Corcovado Mountain
Christ the Redeemer
Rio’s most famous landmark stands with open arms on top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 metres above the city. Here is what to know before you go, and how a private guide makes the visit easier.
- Location
- Corcovado, Tijuca National Park
- Height
- 30 m statue on an 8 m pedestal
- Inaugurated
- 1931
- Recognition
- New Seven Wonders of the World
A symbol of Rio and of Brazil
Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated on 12 October 1931, after nine years of work. The Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa designed it, the French sculptor Paul Landowski created the sculpture, and the Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida shaped the face.
The statue is made of reinforced concrete covered with thousands of small triangles of soapstone. Its arms stretch about 28 metres from fingertip to fingertip. In 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
How to get to the top
There are two ways up. The Corcovado rack railway leaves from the Cosme Velho neighborhood and climbs through the forest, as it has since 1884. By road, official vans take visitors up to the entrance. The last stretch to the statue is by escalators, elevators or stairs.
On a private tour, Marcio drives you as far as the road allows and plans the connection, so you spend less time waiting and more time at the top.
The best time to visit
Corcovado is often covered by clouds, and the view can change within the hour. Early morning usually means fewer people and softer light. Marcio follows the conditions on the day and, when needed, changes the order of the stops so you reach the top at the best moment.
What you’ll see from the top
From the platform at the foot of the statue, the whole city opens up: Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Maracanã Stadium. At the base of the statue there is a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.
How long should I plan for Christ the Redeemer?
Usually two to three hours, including the way up and down and time at the top. It depends on the season and on the queues.
Is the ticket included in the tour?
No. The ticket to Christ the Redeemer is paid separately and is not included in the tour price.
What if Corcovado is covered by clouds?
Clouds often clear quickly. Marcio follows the weather during the day and adjusts the route, visiting other places first and going up when the view is better.
