How to Visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio, Brazil (Four Ways)

Posted 05/02/2025 | 5th February, 2025
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Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is a bucket-list experience for all travellers. I am very proud to say that this was my fifth wonder of the world and a real honour to experience.
You’ll be happy to know that getting to the iconic statue is straightforward and relatively affordable (nothing like Macchu Picchu in Peru!). But there are a few different ways to visit, depending on your preference and budget. So, I’ve got you covered with the four main ways to visit Christ the Redeemer.

What is Christ The Redeemer?
First things first, what is Christ the Redeemer?
Standing tall on top of Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is a massive statue of Jesus Christ that symbolises peace, faith and hope.
Designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, the statue was built using reinforced concrete for strength and covered in soapstone for durability. The pieces were constructed in France and transported to Brazil, where they were assembled atop Mount Corcovado.
It was completed in 1931, measuring 30 meters tall with an arm span of 28 meters.
The statue itself has incredible size and artistry, but the location is the real showstopper for me. Nestled within Tijuca National Park, Christ the Redeemer overlooks the astonishing city of Rio, with views stretching from the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to Sugarloaf Mountain.


Option One: Guided Tour
If you’re looking for a stress-free way to visit Christ the Redeemer, a guided tour will be your best option. Many companies offer packages that include round-trip transportation, entry tickets, and a knowledgeable guide (available in many different languages).
👍Pros:
Hassle-free with transportation and tickets handled for you
Expert guides provide interesting insights
Great for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive experience
👎Cons:
More expensive than other options.
Less flexibility in terms of timing and itinerary.
Option Two: Minibus
For a straightforward and budget-friendly option, consider taking the official Christ the Redeemer minibus service.
These minibuses depart from various locations in Rio, including Copacabana and Largo do Machado. The service includes your transportation to Corcovado and your entry ticket to the statue. Minibuses run regularly, making this a convenient choice.
👍Pros:
Affordable and easy to use
No need to worry about parking or navigating
Tickets are included in the price
👎Cons:
Can get crowded during peak times
Limited in terms of personalized experience
Option Three: Tram to Christ the Redeemer
Personally, I think this is the best way to visit Christ the Redeemer.
You first need to head to the Trem do Corcovado station in the Cosme Velho neighbourhood. I recommend taking an Uber here but allow plenty of time as the traffic in Rio is crazy!
The tram departs every 30 minutes, taking you on a scenic 20-minute ride through the lush Tijuca National Forest. You have the option to book online beforehand or buy at the counter on the day.
The first is the safer option for ensuring you don’t have to wait in a huge queue, whereas the latter is better for ensuring you get the best weather!
The tickets indicate that you have to get on the specific train. However, we arrived a little early and managed to jump on an earlier train. However, during busier times of the year, this might not always be possible.
👍Pros:
Unforgettable views during the ride
A charming and historic experience
Avoids road traffic
👎Cons:
Can sell out quickly, especially during high season
Requires planning ahead to secure tickets


Option Four: Hike
The fourth and final option for visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio is to hike. The hike begin at Parque Lage, which is another very popular tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro. The hike takes around 90 minutes and is said to be reasonably easy.
However, this is not a safe hiking route. Numerous tourists have been robbed (including at knife and gunpoint) on this trail. Therefore, I would absolutely not recommend it.
Whilst these incidents are relatively infrequent, I wouldn’t take the risk. There are plenty of better ways to get your steps in and work up a sweat in Rio.
My Thoughts on Christ The Redeemer
I have to be honest, Christ the Redeemer was not my favourite attraction in Rio. In fact, I found it extremely underwhelming.
The statue itself is incredible – absolutely magnificent.
However, the crowds were unbearable. It was by far and away the busiest, most chaotic experience in Rio. This caught me (naively) a little off guard after a relatively tranquil visit to Sugarloaf Mountain the previous day.
However, I would still 100% recommend visiting this site. It is a wonder of the world, after all. I just recommend going as early as possible and preparing yourself for the crazy crowds.
You only need a few hours to enjoy this site, so you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy some incredible other attractions in Rio de Janeiro.
Top Tip For Visiting Christ the Redeemer
As mentioned, one of the best parts of visiting Christ the Redeemer is the fantastic views of the city. Therefore, it is imperative that you visit during good weather!
The weather by the beach does not dictate how to weather will be at Christ the Redeemer. Therefore: always look up!
I experienced glorious sunshine on the beach, but when looking up, the statue was engulfed in clouds. Make sure the statue is visible from downtown before heading up!
Final Tips for Visiting Christ the Redeemer
⏰Go early or late: To avoid the crowds, aim to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The lighting is also ideal for photos during these times.
😎Bring sunscreen and water: Even if it’s not hot, the sun can be intense.
🥾Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll need to walk up some steps to reach the statue.
🎫Book tickets in advance: Whether you’re taking a tour, minibus, or tram, securing your tickets ahead of time can save you from long queues.
Useful Links for Travelling Brazil:
🛌Booking.com / Hostelworld for the best-priced accommodation
🚌 BusBud for long-distance busses in advance
🌎 Viator / Get Your Guide for tours across Brazil
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