DÍA 2:
Christ on Corcovado and Beach Tour
The Christ statue is one of the most visited places in Rio de Janeiro: an impressive concrete statue located on the summit of Corcovado mountain, 710 meters above sea level (2,340 FASL), which can be seen from anywhere in the city and offers a splendid view from above.
This tour invites to go up to the Corcovado by train through the Tijuca Forest, a place of exuberant beauty. The passengers are driven from their hotels to Corcavado station, where the train trip starts.
The statue of Christ with open arms is an icon of Rio de Janeiro. It was built by Héctor da Silva Costa with the collaboration of Paul Landowsky, between 1926 and 1931. The statue of Christ is one of the most visited and visible places in the city. The base of the statue of Christ has a series of concrete platforms at different levels. The last platform is at the feet of the monument. Visitors go from one platform to the next by climbing stairs, where different panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed. The platforms include a stand with tourist information, gift shops, toilets, and bars where food and drinks are available at moderate prices.
When going up, visitors first see the south area of Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, the Botanical Garden, Jockey Club, and most of Tijuca Park. To the north, it is possible to see Copacabana, Botafogo, Flamengo, Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. On the front side of the statue of Christ, some 710 meters above sea level (2,340 FASL), it is possible to see Downtown Rio, and Guanabara and Niteroi bays. To the west, Maracana stadium and part of Tijuca Park can be seen.