Christ the Redeemer stands on top of Corcovado Mountain with outstretched arms above Rio de Janeiro. This statue welcomes you to the warm and friendly Cariocas of Rio.

Getting There Is Half the Fun

We are on a packed subway train car full of rowdy World Cup fans. At the Largo do Machado stop, we transfer to an express bus that takes us to the base of Corcovado. From Cosme Velho, we hop on a twisting funicular that slowly climbs past the Tijuca rainforest. Next up is an elevator followed by two escalators. After some stairs, we finally arrive at the feet of Cristo Redentor. This is the monolithic titan of the Seven New Wonders of the World.

All Eyes on Rio

Cristo has a heart on his chest with arms ready to embrace you. The platform spins around a few terraces and we weave our way to the final railing. It’s not just a viewpoint for admiring the statue. From the vantage point, look at Rio’s marvelous landscape in 360 degrees. You can see the gorgeous beaches of the Southern Zone straight ahead – from Leblon to Ipanema to Arpoador to Copacabana. The giant square lagoon is immediately below. A little to the left is Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and its Bond villain hideout on the peak. All the mountains in Rio have a distinctive camel hump appearance. Underneath the colossus is a tiny chapel. We descend from the summit to the underground train and return to Copacabana.

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