Heritage & monuments
Christ the Redeemer
About Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is the large statue of Christ that stands atop Corcovado mountain, overlooking Rio de Janeiro. It was built between the 1920s and early 1930s and stands 38 meters tall including its pedestal. Most visitors come for the panoramic views over the city, Guanabara Bay, and the surrounding hills, as well as to see the statue itself up close.
Getting there
From the city centre, the most common way up is the Corcovado Rack Railway, a cog train that climbs through the forest of Tijuca National Park to near the summit. Vans and organized tours are also available and follow the same access road. Travel time from central Rio is generally in the range of 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and wait times at the base station, with the train ride itself taking about 20 minutes.
How much time to allow
Once at the top, most visitors spend somewhere between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, factoring in time to reach the viewing platforms, take in the views from different angles, and queue for photos near the statue.
When to go
- Mornings tend to be less crowded than midday and afternoon.
- Clear weather matters here more than at most attractions, since clouds and fog can block the view entirely — check conditions before heading up.
- Expect large crowds and lines, especially around midday and on weekends.
Combining with nearby sights
The Corcovado Rack Railway station and the Corcovado viewpoint area itself are essentially part of the same visit. Parque Lage, about 1km away, is a good stop before or after for its gardens and trails at the base of the mountain. The Carioca River, roughly 1.8km away, can also be worked into a walking route through the surrounding forest area if time allows.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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