Visiting Mount Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro | 2023 Guide

2300 ft above sea level at Rio de Janeiro, on the top of Corcovado Mountain, sits one of the most iconic statues in the world – the Cristo Redentor, or the Christ the Redeemer statue. 

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Made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, Christ the Redeemer statue is the fourth largest statue of Jesus Christ and the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world. The statue was designed by Brazilian designer and engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French sculptor Paul Landowski. 

The construction of the statue took place between 1922 and 1931 and was officially completed and inaugurated on October 12, 1931. The massive statue of Jesus was placed on the summit of Mount Corcovado as a symbol of Brazil’s strong Catholic faith.

Today, it stands at 98 ft (30 metres) tall, with outstretched arms that span 92 ft (28 metres) plus a base that’s 26 ft (8 metres) high. It is large enough to be visible from any point in the city. 

In 2007, the Christ the Redeemer statue was appointed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, cementing its image as a cultural icon in Rio and Brazil. 

Every year, almost 2 million visitors make their way up to the peak to take in the panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro that lies beneath it. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, ‘Where is Christ the Redeemer?’ now you know the answer is ‘very high up.’ 

View from the top of Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
View from the top of Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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How to Get to Corcovado Mountain

The Trem do Corcovado (Corcovado Train Station) is in the Cosme Velho neighbourhood. While there is no direct subway access to Cosme Velho, you have many options.

  • Via Bus. From Leblon, Copacabana, Ipanema, or Botagofo, take the Bus Circular 1. If you’re coming from Centro, Lapa, and Glória, take Bus Troncal 8. Get down at the entrance of the Corcovado Train Station. 
  • Via Subway. Hop on the train line 1 and get off at the Largo do Machado station. Follow the signs to the exit and take the Integration Bus Cosme Velho to Corcovado. 
  • Via Uber/Taxi. Alternatively, you can also take an Uber or taxi from your location in Rio and get dropped off at the Corcovado Train Station in Cosme Velho.

Best Time to Visit 

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Brazil, but we recommend scheduling your trip around September to October. During this period, the temperature is much cooler, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your visit to the top of Mount Corcovado.

When planning your visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue, consider the weather on the day itself, as the view is distinctly different on sunny days compared to foggy ones. To optimise your experience, avoid bad weather and check the daily forecast before you go.

For those who prefer sunnier conditions, December to March is generally the most favourable time, offering clearer views and a more vibrant experience. Additionally, planning your visit during weekdays can help avoid the crowds, providing a more serene atmosphere for taking in the breathtaking scenery.

How to Get to Christ the Redeemer

By Tram

The majority of travellers choose to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue via the Corcovado Rack Railway, which is considered the oldest tourist ride in the country. The normal fare for roundtrip transportation and admission to the Christ the Redeemer statue is R$97.50 ($19.85 USD), though this may vary depending on the high or low season. The high season is from December to March, and the low season is typically from April to November. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way and takes you through the lush scenery of the Tijuca Rainforest.

hike to Christ the Redeemer: Trem do Corcovado
Trem do Corcovado at Cristo Redentor Statue

By Van

The van is the official transport of Tijuca National Park. There are 3 pick-up points to choose from: the Praça do Lido in Copacabana, the Praça do Largo Machado, or at the Centro de Visitantes Paineiras inside the national park.

 Good to know: these vans have green seals because of their low emission of air pollutants. 

Tour

For a hassle-free experience, you may also want to consider booking a tour that will take you to the monument as well as other must-see sites in Rio de Janeiro. No need to figure out the directions or book tickets for round-trip transportation as you’ll have a tour guide who will do all the planning for you!

Rented Car

If you’re already renting a car in Rio, you can also try driving up to the monument on your own. There’s a car park near the Corcovado Train Station (though you will need to pay) or at the Centro de Visitantes Paineiras. Note that parking here is limited, and there’s a fine if you park on the street. 

Hike

While getting a ride up to the top sounds wonderful, unfortunately, reality can be a little different. Think hour-long queues to board the train, sold-out Corcovado tickets, and being crammed inside the car with hundreds of other travellers. This didn’t sound like our idea of fun, so after a bit of research, we came across an alternative route to hike to Christ the Redeemer. 

The trail is free and offers scenic views–but we’ll tell you more about it in the next section!

Embarking on a Hike to Christ the Redeemer Statue

We saw a brief mention of an alternative 2-hour hiking trail up Corcovado Mountain on Wikitravel. Despite having very few details about the hike, the path, and the level of difficulty ahead of us, we jumped on the challenge.

hike to Christ the Redeemer: The start of the trail to Christ the Redeemer
The start of the trail to Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Beginning The Hike To the Christ the Redeemer Statue

We arrived at Parque Lage, the start of the hike to the Christ the Redeemer statue, just after 10 am, not really knowing what to expect. Stepping into the park, we were immediately taken aback by the contrast between the lush, peaceful surroundings inside the park with the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro streets just outside the entrance. The park is a beautiful place to visit, even if you don’t fancy a hike to the Christ statue. Inside the park are a number of short walking paths that allow you to soak in the beautiful nature in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. After spending a bit of time taking in the beautiful views around the park, we were finally ready to begin our hike to the monument.

To our pleasant surprise, the hike started at a small security house with clearly marked signs and directions. Before letting us start the hike, the security guards inside the checkpoint carefully took down our names and emergency contact info, making us feel a lot more comfortable about the adventure ahead.

The first part of the hike was easy. The trail wasn’t steep, and the rainforest was pleasantly cool, with the trees providing a nice shade from the hot Brazilian sun. After only a short walk, we both agreed this was so much more pleasant than the cramped train ride! We passed a few “waterfalls” along the way. We’re sure these look a lot more attractive in spring/summer, but in the winter, they were nothing more than wet rocks. After about 20 minutes along the trail, we came to a steeper part of the mountain. We naively thought that this was just a brief incline along the trail, but unfortunately, it wasn’t.

hike to Christ the Redeemer: Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro. The start of our hike to Christ the Redeemer
Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro. The start of our hike to Christ the Redeemer
Along the trail to Cristo Redentor
Along the trail to Cristo Redentor
Along the trail to Cristo Redentor
Along the trail to Cristo Redentor

More Challenging Than We First Imagined

After only a few minutes of climbing up the steep incline, we were out of breath. Now, we like to think of ourselves as fit people. When we’re not travelling, we eat healthily, exercise a few times a week, and get outside as much as we can. We didn’t think this hike was going to be an issue at all. We were wrong…

The steep trail continued on for another 10-20 minutes until we reached the most difficult part of the trail: steep rock with a chain tied to the top of the rock. Holding onto the chain, you were meant to pull yourself up to the top. It wasn’t easy, but we managed to pull ourselves up. As we stood at the top of the rock, catching our breath, we really questioned whether we should’ve gone on this hike and whether we would make it to the top…

hike christ the redeemer: Hikers ahead of us contemplating their route along this rocky park of the hike to Christ the Redeemer
Hikers ahead of us contemplating their route along this rocky part of the hike to Christ the Redeemer.

A Glimpse of Motivation

We took a few more steps and spotted a stunning view of Rio de Janeiro starting to peek out from among the trees. It was exactly the motivation we needed to keep going. After another 15-20 mins, we crossed the train tracks and reached the road. The end was near. Seeing this view as we approached the top was almost surreal. Within seconds, all the pain from the hike and struggles on the way up seemed completely worth it.

hike christ the redeemer: View of Rio de Janeiro from the trail to Christ the Redeemer
View of Rio de Janeiro from the trail to Christ the Redeemer
hike christ the redeemer: Crossing the train tracks on the hike to Christ the Redeemer
Crossing the train tracks along the way
hike christ the redeemer: The road leading up to the end of the hike to Christ the Redeemer
The road leading up to the Christ the Redeemer
hike christ the redeemer: Christ the Redeemer, sitting on top of Corcovado Mountain
Christ the Redeemer, sitting on top of Corcovado Mountain

Arriving At Christ The Redeemer

As we approached one of the world’s most iconic statues, we became overwhelmed by the feeling of accomplishment blended with the feeling of excitement… we suppose it’s the rush that you get after finishing any physically and mentally challenging activity. It’s so powerful! And it’s the reason why we continue to challenge ourselves with these types of adventurous activities over and over again. The view from the top, although interrupted by hundreds of other travellers, was incredible. You could look down on all of Rio de Janeiro, spotting Sugar Loaf Mountain in the distance, the parks and mountains covering the city, and the beaches of Copacabana to Leblon and Guanabara Bay.

hike christ the redeemer: Hundreds of travelers admiring the view from the top of Corcovado Mountain.
Hundreds of travelers admiring the view from the top of Corcovado Mountain.
hike christ the redeemer: Unobstructed view from the top of Corcovado Mountain
Unobstructed view from the top of Corcovado Mountain
hike christ the redeemer: North Eastern view from the top of Corcovado Mountain
North Eastern view from the top of Corcovado Mountain
hike christ the redeemer: The classic tourist shot with Christ the Redeemer
The classic tourist shot with Christ the Redeemer

So, Should You Hike Up The Trail To Corcovado Mountain?

If you are travelling to Brazil and are considering a hike to Christ the Redeemer, we highly recommend it under the right circumstances! While it is a challenging climb and, at times, it will make you wonder why on earth you signed up for it, in the end, it is definitely worth it. Plus, it’s the most environmentally friendly way of visiting the iconic statue!

Tips & Advice for Visiting Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro

Plan ahead.

Climb in the morning. It will help you avoid the heat and other climbers. In the morning, everyone will be going up, but as the day progresses, some will decide to take the trail down. The trail for the Corcovado hike is fairly narrow, so meeting ongoing traffic will inevitably slow you down.

Hike to Christ the redeemer: Start your hike early to avoid the crowds
Start your hike early to avoid the crowds

Bring just the essentials.

  • Bring lots of water. The climb is rather exhausting, and you will get dehydrated. 2 litres per person should last you through the hike. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, like Hydroflask, and filling it up from your hotel beforehand. With Hydroflask, your water is guaranteed to stay cold for up to 24 hours, so you won’t need to worry about it getting warm during your hike to the top. We bring our Hydroflask with us no matter where we go! If your hotel doesn’t have drinking water on tap, consider investing in a personal Steripen, which makes almost any water drinkable.
  • Wear shoes with a grip and comfortable clothes, and leave your valuables at home. You don’t necessarily need to get out your hiking boots, but please don’t attempt to hike up in flip-flops. It’s not a walk in the park. There have recently been increased reports of robberies on the trail, so please leave any valuables you might have at home!
  • Buy your ticket to Christ the Redeemer Monument at the top. Don’t stress about trying to find tickets before you leave. You can easily get them from one of the staff manning the entrance to the statue. Your ticket to the statue will include a van ride back to Centro de Visitantes Paineiras, inside Parque Nacional da Tijuca if you choose to forgo taking the same trail back down to Parque Lage.
  • Get into the Right Van! The van ride that is included in your admission ticket will only take you down to Centro de Visitantes Paineiras, but finding a way to get from Paneiras back down to the city is tough. There are vans that can drive you down to Rua Almirante Alexandrino, but if you are staying in Copacabana or elsewhere in Rio, you’ll have to take another bus to get back to your accommodation. A better way is to try and get the ticket for the Copacabana vans. These leave from the exact same place at the top of Corcovado Mountain. You can either try to buy a ticket for that van or use your Centro de Visitantes Paineiras ticket to sneak into the Copacabana line (don’t tell anyone we suggested this). Be careful about getting the right van back to the city!

Hike to Christ the Redeemer: We bring our Hydroflask with us no matter where we go!

 
Hike to Christ the Redeemer: Wait till you get to the top to buy your ticket
Wait ‘til you get to the top to buy your Christ the Redeemer tickets
Hike to Christ the redeemer: Be careful getting the right van back to the city!
Be careful about getting the right van back to the city!

Is The Hike To Christ The Redeemer Safe?

We would definitely advise anyone attempting this hike to use caution and hike at their own risk. In recent years, since our experience, there has been a tremendous increase in robberies and violent robberies on the trail to the famous monument. 

Back in 2017, a Polish man was stabbed during a robbery. Several men were charged in connection to the incident, and the trail was closed for the summer. 

The latest report was a mass robbery in 2019 where a group of tourists were held at gunpoint. Thankfully, nobody was harmed, but the group did lose their valuables. 

Since then, there has been an effort to improve the safety on the trail, but police resources are scarce in Rio. If you intend to venture up the mountain, exercise caution. Do not carry ANY valuables, and always travel in a group. 

Tijuna Park. Don't bring valuables with you to hike to Christ the Redeemer
Tijuna National Park. Don’t bring valuables with you to hike to Christ the Redeemer

Is There An Easier Way?

The Answer Is Yes

If you are thinking, all of this is wonderful, but I really have no interest in doing the 2-hour Corcovado hikenor do I want to spend 1-2 hours waiting for my train, and I’m concerned about safety. Isn’t there another way? 

There is! You can take an official Parque Nacional da Tijuca van all the way up to the top of Corcovado Mountain. You can book your tickets for the van here, and choose 1 of the 3 departure points: Copacabana, Largo do Machado, or Centro de Visitantes Paineiras (Paineiras Visitor Centre).

Hike to Christ the Redeemer: The Parque Nacional da Tijuna van makes it easy to get to Christ the Redeemer from inside the city.
The Parque Nacional da Tijuna van makes it easy to get to Christ the Redeemer from inside the city.

Copacabana and Largo do Machado

Shuttles run Monday-Friday from 8 a.m to 4 p.m, and on the weekends and holidays from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Ticket prices are R$98 ($19.96 USD). 

Centro de Visitantes Paineiras (Paineiras Visitor Centre)

Shuttles run every day from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are R$55 ($11.20 USD).

This is the fastest and most efficient way to get to the top and is definitely the preferred choice for travellers with limited time. You can get a shuttle bus from Copacabana Beach to Christ the Redeemer.

Where To Stay Near Christ The Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro has a slew of accommodation options. Here are our favourite green hotels in the area that are committed to sustainable business practices.

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Arena Leme Hotel‘s environmental protection plan started with its construction. The hotel is located just in front of Copacabana Beach, which means that much of the hotel offers stunning views of the beach and ocean below.

Banana Leaf Eco Hostel is located in the tranquil neighbourhood of Barra da Guaratiba, just west of downtown Rio. Private and dorm rooms are available.

Green Culture Eco Hostel is a backpacker-style accommodation with both private and dorm rooms available. This hostel is a great place to experience Brazilian culture, as it’s tucked into a residential neighbourhood.

Hike to Christ the Redeemer: You can get a shuttle bus from Copacabana Beach to Christ the Redeemer.
You can get a shuttle bus from Copacabana Beach to Christ the Redeemer.

READ NEXT: 15 Incredible Places to Visit and Things to Do in Brazil

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