Christ The Redeemer, Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro

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!

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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 breed 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.

Christ the Redeemer is outstanding. We did it in the daylight. If I were to do it again I would do it at sunset, which I've seen some great photos of. Only taxis and tour companies can bring you up, so that's the high-priced part of it.

The morning tour starts with a trip to the train station. Take the train through the Tijuca rain forest to the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain. You'll spend up to an hour here with your tour guide, who will show you the sights of Rio from this towering mountain-top vantage point. The tour was capably organized by the locals. The guide was very friendly, easily understandable and informative! People at the local agency was very accommodating.

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Corcovado is located within the ‘Parque Nacional da Tijuca’, and we went on a beautiful jeep ride up through the national park to get to the top of the 710 meters high mountain with the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The statue was built between 1926 and 1931, and has a height of 38 meters and a weight of 1145 tonnes. The base of the statue houses a small chapel which can accommodate approx. 150 persons.

It is one of the most famous sites in Rio, and we were really looking forward to visit the Corcovado Hill. We weren’t disappointed, from the top was a magnificent view of Rio, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. Stunning - even though it was a cloudy day and the view a few times was completely blocked by clouds. Check the weather before you go… Clouds, heat, and air pollution could block the view from Corcovado…

Christ the Redeemer is also beautiful viewed from a distance, especially at night when it is lit – a world known symbol for Rio de Janeiro… Corcovado is one of the things you must do/see when visiting the city...