Christ the Redeemer is Rio de Janeiro's defining symbol and one of Brazil's most iconic landmarks: a 38-metre (with pedestal) Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ standing atop the roughly 710-metre Corcovado mountain inside Tijuca National Park. Completed in 1931, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. As of 2026 you still reach the summit by the Corcovado cog train or official vans, and timed tickets sell out fast on weekends and holidays, so booking online in advance is effectively essential. Think of the trip as much for the sweeping 360-degree panorama over Rio, its beaches, Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf as for the statue itself.
The overwhelming scale and Art Deco detail of the 38-metre statue seen from directly below its outstretched arms
The 360-degree summit panorama over central Rio, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and the beaches
The roughly 20-minute cog-train ride climbing through the Tijuca Atlantic rainforest, the world's largest urban forest
The small chapel consecrated in 2006 in the pedestal, reflecting the site's role as a place of pilgrimage
Early-morning clarity or the golden light of late afternoon when the city glows beneath the statue
Good to know
CautionThe summit is reached only by the official cog train (tremdocorcovado.rio) and the official Paineiras vans (paineirascorcovado.com.br). Touts near the station and van stops, and unofficial resold tickets, often carry heavy markups. Buy only through the official channels.
RulesOnline tickets are timed-entry: your train or van slot is fixed. Exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at the Cosme Velho station box office at your booked time, and don't miss the slot or you may not board. Reserve several days ahead for weekends and holidays.
SafetyPickpocketing is common around the Cosme Velho station and van boarding points such as Praça do Lido in Copacabana. Don't flash phones or cameras, keep bags in front of you, avoid walking quiet streets after dark, and use official transport or an app-based taxi.
SeasonThe dry season (April–October) offers the best odds of clear skies and open views; the wet summer (December–March) is humid and cloud or fog often hides the statue. Check the live summit webcam before you set out.
SafetyUV is intense at the summit and the weather changes fast. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water, and pack a light rain jacket or windbreaker. There are steps up to the viewing platform, so wear comfortable shoes.
MannersThe statue is also a religious site with a chapel. Avoid overly revealing clothing and keep quiet and respectful if a mass or service is under way.
Practical info
Reach the summit by the Corcovado cog train from Cosme Velho station (Rua Cosme Velho 513; take the metro to Largo do Machado, then a bus or taxi) in about 20 minutes, or by official van from Copacabana (Praça do Lido), Largo do Machado, or the Paineiras Visitor Center. The site is generally open daily from around 8:00 to 18:00 (last entry before closing) on a timed-entry system. Fares and hours vary by season and day of the week, so always confirm the latest details on the official sites (tremdocorcovado.rio, paineirascorcovado.com.br).
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