Corcovado | Christ the Redeemer
Corcovado - A breathtaking train ride, spectacular views and Rio's most iconic landmark
A trip to the top of Corcovado brings you not only, to the base of Rio's most iconic landmark, but to a spectacular view point high above this city from which even Sugar Loaf Mountain appears dwarf sized. The train ride up to the top adds to the entire experience making this one attraction you simply must see during your visit to Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil is proud of its Christianity and nothing says so more than their erection of the Christ the Redeemer statue. The Christ the Redeemer statue was the largest Art Deco statue in the world from 1931 until 2010. The 30 metre tall statue stands on an 8 metre high pedestal. The figure's arms stretch out to a magnificent 28 metres in width. It can be seen from just about anywhere in Rio de Janeiro, and has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
It is 635 tonnes in weight and is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone. The entire statue took nine years to construct at the top of Corcovado mountain. It was finally dedicated to Christ on 12 October 1931. A chapel under the statue was consecrated on 12 October 2006 making it possible for baptisms and weddings to be held there. The honour of being named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World happened on 7 July 2007. The pose of the statue, with open arms, is a symbol of peace.
The statue was a collaborative project between a number of artists and engineers. The design of the statue was done by Heitor da Silva Costa and the main sculpting was the work of Paul Landowski. The face of the statue was the work of Gheorghe Leonida. A restoration project was completed in 2010 and involved a hundred people and more than sixty thousand pieces of stone. These pieces of stone were taken from the exact same quarry as the stone for the original statue.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is not just an amazing piece of engineering and art. It has been featured in a number of video games. Some of the more popular games include Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X, Angry Birds Rio and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The statue was also featured in Micheal Jackson's music video for "They Don't Care About Us" and Snoop Dogg's "Beautiful". You can see the statue in popular movies such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 and both animation films in the Rio series.
The trip up to the top of Corcovado is definately something to be experienced. We recommend taking the train ride (Trem do Corovado) up as it offers a unique and memorable experience and it presents some absolutely fantastic views of the city and its surroundings. The fare is quite reasonable. For the best views try to get a seat on the right side of the train during the ride up. If possible, go on a clear day and once you reach the top, be sure to take time to soak in the fantastic vistas that surround you. Scroll down the page to discover more of what this entire experience is like.
If you prefer pick-up right from your hotel, the following tour offers excellent value. It includes round trip transportation to and from many hotels, breakfast, a sunrise visit to the Dona Marta Lookout followed by a guided visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes.Address: Corcovado - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, 22461, Brazil
Corcovado | Christ the Redeemer Reviews
Rated out of 5
Stunning place, blessed by the view! You can park close to the entrance, about 10’ walk! Cost only R$57,00/person + R$5,00 the van trip! Ignore the guys trying to get advantage on tourists! They charge a lot, and make a lot of pressure!
Jorge Wada - 4 months ago
Lovely. Nothing like it in the world. Very crowded but worth it. Go early or late in the day.
GT Hodge - a month ago
"I don't think the place needs a review, but it might be helpful for those arriving by train to know that if you come around 9 AM, you usually won't have a long wait. The place is also less crowded at that time. Be wary of people in white shirts near the train station who might say the wait is long when it isn't. Just get there early."
Andres Vargas Higuera - 8 months ago
This majestic statue is truly a work of art! I was awestruck!
It is definitely a must do if you go to Rio de Janeiro.
I visited Corcovado during my first trip to Rio in 2008 (The pictures are from 2008. Some things must have changed a bit).
I took a cab to the site from Rio (about an hour ride). Once you arrive you have to climb stairs to arrive onto a platform. The views are beautiful already.
They set up small stores on the platform where you can buy souvenirs, local ice creams, sodas, water, and various snacks. It’s great to find refreshments since once can get quite thirsty from the climb and the warm weather.
You get to the statue by escalator. The views from there are as majestic as the statue. Yes, many people are there but the sceneries mesmerize you.
L A - 5 years ago
I hiked Corcovado on March 2021. Travelers during that year were few so I was lucky that the place wasn't heavily crowded. I started the hiking trail at Parque Lage. No entrance fee that time. The entrance closes at 2pm. I got right in time. The hiking trail was pretty easy. You can finish it in an hour or could be less. But I like taking photos so I took my time. The trail was nice. I like how the locals would warmly greet you as they pass by. I take all photos myself, even my selfie! Check out my IG- @jl.dormido
Jerry Lee Dormido - 2 years ago
Directions
| Metro and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 Green | Largo do Machado | 2 Minutes |
How to get to Corcovado | Christ the Redeemer by Metro and Bus
Make your way by Metro to Largo do Machado Station. Transfer to bus #580 Cosme Velho (have exact change ready for the extra fare) at the south end of the station on Rua das Laranjeiras and ride it to terminus at Cosme Velho where you can walk one block back (east) and purchase your ticket for the breathtaking Corcovado Train to the top.
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Accommodations near Corcovado | Christ the Redeemer:
Photo Gallery
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View of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon from Corcovado cc licensed photo by Brian Snelson -
View of Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain from Corcovado cc licensed photo by marcusrg -
The train that takes you to the top of Corcovado cc licensed photo by Rodrigo Soldon -
Photo Credit: matthias.ripp - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo Soldon Souza - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr
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