Journey To The Excellent Monument Of Christ The Redeemer Brazil

What place comes to mind when you see a photo of a colossal statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms on top of the mountain? Only in Rio de Janeiro can we marvel at this iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer Brazil.

The giant sculpture of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, 2,310 feet (704 meters) above sea level, adds beauty to the peak and the city landscape. It is a symbol of peace and Brazilian Catholicism while serving as the best area to catch a panoramic view of the city. 

Find out more about this Art Deco-style Cristo Redentor and why it should be on the bucket list of every traveler to Brazil. 

What Makes Christ the Redeemer Brazil a Must-Visit Landmark?

In 1920, Brazilian Catholics proposed to build this enormous statue, calling for donations and receiving a good response from the citizens. The statue of Christ the Redeemer, also called Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, was erected starting in 1922 and finally inaugurated in 1931. 

Designed by renowned French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French engineer Albert Caquot, the Christ statue with open arms weighs 625 long tons (635 metric tons). It stands around 98 ft (30 m) high on an 8 ft (2.43 m) pedestal from the top of the Corcovado mountain. 

Christ’s hands are spread straight for two reasons. One is so that the famous statue resembles the Christian cross, and the second is to symbolize acceptance and peace. You can visit the monument with its breathtaking view from the top, overlooking the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro. 

Indeed, Christ the Redeemer holds much significance for the Brazilians and the Christian community. Built between 1922 and 1931, the statue has priceless historical value. It was also recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 2007. A must-visit landmark, this very beautiful tourist attraction is visited by nearly two million travelers who flock to Rio de Janeiro annually.

How To Get to the Christ the Redeemer Brazil Visitors Center?

You can get to Brazil’s famous tourist spots in different ways. Different transportation modes will bring different experiences and thus have varying costs, with vans and trains usually including Christ the Redeemer statue access fee in their prices.

• By Cog Train

The cog train, the most used transport of tourists en route to Christ the Redeemer, is colorful and has a unique vibe. You might have to wait a long time to buy a ticket because there are always hundreds of tourists. So buying your ticket online or booking a tour is a better option. It is also best to reserve your ticket in advance, including your return trip. 

The cog train leaves from Cosme Velho. You can reach the train station on foot, by taxi or bus, or by taking the only subway connecting you to the Largo do Machado train station. 

A one-way cog train ticket costs around 64 Brazilian reals (13 US dollars) for 5-to-11-year-old children and 94 BRL ($19) for adults. To avoid queues, you can also buy from a tour group for 165.24 BRL ($33) inclusive of access to the statue. 

Tickets could be bought on the spot at the train station. You can also get them from the Rio Sul Shopping Center kiosk, Copacabana Beach Rio Tur kiosk, and Largo do Machado kiosk. Remember to bring cash, the only acceptable payment mode.

The cog train experience is quite fun because the train goes through the verdant Tijuca Forest National Park, the world’s largest urban forest, along the country’s Atlantic coast.

• By Official Vans

Vans, too, are preferred by tourists because it is cheaper than the train, and you can find three to four different spots from where you can book your ride to Christ the Redeemer as there are several van spots, so you will not have to go through hectic lines or experience an overcrowded van. 

These vans vary in cost, departing from Largo do Machado (98 BRL/$20), Lido Square (55 BRL/$11), and Barra da Tijuca (98 BRL/$20). If you are near any of these stops, you can take a peaceful ride to the statue’s base. 

These private rental vans will take you only up to the landmark’s parking. From there, you have to transfer to official vans, the only ones allowed to take you nearer to the statue.

However, during peak season in January and April, you will still face long lines of tourists in this part of Brazil. A guided tour can make your trip less of a hassle and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience, allowing you to make the most of your time and avoid waiting in crowded lines. 

• By Car or Bike

If you are traveling with a family or prefer using a more peaceful mode of transportation to the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue, booking an Uber car or going on a bike is the best option. These options are way more convenient than any other mode of transportation because you can have your personal space while traveling in comfort.

This mode of transport is likely to charge less than other modes of transportation; it will cost you around 15 BRL to 20 BRL ($3 to $4) for one way. The comfortable car ride will take approximately half an hour. 

However, take note that vehicles are allowed only up to the Paineiras car park, which is halfway up the Corcovado and where you can buy a ticket to access the landmark and an official van to take you there.

• By Walking

Walking is the best way to reach Christ the Redeemer if you are looking for adventure and fun. The walk would be around three hours long, and on your way, you will find beautiful viewpoints and wildlife in the forests beside your walking track.

But with a good guide and some refreshments, walking all the way to the statue will be a whole new experience.

• By Juntos

You can visit Christ the Redeemer by booking a ride that allows you to travel with other travelers to the same location. Juntos is like carpooling, where you go to a certain destination with others.

How To Get to the Top to See Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer

To get to the top to see Christ the Redeemer, you can use several different modes of transportation. Many people love to take the train for the beautiful views or take a shuttle bus. While traveling via this option can get congested because of the numerous tourists, it will also be lively.

The shuttle bus and the train will take you to an area with shops and drink stands. At a certain point, you have to use the stairs to get right beneath the statue, where the view is mind-blowing. You won’t be able to keep your eyes away from the statue and its wonderful surroundings.

What To Expect When Visiting Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer?

When you have reached this distinctive Brazilian landmark, you can take many pictures of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer or Cristo Redentor. There are several other things that you can expect when visiting Christ the Redeemer:

A Large Crowd

One of Brazil’s most popular tourist spots, Christ the Redeemer is usually crowded. Especially during peak season, it gets uncomfortable and hectic. The transport system is full of people, so you might have to wait in long lines for the ticket. Try to visit during the off-season.

When you don’t have the option to travel during the low season, try to go early during the day. We took one of the first trains up because we traveled around Christmas, not the off-season. While there were already loads of people, there was enough space to enjoy the view and take some amazing pictures.

Mind-Blowing Views

The Christ the Redeemer statue is built at the peak of Mount Corcovado at 2,310 ft (704 m). From the peak, you can have a remarkable view of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s famous tourist city, and other nearby mountains and bodies of water. You can see Ipanema Beach, Copacabana Beach, and Sugarloaf Mountain. 

Things To Remember When Visiting Christ The Redeemer in Brazil

When traveling to Christ the Redeemer, make sure you are in comfortable clothing and preferably without any heavy bags since you have to walk up the stairs to reach the mountain top. Bring snacks and drinks since the trip to the top is tiring.

December signals the beginning of the hot season, so the city is warm and sunny with occasional heavy rainfalls and humidity. If you travel in January or April, you shouldn’t worry too much about the weather; wear light clothes and be prepared for rain. 

If you are traveling in winter, wear warm clothes, including leather jackets, boots, caps, and gloves, because the wind at the peak is full of pressure and very cold. 

So, if you are going to Christ the Redeemer solo or with family, you should check the weather and the time you are considering visiting because it may get crowded on your trip to one of the famous places in Brazil.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Christ the Redeemer Brazil

Why Is Christ the Redeemer Important to Brazil?

Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor, is a statue built in the 19th century, holding historical value in Brazil and symbolizing the country’s religion and culture. The statue represents the people of Brazil, which is why it is significant.

What Are Three Facts About Christ the Redeemer?

Although there are countless facts about Christ the Redeemer, the three most important ones are:

• The statue is on top of Mount Corcovado, which is around 2,310 ft (704 m) tall.
• Building such an enormous statue wasn’t easy at all; it took around nine to ten years to build it.
• The statue is so high that when the rainy season starts in Brazil, it is often struck by lightning; however, it remains intact. Thanks in part to the crown of thorns on Christ’s head, it serves as lightning rods to protect the structure, which has been damaged several times.

Why Is Christ the Redeemer Famous?

Christ the Redeemer is famous because it signifies historical, religious, and cultural values. Brazilian Catholics decided to build the structure through donations. Now, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world because the statue is at a mountain peak from where you can have mind-blowing views.

How Long Does It Take To Walk Up Christ the Redeemer?

It takes around two to three hours to walk up Christ the Redeemer. Along the way, you can also marvel at the beauty of the surrounding forest and its wildlife.

Conclusion – Christ the Redeemer Brazil

With this information from this post, you are all set to head on to Corcovado Mountain and climb up the Christ the Redeemer statue for a unique Brazilian experience with various options for your convenience and preferred activities. Enjoy the ascent and the views! 

---

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

There are similar iconic places like Christ the Redeemer in South America. Check this article:

• Guide To An Amazing Natural Wonder: Iguazu Falls Argentina and Iguazu Falls Brazil
• How To Get To Galapagos Islands – Flights, Ferry, Best Tours & Accommodations