Very few people who have had the desire to visit Brazil are unfamiliar with the iconic Art Deco statue of Christ that overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro. It can often be seen from the popular Rio sunset sailing tours that have proven so popular. With its outstretched arms, and sitting atop Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The 30 meter-tall statue is a major tourist attraction in the city, as on average two million people visit the site every year. Which begs the question: What should you expect when visiting? And what’s the best way to go about seeing the ‘Rio Jesus’?
Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons, or simply to tick off a bucket-list location on your itinerary, keep reading to pick up the best tips for making your visit to Christ the Redeemer in Brazil an A+ experience with our top Christ the Redeemer Tickets options.
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Highlights:
- Incredible views over the city.
- One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Part of a forest hike if you prefer that option.
Know before you book:
- Save a few dollars by using “Juntos” or ride-shares get to the base of the mountain.
- Expect queues and crowds on most fine days.
- All transport (Buses, trains, vans, etc) as well as entry to the statue, will cost money.
The statue itself, located in Tijuca National Forest Park, has an interesting history. It was actually built in France, starting in 1922, and took nine years to complete. It weighs an impressive 635 tons, which makes its positioning at the top of Corcovado that much more impressive.
It is also estimated that some six million soapstone tiles were used in its construction, with several hidden messages left by the construction workers written on them.
Despite those numbers, it is only the fifth-largest statue of Christ in the world. People flock to see the statue, but also enjoy the bonus of catching an incredible view of the city from above. If you are lucky enough to visit at night, you may also note the statue glowing in the moonlight. This is due to the rare soapstone used in its construction.
During rain and thunderstorms, the statue’s height makes it a regular target for lightning strikes.
The people of Rio, however, seem to consider the statue very important to their city, and regularly undertake restoration projects to preserve the statue.
Christ the Redeemer Tickets Price 2024
If you purchase tickets for Christ the Redeemer at the entrance yourself, expect to pay about $5 USD (R$24). Take cash only, as this is the preferred method of payment—and take extra, as you may want to grab some snacks while you’re up there. In the low season, some discounts on ticket prices may be offered.
You also have the option of booking a ticket via a tour or an inclusive ticket via the official vans that operate in the city.
A ticket via a van operator can go for around $8.50 USD (R$43,40). Similar pricing can be found for a return ticket on the cog train.
Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train
Rio: Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket with Van Transport
Rio: Christ the Redeemer Early Access and Sugarloaf
Rio: City Sights Van Tour with Christ the Redeemer
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Small-Group Tour
Full Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron with Lunch
Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps
Corcovado with Christ Statue - Be One of the First to Get There
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro Opening and Closing Times
Opening times for the statue are pretty consistent daily, opening at 8 am and closing at 7 pm. Remember that some transport services, like the official bus and vans, operate with different closing times. The last official bus departs from the mountain at 6:30 pm.
Monday – Sunday: 8 am–7 pm
Best Time to Go
If you’re keen to avoid the biggest crowds, aim to arrive at the opening from 8 am. On the other hand, an evening trip overlooking the city at dusk can be spectacular.
A Note on Corcovado
The Christ the Redeemer statue sits atop Corcovado mountain, a 710 metres-tall peak rising from the center of Rio. The name means “hunchback” in Portuguese. The mountain (and statue) employs an electric train system, a 3.5 km road, or a hiking trail to allow visitors access.
There are 223 steps that have to be walked from the drop-offs of the train and other transport, making access to the statue by wheelchair difficult. However, the viewing deck below the main peak still offers a wonderful view of the city.
Corcovado is Brazil’s highest peak of its kind (a granite dome), and one of the most well-known mountains in South America as a result.
Top Christ the Redeemer Ticket Options
Statue of Christ the Redeemer trips are suitable for everyone, and indeed there are options for all needs. Whether you’re a single traveler, here with a family, looking for a half-day trip, or perhaps something different for a whole day, there’s an option for you. These are just two option highlights:
Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Small-Group Tour
If, like most visitors to Rio, you’re with a small group or family, this half-day tour is ideal. It is designed for a small group of people and not only gets you to the Redeemer but also to Sugarloaf mountain. Sugarloaf is another extremely popular attraction in Rio, and a day spent in the mountains, so to speak, is worth reserving.
This tour takes in both summits early in the morning. You’ll be beating the worst of the crowds, and will even be picked up from your hotel. Your guide will offer valuable and fascinating information about the locations and other tidbits about landmarks you will pass along the way.
You have the option of adding your admission price to the Redeemer statue if you think you’ll actually want to go in—which you will.
- Luxury van transport
- Additional bonus of info around landmarks on the way (like Copacabana beach)
- Option to include entrance to the Redeemer statue
- Tickets to Redeemer statue (unless requested)
- Food and drinks
See Rio and Christ the Redeemer by Train
If you’re looking for a slightly different experience, with the added thrill of riding a train to Corcovado, why not try visiting the Rio Christ via the cog train? This option includes a ticket to the Christ the Redeeemer statue.
A cog railway system employs a rack-and-pulley system that allows for a train to be pulled up particularly steep slopes. This train is also a delightful red colour that adds to the feeling of adventure somehow.
- Train ticket to Christ the Redeemer statue
- Entrance to Christ the Redeemer Statue Museum and Visitors Center
- Priority boarding up to the statue
- Tour guide
- Food and drinks
- Superb views
- One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Many tour options
- May require some walking up the steps
- Can be crowded
- Cash required for tickets and food
Specification: Christ the Redeemer Tickets | Visit the Statue in Rio de Janeiro 2024
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Karen_H –
Great pre tour information re our hotel pick up time. Good driver. Gisele was an efficient and helpful tour guide. It was easy for us to buy the entrance ticket with the credit card. We were one of the first to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue on a day with clear blue skies. This gave us stunning views of the surrounding area. The statue itself is very impressive and well worth a photo. The road trip up and down was also interesting. We were delivered back to our hotel in good time via a comfortable van.
Karen_H –
Great pre tour information re our hotel pick up time. Good driver. Gisele was an efficient and helpful tour guide. It was easy for us to buy the entrance ticket with the credit card. We were one of the first to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue on a day with clear blue skies. This gave us stunning views of the surrounding area. The statue itself is very impressive and well worth a photo. The road trip up and down was also interesting. We were delivered back to our hotel in good time via a comfortable van.
Karen_H –
Great pre tour information re our hotel pick up time. Good driver. Gisele was an efficient and helpful tour guide. It was easy for us to buy the entrance ticket with the credit card. We were one of the first to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue on a day with clear blue skies. This gave us stunning views of the surrounding area. The statue itself is very impressive and well worth a photo. The road trip up and down was also interesting. We were delivered back to our hotel in good time via a comfortable van.
Karen_H –
Great pre tour information re our hotel pick up time. Good driver. Gisele was an efficient and helpful tour guide. It was easy for us to buy the entrance ticket with the credit card. We were one of the first to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue on a day with clear blue skies. This gave us stunning views of the surrounding area. The statue itself is very impressive and well worth a photo. The road trip up and down was also interesting. We were delivered back to our hotel in good time via a comfortable van.