Christ the Redeemer

When the sun dips below the horizon in San Juan, the waters come alive. That’s all thanks to the bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters across Puerto Rico. This makes it the perfect setting for a night kayaking adventure, and trust me, it’s one of the coolest excursions San Juan has to offer!

$20 to $90 USD

2–3 hours

Rio de Janeiro

Avg. 68°F to 86°F

Visiting Christ the Redeemer for First-Timers

How often do you get to stand in proximity to a colossal monument of Jesus, with unparalleled views of the city of Rio de Janeiro below? I’m going to take a wild guess and say it’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There’s a reason this statue is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—nothing quite prepares you for the feeling of standing beneath it, face to face with history, faith, and a view that stretches all the way to the edge of the Atlantic. So if you’re planning your visit, here’s everything you need to know about experiencing Christ the Redeemer—starting with the fascinating history behind it.

History and Facts

Nestled atop the stunning Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at 2,300 feet above sea level, stands the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue at a height of 30 meters, as a symbol of faith, art, and breathtaking panoramic views. The Christ the Redeemer statue isn’t just an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro—it’s also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The statue stands proudly within the “Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea.” The area around the statue features dramatic mountains and lush greenery, which make the Christ the Redeemer statue even more breathtaking.

Situated within the expansive Tijuca Forest National Park, the erection of this monumental structure unfolded over a nine-year span, commencing in 1922 and reaching completion in 1931. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, it has since become one of the New Seven Wonders of the World drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

The monument was created by Paul Landowksi and engineered by Heitor da Silva Costa, with contributions from French sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. With open arms spanning 28 meters wide, the statue gazes upon the city of Rio, symbolizing a gesture of protection and peace.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Christ the Redeemer is during the drier months from May to September, when the skies are typically clearer and the panoramic views are at their best. These months fall within Rio’s dry season, making it easier to avoid the rain and capture stunning photos.

For the most stress-free experience, aim to arrive early in the morning, right after the monument opens, when the lighting is softer and the crowds are thinner. Keep in mind that while the dry season offers better weather, it also attracts more tourists—especially during summer months, weekends, holidays, and events like Carnaval—so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter visit.

How to Get There

There’s three main ways to get to Christ the Redeemer. You can get there by train, by van, taxi, or ride-sharing, or by hiking.

By Train

Taking the train to Christ the Redeemer is easily one of the most popular—and scenic—ways to reach the top. The Corcovado Train departs from the charming Cosme Velho neighborhood and winds its way up through the lush greenery of Tijuca National Park. It’s not just transportation; it’s part of the experience.

The ride lasts about 20 minutes and offers postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic Forest and glimpses of Rio sprawling out below. It’s no surprise many visitors say it’s one of the highlights of their trip.

Tips

Best View on the Train

For the best views, sit on the ride side of the train.

Trains run daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with departures roughly every 30 minutes. But heads up: there’s a daily visitor quota and timed entry system in place, so you’ll need to book your ticket in advance and select a time slot. This helps keep the experience enjoyable for everyone—no massive crowds, just you, the forest, and one of the most iconic monuments in the world.

By Van, Taxi, or Ride-Sharing

If you’re looking for a more direct or private way to get close to Christ the Redeemer, you can take a van, taxi, or rideshare like Uber to one of the designated access points. Just know that you can’t drive all the way to the top yourself.

For the final stretch up to the statue, everyone has to hop on one of the official vans or take the train—it’s the only way up!

By Hike

Yes, you can hike up to Christ the Redeemer—but it’s not for everyone. The most popular trail starts at Parque Lage and winds through the Tijuca National Forest, taking about 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace. It’s a physically demanding hike with steep, rugged terrain, so it’s definitely not beginner-friendly. If you’re up for the challenge, make sure to wear proper hiking boots, pack plenty of water, and be prepared for limited facilities along the way.

That said, in recent years, safety concerns have grown. There have been reports of muggings along the trail, so if you do choose to hike, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid bringing anything valuable with you. For most visitors, taking the train is a safer, easier, and more sustainable way to reach the top—plus, it still gives you those incredible rainforest views without the effort (or risk).

Tour Hours, Pricing, Location, and Itinerary

Hours of Operation: Christ the Redeemer tours typically run daily, with hotel pick-up in Rio (Copacabana, Ipanema, etc.) beginning around 7:00–8:00 AM, depending on the tour provider. Most tours wrap up by early afternoon if it’s a half-day, or early evening if combined with other landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain.

Pricing: Tours range from $20 to $90 USD per person, depending on inclusions like skip-the-line tickets, hotel transfers, or combo packages. You can book through platforms like Viator or directly with local tour providers.

Duration: A standalone visit to Christ the Redeemer usually takes about 2–3 hours. If part of a full-day tour including Sugarloaf Mountain and the Selarón Steps, expect a total duration of 6–8 hours.

Location: Christ the Redeemer sits atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro and can be reached by van, cog train, or private transfer. Most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off from central Rio neighborhoods like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa.

Tour Highlights: What you’ll see along the way: