Brazil Rio de Janeiro Things to DoChrist the Redeemer (Corcovado)

Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado)

4.8

Rio de JaneiroHalf day

HeritageUNESCOStatueViewpoint

About

Christ the Redeemer is a 38-meter-tall Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ standing atop the 700-meter granite peak of Corcovado in Tijuca Forest National Park. Towering over Rio de Janeiro, it is widely recognized as the Western Hemisphere’s most famous religious monument and is counted among the New Seven Wonders of the World, making it a centerpiece in any Rio de Janeiro travel guide. The statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by Paul Landowski (responsible for the head and hands) along with Gheorghe Leonida (who created the face). Built between 1922 and 1931, it is made of reinforced concrete and covered in soapstone tiles. The pedestal beneath the statue houses a small chapel where weddings and baptisms still occasionally take place. With an arm span of 28 meters, the summit offers the most photographed view in South America. From here, visitors get a sweeping 360-degree panorama that includes Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Maracanã Stadium, and the entire city spread between mountains and the sea. This viewpoint ranks among the top attractions in Rio de Janeiro, especially for those planning to visit Rio de Janeiro for the first time.

Highlights

What makes this place special

Cog Railway Ride

The Trem do Corcovado is a historic 1884 cog railway that climbs 220 meters vertically through Tijuca Forest in about 20 minutes, making the journey itself one of the standout things to do in Rio de Janeiro. As it winds through dense rainforest, it offers a unique approach to the summit that’s often highlighted in any Rio de Janeiro travel guide. For the best views, sit on the right-hand side while ascending. This side opens up to glimpses of the forest canopy and parts of the city below, adding to the overall experience of Rio de Janeiro tourism.

Statue Base Viewpoint

The viewing platforms surrounding the statue’s pedestal offer sweeping 360-degree panoramas, making them one of the most rewarding things to do in Rio de Janeiro. The south-facing side delivers the classic Sugarloaf-and-Guanabara Bay view, while the east side looks out over the city’s beach districts, a highlight often featured in any Rio de Janeiro travel guide. These platforms can get heavily crowded during peak hours, especially midday. For a more relaxed experience while exploring Rio de Janeiro tourism, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or closer to sunset, when the light is softer and the views are clearer across Rio de Janeiro’s coastline and skyline.