7 things to know before visiting the Christ Statue
Planning a trip to one of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular destinations – the Christ statue – from the comfort of your home can result in a disappointing trip staring at the wonders of cloud instead of enjoying Rio Harbour, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
1. Pre-booking online
Decisions, decisions! Is it better to book online or wait till you get there? It was recommended that I didn’t book any tours before arriving as tours can easily be booked the day before or on the day – except during peak times (Dec to March) and especially during the Carnival Festival when everything in Rio is at maximum capacity! [However, if it is a special activity it is worth checking with your hotel about pre-booking requirements.]
2. Hazy Pollution
There is nothing more disappointing than waking up to fog on the morning of your tour and finding out it has no intention of lifting for the rest of the day.
Rio de Janeiro has a pollution problem which can make sightseeing from high outlook points such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado tricky.
If you have time in Rio, decide on the day, that way you have a higher probability of getting good visibility to enjoy the stunning views from the top. This is a sight you don’t want to miss because of inclement weather or thick hazy pollution.
3. Going with a tour group
I
f you have a tight schedule, aren’t adventurous, or want all the arrangements taken care of for you then a tour is your best option.
Your tour choices are:
Half day tour to Corcovado – Christ Statue: The trip is four hours, with start times of 9:30am for early birds and 2:00pm for party goers. This will be a whirlwind trip to the Christ Statue, Sambodromo, Cathedral and Maracana.
The Full day tour – One day Rio: Starts at 9:30am and is 9 hours showing you the major tourist sites. You will be able to explore the Christ Statue, Sambodromo, Cathedral, Maracana, Downtown and Sugar Loaf. This trip includes lunch in a Barbecue Restaurant and is good value for money if you want to see all these sites.
4. Going alone
Because I had a week in Rio, I opted not to take a tour. I wanted to take my time and savour the different places. The tours seemed too rushed for my liking.
If you decide to go alone, there are two ways to the top. You can take a taxi to the Christ Statue entrance or to the Corcovado Trem station. If you are going with the Tram make sure your cheeky taxi driver understands that you are catching the Tram otherwise he will try to earn extra cash by taking you to the top! There is little price variation between the two options; however the Tram is far more enjoyable.
5. Catching the tram
The tram leaves every half hour. When you buy your ticket at the Tram station entrance, it will specify the time of your departure. Cash is preferred but they do take credit cards. And don’t worry if you don’t speak Portuguese, they speak English making this an easy trip to do alone.
There are two coaches and the number of tickets sold, are counted to ensure everyone gets a seat. The coaches are clean, with all seats offering the same good views. Don’t be surprised to see tourist police on the coaches – your safety and enjoyment are important.
There is no time limit at the top, you can catch any tram down – just make sure you don’t lose your ticket!
6. Samba band
From the penultimate station to the top a samba band joins the first coach. This provides good entertainment, contact with local musician and a chance trying to samba. However, be aware that the music is loud and boisterous – so if you have sensitive ears then it is best to avoid the first coach. As you reach the station – pull out a couple a reais and give them a donation, this is how they earn their living.
7. The Summit Cafe
There is a lovely cafe at the top. On my first trip I ignored it thinking it would be expensive. The second time up with my mom-in-law – we decided to stop and savour our experience. I ordered a hot chocolate and my mom-in-law ordered a cappuccino – they came with a full cup, a jug providing another two cups and 2 slices of biscotti toast with butter and jam. What we got for the price we paid made it cheaper than most of the cafes on Copacabana!
I never knew what is involved visiting the summit. Sounds very entertaining and, like you, I would also opt on going it alone. Great and helpful post.
Thanks for the comment. When taking a tour they sort everything out for you which can be appealing. But every tour I read their prefered choice was a mini bus to the top with a 30min summit stop. This just seemed too short – the tours felt more like a checklist to say I done it rather than a time to savour and really enjoy. I really recommend going alone – it really is easy and fun…