How To Visit Christ The Redeemer – Everything You Need To Know

Embarking on a journey to Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic symbol, the Christ the Redeemer statue, is something that tops many travellers’ bucket lists. It certainly was on the top of my bucket list for many years.

This awe-inspiring monument, standing tall on Corcovado Mountain and offering breathtaking views of the city, is more than just a sightseeing spot; it’s a pilgrimage to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

But how do you visit this iconic monument on top of a mountain? In this blog post I will give you all the ways you can visit Christ the Redeemer, ensuring that your experience is as memorable and as seamless as possible. Whether you’re looking for the most scenic route, the quickest route or the one that has the most wow factor, I have all the ways covered.

Understanding Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer stands as a towering beacon of faith and cultural identity, perched atop the Corcovado Mountain and overlooking the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. Completed in 1931 after nearly a decade of construction, this monumental statue spans 98 feet in height, with its arms stretching an impressive 92 feet wide, embodying peace and an open embrace. Constructed from reinforced concrete and covered with soapstone tiles, the statue is a marvel of engineering and artistry.

Christ the Redeemer attracts millions of visitors annually, who are drawn not only to its spiritual significance but also to its unparalleled panoramic views of Rio. The statue’s imposing presence makes it a pivotal landmark in both Brazil’s cultural landscape and the world’s architectural heritage.

Best Time To Visit Christ The Redeemer

Like with any visit to a famous monument, it is always best to plan your visit early in the morning or later on in the afternoon/day. Opening Times are daily 8am – 7pm.

Arriving early when the statue opens (8:00 a.m.) or visiting in the late afternoon, after 3:30 p.m., when the day’s crowds begins to dwindle, will provide you with the best and most relaxed experience.

Top Tip: There is always a chance that when you visit Corcovado Mountain the day will be cloudy and the statue and views will not be at their best. Therefore, my recommendation is to visit the statue as soon as you arrive in Rio and leave space in your schedule for a potential second visit. Then as soon as you spot better skies then make a second visit if you have to. This way you can still seize the opportunity to see those breathtaking views and experience Corcovado Mountain and the statue in more optimal lighting conditions.

In terms of the best times of the year to visit the statue, generally the best period is during the spring and autumn months. Specifically, visiting between September – November or between March and May. These times in the year offer a balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds. During these periods, the city has milder temperatures and lower humidity levels, making outdoor activities and sightseeing more comfortable.

The peak tourist season is December through to February, as this is when the city hosts its famous Carnival. So, if you are visiting Rio during this time, it is even more important to plan your visit to the statue and get ahead of those crowds.

Ways To Visit Christ The Redeemer

There are a number of ways you can visit the statue, from the scenic mountain train to a convenient van service that you can pick up at various points in the city. Each mode of visitation will provide you with a distinctive experience and so you need to make your choice based on your personal preference, budget and time available.

By Train

Officially known as the Corcovado Rack Railway (Trem do Corcovado), this mountain rack railway will take you from Cosme Velho Station to the summit of Corcovado Mountain where the statue stands. Cosme Velho Station is located in the picturesque neighbourhood of Cosme Velho and is easily accessible from various parts of Rio. This is the most traditional and popular way for visiting the statue.

The ride is around 20 mins and the train ride takes you through the stunning Tijuca National Park.

The train’s operating hours are Monday to Friday (except holidays), from 8am to 5pm and Saturday/Sunday/holidays from 8am to 6pm. The train departs approximately every twenty minutes. However, space on the train is limited so the train fills up very quickly, which can mean extra waiting time.

Tickets for the Trem do Corcovado (train) can be purchased directly from the website or at the Cosme Velho Station. Adult ticket prices are around $20 (USD).

The ticket for the train not only includes your return journey but also grants you entry to the site of the statue.

If you want to take the train option then I would recommend buying a skip the line ticket in advance.

Pros & Cons of Taking the Train

Pros	Cons
Scenic Beauty  Route takes you through the Tijuca National Park and is stunning.	Potential Crowds  A popular option, which can lead to crowds during peak tourist seasons.
Comfort & Convenience The trains are comfortable and offer a direct route to the top.	Train’s Capacity Is Limited The train fills up quickly so you may have to wait longer.
History & Tradition Riding the train is a nod to tradition, allowing you to experience the same historic route taken for decades.

By Official Van

Taking an official van offers a direct route to Christ the Redeemer. The van option is slightly cheaper than the train. The cost of the ticket includes the return ride back as well as entry to the Christ the Redeemer site. Ticket prices are around $18 (USD).

The official van leaves from three locations in the city. These locations are: Praca do Lido in Copacabana, Caittà America in Barra da Tijuca and Lago do Machado.

You can buy your tickets at all three locations or in advance online.

Journey time to the top of Corcovado mountain depends on which location you take the van from, but expect the journey to take around 30-45 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

Top Tip: Sometimes at the official van locations, the wait time could be over 1-2 hours. Therefore, if there are long queues for the van, I would still purchase a ticket but take a taxi to the top of the Corcovado Mountain. The ticket you have already purchased gets you to the statue area. Then take the official van for your return journey. This will save you some time.

Pros and Cons of Taking the Van

Pros	Cons
Convenience With multiple departure points around the city, catching an official van to Christ the Redeemer is highly convenient.	Scenic Experience Unlike the train that travels through the Tijuca National Park, the vans take a more direct route, so the views to the top are not as scenic.
Flexibility Vans run throughout the day, so you have flexibility when you want to visit. Unlike the train, when you have to choose a time.	Potential Wait Times During peak times, there may be significant wait times for vans, especially at popular departure points like Copacabana.
Cost-Effective Generally, taking the van is a more affordable option.	Traffic Journey time can take longer due to potential traffic congestion.

Taxi Or Uber

Visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro by taxi or Uber is one of the most convenient and flexible ways. These transportation methods allow you to reach the visitors entrance where you can purchase a ticket to take you, by the park’s official van, to the site area. The previous mentioned methods includes the entrance ticket, using private transport means you have to buy this separately.

Using Taxis: Taxi safety in Rio has been a mixed issue with various reports and opinions. The recommendation is to only use Rio’s official yellow taxies, if you are hailing a taxi from the street.

Hiking

In my quest to give you a comprehensive guide on all the ways to visit Christ the Redeemer, it’s important for me to mention hiking as an option. There is a hiking trail that starts and Parque Lage and leads you up the mountain close to the statue. Then you pay a final fee to get into the site of the statue.

However, I do not recommend this option due to significant safety concerns. Recent reports have raised alarms about the trail being prone to slippery conditions and instances of robberies reported along the path. While there are individuals who have completed the hike without any incidents, suggesting that with heightened caution, the trek might be deemed safe, the strong guidance leans heavily towards prioritising your safety above the call to adventure. Therefore, considering these factors, I must advise using one of the other methods to reach Christ the Redeemer, ensuring a memorable experience without compromising on your safety.

For The Wow Factor – A Helicopter Tour

There is arguable no more thrilling way to see this famed iconic landmark than from the sky. Helicopter tours will give you a bird’s-eye view of Christ the Redeemer making it an unforgettable experience.

Helicopter tours typically last between 7 to 30 minutes, providing panoramic views that encompass not only the statue but also other key landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and the sprawling Tijuca Forest.

The cost of the helicopter tour will depend on the length of the flight but a 9-10 mins tour will provide a succinct yet awe-inspiring overview of the city’s highlights. If you want a more extended experience than 30-minute flights are also offered, which of course give you more time to view Rio’s stunning landscape.

For an unforgettable aerial view of Rio’s stunning landscapes, including Christ the Redeemer, I highly recommend booking the following helicopter flight, click here to go and reserve your aerial adventure now!

Pros and Cons of Taking A Helicopter Tour

Pros	Cons
Unique Perspectives A helicopter tour offers unparalleled views of Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s other landmarks, providing a perspective that ground-based visits can’t match.	Cost Helicopter tours is the most expensive method of seeing Christ the Redeemer. However, you are still more than likely to want to visit the base of the statue too.
Unforgettable Memories The thrill of taking off, combined with the spectacular aerial views, makes for a truly memorable experience.	Weather Dependent Tours can be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions, potentially disrupting travel plans.

So To Wrap Up On How To Visit Christ The Redeemer – Everything You Need To Know…

I hope this blog equips with all the knowledge you need to making that trip up Corcovado Mountain and marvel at the statue’s grandeur up close and soak in the stunning views.

Is there any dress code when visiting Christ the Redeemer?

There is no dress code for visiting Christ the Redeemer, practicality and comfort are key. Opt for casual, layer-friendly clothes and be prepared for variable weather conditions.

What food and drink options are available at the top?

There are cafés and eateries located at near the statue. However, it is worth noting that these establishments will be on the pricier side and can have long waiting lines.

Is the site accessible if you have mobility issues?

Christ the Redeemer has been certified as a wheelchair-accessible attraction, receiving a WJAR 3 rating.

Is photography & using drones allowed at Christ the Redeemer?

Personal photography is allowed however using drones in this location is subject to strict regulations. For drone usage, check the most current local guidelines and obtain any necessary permissions before attempting to fly a drone in Rio de Janeiro or near the Christ the Redeemer statue.

For more great information on Brazil, read my blog on the Best Things To Do In Rio de Janeiro & Essential Tips.