Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro Tickets and Tours

Since its inauguration in 1931, Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain has become the universal image of Rio de Janeiro and is the most visited attraction in the city and in Brazil, drawing millions of tourists every year. Joining an organised tour of Christ the Redeemer is one of the best ways to see this modern wonder of the world and, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer is the main objective of most tourists who come to Rio de Janeiro, and doing so on an organised tour is the best way to enjoy this unique experience to the fullest.

One of the main advantages of choosing an organised tour is that you will avoid the long and exhausting queues that often form, as well as having to book tickets in advance, as these can sell out quickly because the number of daily visitors is limited.

What does an organised tour include?

During organised tours, you can avoid stress, as you will not have to worry about the organisation or transport, because you will be taken to the base of the monument in a minivan. In addition, you will also have an experienced guide who will provide you with historical and cultural information about Christ the Redeemer in particular and Rio de Janeiro in general.

This means you only have to worry about learning every detail about this architectural masterpiece and concentrating on enjoying the panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, which stretch from Sugarloaf Mountain to Guanabara Bay.

What other sites can I visit on these organised excursions?

In general, organised excursions to Christ the Redeemer also include other popular visits in Rio de Janeiro:

• Sugar Loaf Mountain.
• Paineiras Visitor Centre.
• Corcovado.
• Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai.
• Cable car to Cerro Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain.

If you prefer not to take an organised tour and decide to visit Christ the Redeemer on your own, you can do so, but keep in mind that there are several things you will need to arrange in advance to optimise your experience and avoid any setbacks or unpleasant experiences that could disrupt your itinerary.

If you plan to visit Rio de Janeiro in December or during the summer months, you will encounter large crowds of tourists, which will make every step of the journey more difficult, from transport to purchasing tickets.

Beyond that, it is very important to consider all the alternatives in order to make the best possible decision according to your budget and the means of transport you have chosen to reach the monument.

Climbing Christ the Redeemer by train

Buying tickets for the Christ the Redeemer rack railway is the most picturesque option, not only because it allows you to travel on a rack railway, but also because you will get some of the best views of the surroundings during the journey.

Bear in mind that the train has limited space, so I advise you to buy your ticket in advance and check out the options for getting from your accommodation to the Cosme Velho neighbourhood, where the station is located.

The journey from here to Christ the Redeemer takes approximately 20 minutes and is one of the best ways to get there early to take some of the best photographs of the monument.

Climbing Christ the Redeemer by van

Vans depart from different points in the city, and the price of this service from Copacabana is approximately €18 per person.

The downside of this option is that during rush hour, there are crowds near the monument and you may have to wait to get in, which will waste your time. However, due to its convenience, it is the best option if you are travelling with children or elderly people.

Climbing Christ the Redeemer on foot

If you are a fan of adventure tours and believe that you not only want to enjoy the best museums in the city but also want to live an authentic experience, you can choose to climb Christ the Redeemer on foot. This alternative is the most popular among backpackers because it is the most economical and because it involves a 2-hour trek that will allow you to discover the landscape of Henrique Lage Park.

This route will take you along winding paths to the monument, which is 710 metres above sea level. Please note that to take this route, you must register at the entrance with your personal details and, given the difficulty, it is recommended that you do the circuit in company. It is also a very weather-dependent option, as rainy or very hot days can make the journey difficult.

Interesting facts about Christ the Redeemer

• Entrance fee: approximately £4.50 per person.
• How to get there: you can go by private transport, on foot or by the Corcovado train.
• Opening hours: every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Christ the Redeemer is not only the main attraction in Rio de Janeiro and one of the new seven wonders of the modern world, but also one of the most visited monuments on the planet, so you can't say you know the city until you've climbed to the top of Corcovado Hill to discover this marvel of 20th-century architecture.

What's more, from the 710 metres above sea level of Christ the Redeemer, you can enjoy some of the best views of Rio de Janeiro, allowing you to see everything from Guanabara Bay to the city's most famous favelas.

If you are religious, you can also consider Christ the Redeemer as a place of pilgrimage, a facet that you can discover especially if you plan to visit Rio de Janeiro during Christmas or during liturgical dates.

Christ the Redeemer is one of the most beautiful attractions in Rio de Janeiro, but it is also one of the most visited, so if you plan to travel to Rio de Janeiro in December or during the summer months, I advise you to book your organised tour of Christ the Redeemer in advance to secure your place on the experience.

If you choose to go on your own, I recommend buying tickets for the cog railway and Christ the Redeemer itself before you arrive in the city.

If you want to take some of the best photos of your trip and avoid the crowds, the best option is to visit the monument in the morning, as close to 8 a.m. as possible. Remember that if you do not purchase tickets in advance, you will have to queue at the base of the monument, which I do not recommend at all.

Interesting facts about Christ the Redeemer

• Where to eat: at the base of the monument, near the Visitor Centre, there is a bar with a variety of local and international food and drink options.
• What to bring in your backpack: clothing to protect you from the sun, sunscreen and water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer.
• Where to take photographs: the best way to get a complete panoramic view of Christ the Redeemer is to capture it from below, from the stairs surrounding the monument, which will allow you to frame yourself in the shot along with the structure.

Christ the Redeemer is one of the most beautiful monuments in Brazil, the most visited site in Rio de Janeiro and one of the world's landmarks of high-rise architecture, but the city has many other attractions to offer, which you can discover during your trip or even combine a visit to Corcovado Hill with other activities on a combined excursion.

Sugar Loaf

This rock formation, which rises 396 metres above sea level and consists of a granite mountain rising from Guanabara Bay, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. Its name, Sugarloaf Mountain, comes from its similarity to the old sugar moulds used in colonial times.

By purchasing your tickets for the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema and Christ the Redeemer.

In addition to the view, at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain you will find hiking trails, souvenir shops and restaurants that will allow you to discover all the secrets of Brazilian cuisine.

Favela la Rocinha

La Rocinha is one of the largest and best-known informal settlements in the world. Its steep, narrow streets are home to Brazil's culture, history and contrasts, and it is one of the most densely populated emergency neighbourhoods.

To discover La Rocinha safely, many tourist agencies offer guided tours. Hiring a tour of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro will allow you to experience the reality of these places first-hand, as most of the expert guides are residents of these settlements.

Selarón Staircase

This colourful staircase connects the neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa and consists of more than 200 steps covered with ceramic tiles from around the world. Each step is unique, with tiles representing the cultural and geographical diversity of the people who visit and contribute to this constantly evolving work.

Book a tour to explore the Selarón Staircase so you don't miss a thing, as the staircase is decorated with artworks and sculptures that Selarón incorporated over the years.

Maracanã Stadium

If you are a football fan, exploring the Maracanã Stadium, one of the cathedrals of football, will not only allow you to visit the museum exhibition, which contains trophies, shirts, memorabilia and a video room, but also to step onto the pitch.

From the Maracanazo to the rivalry between Flamengo and Fluminense, and from Zico and Pelé to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, at the Maracanã you can explore the history of football in one of the most iconic sporting venues in history.