Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado rises majestically out of the dense green rainforest that makes up Tijuca National Park, situated just west of central Rio. As the world’s largest urban forest, the national park itself is breathtaking, as is the 710-metre high granite mountain. It is the open arms of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue at the mountain’s summit, however, that welcomes the 2 million visitors that travel here every year. Open to the public since 1931, the statue is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is an essential part of any trip to Rio.

You can take a taxi to the top of the mountain, but doing so runs the risk of being charged hugely inflated tourist prices, and also means you miss out on the experience of Corcovado’s famous cogwheel train. Outdating the statue itself, the cogwheel train was used to ferry pieces of the statue up the mountain. Today electric train cars carry passengers up and down the mountain, often with samba bands playing to keep the party atmosphere going. You can buy tickets for the cogwheel train directly at the station.

A choice of either escalators or lifts with panoramic views allows visitors to finish the ascent with ease. Standing at the base of the 30-metre statue, you will undoubtedly struggle to decide between soaking up the awe-inspiring vistas that surround Corcovado, and gazing at the 28 metre arm span of Jesus Christ. The statue is perched on an 8 metre pedestal, with a small chapel inside that offers a chance for reflection and some much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the crowds outside. It’s unlikely that you’ll avoid the crowds completely, but the earlier you arrive, the more space you’ll find at the statue’s feet.