Christ the Redeemer / Corcovado

Cristo Redentor

A 30-metre statue of Christ with outstretched arms atop Corcovado Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, overlooking Rio's beaches, peaks and Guanabara Bay.

The statue stands atop Corcovado (Hunchback Mountain), at 710 metres. Completed in 1931, it was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski; made of reinforced concrete and covered in soapstone mosaic, the statue is 30 metres tall, with an 8-metre pedestal and a 28-metre arm span. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. The summit observation deck offers a 360-degree view: to the south, Sugarloaf, Botafogo Bay and Copacabana; to the west, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and Ipanema; to the north, the Maracanã and downtown. It is Rio's most spectacular panorama. There are three ways up. First, the cog railway Trem do Corcovado, departing from Cosme Velho station, takes 20 minutes through the Tijuca rainforest; a round trip including admission costs about BRL 100–120, and you must book a time slot on the official website. Second, take the official shuttle van from the Paineiras visitor centre (about BRL 80–100; boarding is available at Largo do Machado or Copacabana). Third, hike from Parque Lage in 2 to 3 hours; it is steep, so go with a companion and only during daylight. The summit has a café and a small chapel; allow 1 to 1.5 hours. It's best to go up early: the first 08:00 train has the fewest people and the best front lighting. In the afternoon, clouds often roll in from the sea and cover the statue completely, so check the live webcam before setting out. Summer UV is extremely strong, so bring a hat and water. The summit is crowded with tour groups, and photos with arms outstretched mean queuing. It can be combined in one day with the nearby Santa Teresa district and the Selarón Steps.

Christ the Redeemer / Corcovado

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