mist conditions, the sights may vary from fabulous to... unbelievable. They say that Rio de Janeiro is the most beautiful town in the world. I don't know. But, from the Corcovado, no one dares to deny.

As you stand at the feet of the Christ, you will be able to pick out other city landmarks such as Copacabana beach and the world-famous Maracana football stadium. Standing with outstretched arms, embracing the stunning cityscape below, the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Christo Redentor) is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The statue stands atop the 700-metre Corcovado (meaning hunchback) mountain, and to come to Rio without visiting 'the big guy' would be simply unthinkable. Indeed, in 2007 the Christo Redentor was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by the New Open World Corporation. At 39.6 metres tall and weighing 700 tons, the Christ statue is an impressive sight in itself, but it is the views from his mountain-top home, high amid the trees of the Tjuca Forest, that really make the trip a must do.

Cab ride with tip from Ipanema to Corcovado is $15.50 Reals = $5.82 US dollars.
The cab driver might ask you if you want to be driven up to Christ and then he will wait for you, then drive you back. this might be a good idea since the lines for the trains are very long. We did not do this only because we didn't want to make the poor guy wait for us, hoping that we will come back to pay him. We also wanted to take all the time we needed taking pictures.

Tickets on the train that takes you to Big J is $30 reals a person = $11.26 a person

Tickets are timed, so if there is a big crowd you might have to wait a half hour or more before hopping into the train.

If Jesus's head is up in the clouds, then just have a rest at the cafes. The clouds might clear like it did for us. It is very crowded up there when you take pictures so be prepared to elbow some grandmothers.

the official site with many must_see places, click for english version.
I chose the christ statue for tips because he was chosen by us, cariocas , the Rio's wonder. And now he is one of 7 modern World wonders , you can't miss it !

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The views from Christ the Redeemer are well...quite frankly there isn't anything that can be written that can properly describe the views of the deep purple ocean spilling up against the curvaceous coastline with oval shaped mountains rising high into the sky...so why even bother? But I will say this be sure to go on a sunny day...if you don't you may end up feeling like your head is in the clouds...quite literally. Cloudy days often mean you views of Rio will be views of a milky white mist. So check the ten day weather before planning your visit.

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We were offered a tour to take us here and Sugar Loaf for 210 Real but as it turns out we were pleased we headed here on our own by taxi . It was so easy to do and gave us the time we wanted to explore. We alos saved a bundle!
We flagged a taxi infront of our hotel and it took us 30 minutes in traffic and 28 real to get there.The driver offered to wait ( saying he would turn off the meter.There are lots of taxis so this is not necessary .The train was running so we were taken to the top by a shuttle bus .The entrance fee is 17Real. Thed rive winds through the lush tropical Tijuca Jungle .At the stop are 200 steps or an elevator to take you to the top .We opted for the later!! Unfortunately when we reached the top it was so cloudy we couldn't see the view below. Oh well that's how it goes. We contented ourselves with seeing the amazing stautue up close and we did catch some glimpses of the views from the lower levels.!!
By the way the can driver didn't turn off the meter...see how that unfolded in my Sugar Loaf Tip!

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The city of Rio sits within the long shadow of one of the worlds newest seven wonders. With his unblinking eyes and his all encompassing outstretched arms, Cristo the Redeemer welcomes all to the city he overlooks. In Rio, Cristo is everywhere you look, your eyes will instantly be drawn to his high dwelling presence above and you will find you are mesmerized by him...even if you happen to be a Jew, Muslim, or Atheist. Because this particular Cristo pays no mind to your religious views...rather he offers magestic, panoramic views of of one of the most magnificent cities in the world for all those who will heed his call. Speaking of which heeding his call consists of many options including tour groups, taxis, or buses all of which end up at the train station. But the reward of ascending up to bask in his presence does have a cost. $36 real to be exact, for a roundtrip ticket that will take you to the stairway to heaven....220 steps to be exact. And for those who don't feel like putting in the effort there is a elevator as well. But do yourself a favor (unless your in a wheelchair) and take the steps to the top and know this, once you get to the top you will have your reward.

For those who are on a budget take the 584 bus which runs through almost all the tourist areas and deposits you right at the train station for a mere $2 real. It's the best deal in town!