Visit Christ The Redeemer

The adventure

The little red train climbs out of Cosme Velho and into the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world, with glimpses of the city flashing between the trees. At the top, around 700 metres above the sea, you climb the last steps and there he is, arms spread 28 metres from fingertip to fingertip, gazing out over Rio.

The statue, finished in 1931, is reinforced concrete clad in thousands of small triangular soapstone tiles, and it is struck by lightning several times a year. Turn around and the view is just as famous: Sugarloaf Mountain rising from Guanabara Bay, the curves of Copacabana and Ipanema, the Maracanã stadium and the favelas spilling down the hills. When the clouds roll through, the statue vanishes and reappears in seconds, which only adds to the drama.

Why it’s epic

The statue is 30 metres tall on an 8-metre pedestal, with arms spanning 28 metres.
Completed in 1931 and clad in thousands of small soapstone tiles.
The cog train climbs through Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban forests in the world.
Views over Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema and the Maracanã.

What it is

Christ the Redeemer is a 30-metre statue on top of Corcovado mountain and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

How to do it

Take the cog train from Cosme Velho or an official van up to the statue. Book tickets ahead and go early.

Top tip

Check the weather: the summit is often in cloud.

Need to know

Buy train or van tickets in advance for a set time, and go early before the crowds and the clouds build.
The summit is often in cloud, so keep your plans flexible and go on the first clear morning.
Use official transport rather than walking up through the forest alone.

Plan this trip

Rough cost: £2,000 to £5,000 per person, including flights from the UK
Time needed: Half a day
Best time to go: All year (clear days are best)
Fly into: GIG airport

Long-haul flights to Rio are the main cost; the train ticket and Rio hotels are modest by comparison.

Do it yourself

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My experience

Ticked off, but the full story is still to be written up.