Christ the Redeemer

Completed in 1931, the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands 30 metres tall on the 700-metre peak of Corcovado, arms outstretched over the city. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

The red cog train climbs through the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world, to the base of the monument; escalators and lifts take you the rest of the way, so it suits senior travellers. From the platform you look out over Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Ipanema and the lagoon.

Go early in the morning, before clouds gather around the summit and the platform fills with visitors. Check the weather on the day: if the peak is hidden in cloud, we swap the visit with another sight and try again later in your stay.