Christ the Redeemer: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Greer Ransom
Feb 28, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Jun 8

Christ the Redeemer has been the symbol for Rio de Janeiro since its completion in 1931. Standing 30 meters (38 if you count the pedestal) it towers on top of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. While you can’t go into the statue, the base is actually a chapel where members can go to worship. When you visit you can sometimes see services, baptisms, and communions happening. Being one of the 7 wonders of the world means that hundreds of thousands of people are visiting annually. This massive wonder is truly a sight to see and from its vantage point you can gaze out at the massive city of Rio de Janeiro. The view is breathtaking. Ready to book your ticket to Rio already? Thought so! Here is all you need to know about booking your visit to Christ the Redeemer.

When to visit….

The biggest thing to consider when visiting is just that, when to visit. The view of the mountains, ocean and city is stunning but rain and clouds are not uncommon and can quickly block you from experiencing that stunning vantage point of the city. Luckily you can buy a ticket the day before going so I would suggest not buying tickets until you know the weather will be clear and try and plan your trip during the dry season: Average Rio weather.

That being said, the second thing you need to consider is what time to go. The park allows pretty much an unlimited number of people to enter the platform. The platform is very crowded with people. Sometimes its hard to even move around. The less crowded time is early in the morning. The line to get in is a lot shorter and there are less people to weave through. That being said there will still be a thicker crowd especially on beautiful, sunny and warm days. Some people say it is worth fighting through the crowds to see the sunset, however there are other high vantage point sunset opportunities in the city so I would hold out.

Getting there….

So that brings us to getting to Christ the Redeemer.

There are lots of options for coordinating your visit. And there is something for everyone. One thing to note if you choose an option like ubering that does not include entry tickets buy them beforehand please. The desk ONLY takes cash and sometimes the line is so long it takes over an hour to get through.

Easy, convenient, and hassle free options

Tours

Pros:

Tours are a great option for those who have a limited amount of time, have a set budget and don't want to deal with multiple charge calculations, or if you want a one click option and don't want to coordinate ubers and train tickets (even though all the links you'll ever need are here 😂 but I get it I’ve been there).

Cons:

For those of you who have read some of my blogs you know I don't like paying for tours I can do myself (I am a budget traveler after all). The reason I wouldn't put just booking a tour on the top of my list would be;

1. It's easy and cheap to book the transportation methods they use, on your own (and cheaper).

2. The information on these tours don't exceed the information plaques and pamphlets provided at each sight.

3. You will either be rushed for a multi stop tour or you will be waiting around a lot because coordinating tons of people at once takes time.

4. A lot of the tours are confusing and you really don't know what you are going to get. I've heard mixed reviews about the exact same tour 😣

How to Book:

Viator is the best option to look through. When booking make sure you get ones that offer skip the line passes and take the train because the train is amazing. Here are a few I found that look like they would be decent. Let me know if you have any good recommendations that you have tried!

Shuttle Vans

Pros:

This is one of the easiest, most hassle free options. We had no troubles with this booking process as all the instructions were very clear and the meeting points were very well marked with convenient pick up locations in the city. These tickets include a van to the base of the mountain and the entry ticket which includes a van to the top.

Cons:

The only downside is that it is also not the most scenic way to travel and the vans are not very comfortable, it's a rough drive and you are shoulder to shoulder with everyone else in the van. But that didn't really bother me that much.

How to Book:

Book through the Official van which picks up from 3 locations every 15-20 mins from 8am-5pm and the final van returns around 6pm. You will need to book a specific pick up time with your ticket but not a return.

Pick up locations: Copacabana, Lago do Machado (in front of the Mother Gloria Church), and at Centro de Visitantes (Christ the Redeemer visitor center)

While you can book at the pick up locations it's better to not risk vans being full or having to wait a long time.

Adventurous Options

Hiking

Pros:

Hiking options themselves are always a pro and this is the cheapest option because all you need to do is book your entry ticket R$15-20 (4-6 USD). People say the hike itself (on a nice day) is stunning and a good challenge. You also get to see monkeys! The hike takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

Cons:

While hiking is always something I love to do, in this situation after talking to several people and researching there were multiple incidences of people reporting getting mugged along the trail, so we opted not to take this option. But I have heard the hike is the preferred option for a lot of people, especially those who love a challenging forest hike and wildlife. If you want to hike, go in a larger group, don't take valuables, your passport is required to get in so hide it well, and stay alert and aware.

How to Book:

All you need to do is buy your entry ticket because hiking the trail is free

Book your entry tickets here (not recommended to buy at the gate because you need cash and the line could take over an hour)

Make your way to the beginning of the trail here or you can start at Parque Lage which is a beautiful park along the path with a pool and a cafe where you can get some breakfast before starting your hike. The easiest way to get there is to take an uber to Parque Lage.

Honestly the Parque Lage is a great place to spend time even if hiking is not the way you want to visit The Christ.

Scenic Options

Cogwheel Train

Pros:

The first time I went to the Redeemer I took the train and I'll say this is by far the most scenic and fun option. You will take a 20 min ride through the Tijuca Forest and it's worth the extra couple of bucks 😀. Here is your opportunity to see the Atlantic forest and all of the wild life living there. Taking the train should be on the list of attractions itself.

Cons:

Boarding the train can take a long time because of how ionic and busy it is. If you don't want to wait, book your skip the line ticket so you can walk right up and get on the next train.

How to Book:

Book your train here or skip the line ticket which means you get to be on the next train right when you get there.
You will board the train at Corcovado Train station

Getting there
By metro: São Judas Tadeu Church is the stop if you are taking the metro towards Cosme Velho
Uber to Corcovado Train station
Drive and park at the station (there is a parking fee)

And there you have it all the best ways to book your experience to the Christ the Redeemer. Leave a comment and reach out if you know any amazing tours or other ways to experience Christ the Redeemer. I always love advice.