4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
20min by bus to the base of the hill of Copacabana and then by cable-car
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
A few hours
Corcovado (Brazil)
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Christian Haugen
Practical information about Corcovado
Reviews of Corcovado
Rio's gem, the Corcovado is a forest-covered hill/rock, that stands over the city and provides a stunning view. It's here you'll find the famous 'Christ the Redeemer' statue that stands on its peak.
My suggestion:
Go early in the morning during the week, so as to avoid having millions of tourists ruin your photos of the statue.
Summary:
Going up to see Rio's 'Christ the Redeemer' is a must for any visitor on a trip to Brazil .
Covered by a primary rainforest called Mata Atlântica, you can reach the statue by foot. It takes several hours and you need to be fit as it's steep, hot and humid most of the year. Otherwise you can get there by car or bus to Cosme Velho and then take a cable-car (a much cooler choice).
Whichever way you choose, you'll see lots of little primates that Brazilians call ' mico-leão ' as well as huge fruits or jacas, hanging from the trees.
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flickr cc Yvon Maurice
A mountain on which you'll find one the world's best known statues and an iconic work of art in the 'Cidade Maravilhosa' of Rio de Janeiro. This is the home of 'Christ the Redeemer'.
My suggestion:
The good news is you no longer need to queue up on the day to buy your train ticket, as sale points were set up two years ago and are dotted around the city. Plan your visit in advance so you don't find yourself waiting for hours.
Summary:
The Christ of Corcovado, is one of Brazil's top tourist attractions, as popular as Paris's Eiffel Tower. An pertinent comparison; the statue was created by Paul Landowski - a French sculptor. Being French myself, it may be thanks to this patriotic connection that I like the statue so much....and suggest you head up the mountain to wish him 'bonjour'. Or it may be because it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Obviously it's very touristy, but the view over Rio's bay makes it an even more worthwhile trip. So if the sky is cloudy, it's better to put it off for another day!
This giant Christ is 38 meters high and sits on a peak that measures 704 meters; a open declaration of the importance of Catholicism in Brazil. Whilst it's a religious symbol for some, there are many others who believe the statue represents unity within the country.
There are a number of ways to get there. Private taxis if you have the budget, municipal buses for backpackers or cog train if you want to take the scenic route. Hikers can also follow trails up through the worlds largest, urban forest, the Tijuca Forest, one of Brazil's national parks.
This Corcovado beacon is definately a place to visit if Rio is on your list of places to see during yourtrip to Brazil. I have to be honest, though, and say that the hoards of tourists, shops and touts were a bit annoying...
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Christian Haugen
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