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Christ the Redeemer Review – Is It Worth it? 

Christ the Redeemer Review – Is It Worth it? 

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Wondering if visiting Christ the Redeemer is worth it? We go over that and a whole lot more in this review!

Built in 1931, Christ the Redeemer is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Chances are you already knew that, but are wondering if it lives up to the hype or if it’s best to just admire it from the city and leave it at that.

We’ve traveled Rio extensively over the years and visited Christ the Redeemer several times. In this review, we answer whether we think visiting this iconic statue is worth your time.

Is it safe to visit Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio?

Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro from the air
It’s so big!
Christ the Redeemer in Rio Brazil
You can see it from all over the city

Yes, visiting Christ the Redeemer is perfectly safe! I would still advise standard precautions you would take anywhere like not leaving valuables unattended, but chances of something like theft happening here are extremely low.

We’ve found that getting to Christ the Redeemer safely from Rio can be done in a couple of different ways. Taxis can drive you to the base of the statue and you’ll be able to find them all over the city. Just be sure to check that they set the meter at zero when you start your journey. If you don’t want to be bothered with flagging down taxis, Uber is an even easier (and sometimes cheaper) ride-on-demand option.

Another fun, safe, and cheap way to get there is to take the cog train up the mountain and back down again. The ride takes 20 minutes one way and passes through the largest urban rainforest in the world, how cool is that? Prices vary depending on if it’s high or low season, but round-trip tickets will only cost between $20-$25 USD. Trains leave every 30 minutes from 8:20 am – 5 pm with the final rides down at 6:30 pm and 7 pm.

The front of the train that travels up to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro
The cog train you can ride up
Line to visit Christ the Redeemer Rio Brazil
The line for tickets to Christ the Redeemer can be hours long, get the fast pass!

However, something very, very important I recommend doing when visiting on your own is to purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance. Without this, you’ll have to wait in line, sometimes for hours, to get your tickets!

It’s no fun to get up there and then stand in the heat with hundreds of other people. The little bit extra you pay to avoid that hassle is absolutely worth it.

Overall we’ve found that the best way to experience Christ the Redeemer is through an organized tour. With round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from your hotel, skip-the-line tickets, an English-speaking guide, and lunch included, it’s the complete package! We took this tour for only $95 USD as part of a larger tour of Rio and it was incredible. Our guide took care of everything and we loved having a safe way to explore other highlights of the city with a local.

Should you hike to Christ the Redeemer?

View looking up at the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro
Would you hike all the way up?

Hiking to Christ the Redeemer is an amazing experience. The trail weaves through the Tijuca Forest National Park and boasts a wide variety of wildlife like capuchin monkeys, anteaters, exotic birds, and even armadillos. The trail is 11 kilometers (7 miles) and on average, takes 2-3 hours to hike one way.  

Keep in mind that this hike is considered moderately challenging, so bring good boots. You’ll also want to pack plenty of water and bug spray unless you enjoy mosquitos making you a mid-day snack. To actually get into Christ the Redeemer at the end of the hike, you’ll buy tickets at the gate for around $10 USD and only cash is accepted. 

But because of robberies that happen all too often on this trail, hiking up isn’t something I recommend unless you do it as part of a guided tour. While having a guide guarantees safety, it also means that you are much more likely to spot animals, now that’s a sweet bonus! 

We personally recommend this guided hike up to Christ the Redeemer for its enthusiastic and personable nature guides. It’s cheaper the more people you book for, but it’s $73 USD each for four people (plus $10 USD for entry tickets), and for your ensured safety plus a nature guide, I think it’s easily the best way to do the hike. 

Pros of visiting Christ the Redeemer

View of Rio and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas from the Christ the Redeemer
View of Rio and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas from the Christ the Redeemer Statue

Amazing Views – Sitting 713 meters (2,340 feet) high on Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro and the ocean. Easily one of the best views in Brazil! 

One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – The world is a big place, so being crowned one of only seven new wonders of the world is a big deal. Constructing a massive statue on a mountain is no small feat, so I can see why! It will absolutely blow you away when you see it in person.

Culturally significant – Celebrating Brazilian faith and tradition was at the heart of the decision to build Christ the Redeemer. It holds massive importance for the entire country and is treasured around the world. You see it in movies, hear about it in songs, and read about it in books!

Iconic place to visit – Like the Statue of Liberty, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Taj Mahal, it’s one of those places everyone knows and owes it to themselves to visit. It’s iconic for a reason!

Cool photos – Okay this may not matter to some of you, but you can get the iconic photo with Christ the Redeemer, and it’s a fun one to post on social media! 

Related Read: If you only have a short time in Rio, maximize your time by following our 3-day Rio itinerary!

Cons of visiting Christ the Redeemer

Daniel poses with the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio
It can be very crowded!

Extremely busy – Crowds, crowds, and more crowds. It comes with the territory of being a modern wonder of the world! It’s always a little busy, but less so when it first opens at 8 am, so go early if you can.

A bit of a tourist trap – There’s really no way around the tourist trap side of this iconic destination. There are vendors everywhere trying to sell you things, loads of people, it’s pretty expensive, and it can become overwhelming quickly. 

Not shaded and can be hot – There are no covered areas at the top and Rio is not a cold place, the sun gets hot! Wear sunscreen, bring a hat, some water, and be prepared to sweat. 

Weather dependent – On the opposite end of things, if you happen to visit on a day when it’s cloudy or raining, you’re really not going to have great views.

Would I visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio again?

The viewing platform at the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil
Yes!

Absolutely! It’s one of those places I would recommend everyone check out even if they hate crowds and only stay for a little bit.

Yeah, it’s a tourist trap, and sure it’s super crowded, but seeing this amazing statue up close and the views it offers is worth the minor annoyances. I guarantee you won’t regret it! If you still have questions we wrote another article going over the 15 things you need to know before visiting Christ the Redeemer.

We have been twice and enjoyed it each time. The first time we did it on our own, but the second time we went as part of an all-day city tour and it was honestly better. We liked having a guide, transportation, and tickets sorted for us so all we had to worry about was taking pictures. If you only plan on going once I definitely recommend this tour to make the most of your visit and avoid any hassle.

Related Read: For more easy ways to see the best of this city, check out our 12 favorite tours in Rio!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

Other Activities to do While in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The views heading up Sugarloaf Mountain!

There’s so much to do in Rio, it’s impossible to get bored here! The city is full of exciting experiences you won’t want to miss while you’re exploring Brazil. If you’re looking for activities to fill up your Rio itinerary, we’ve got you covered.

  • Take in the views – Rio from above is a must-see! Make sure to visit Sugarloaf Mountain with a cable car ride to the top. It’s popular though, so we recommend buying this fast pass ticket! If you’re up for a hike, head to the Two Brothers Lookout – an iconic viewpoint in Rio. You can even book a hiking tour to catch the sunrise from the top and have the convenience of a local guide.
  • Celebrate Carnival – If you schedule your trip to Rio around the end of February/early March, you’ll catch one of the biggest parties in all of South America: Carnival! There are so many things to do during Carnival and great ways to experience Carnival on a budget, so you better be prepared for a week you won’t forget! For tickets to the main show, grandstand seats start at $30 USD.
  • Enjoy Samba at Pedra do Sal – For a more authentic side of Rio, Pedra do Sal at night is the place to go. Known as the birthplace of Samba, this neighborhood knows how to party! You can experience this lively scene by yourself or book this Samba tour that includes a bit of the history and culture and a Samba party!
  • Relax on Copacabana Beach – A trip to Rio is not complete without spending some time on Copacabana Beach. After all of your days of adventuring and touring, a fun beach day will be needed! This is a lively beach with vendors selling beers, cocktails, and food, so you can really hang out all day. You can’t miss out on this classic Rio beach!
  • Take a Brazilian cooking class – You are going to encounter some amazing food while in Brazil. What better souvenirs to take home than knowing how to make some popular meals? This 3-hour cooking class will teach you how to make seven dishes, including dessert and the famous Caipirinha.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

view of the pool and beach at PortoBay Rio de Janeiro
Imagine swimming with this view! Photo Credit: PortoBay Rio de Janeiro
a clean hotel room with patio overlooking the ocean
Photo Credit: PortoBay Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a HUGE city, so there are tons of places to stay. The three most popular areas to stay in Rio are Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa/Santa Teresa.

Each location is unique, with Copacabana and Ipanema being close to the beach and Lapa and Santa Teresa more in the historical part of the city. We have recommendations for each area so you can figure out the best option for you.

Copacabana

Budget travelers will love Pura Vida Hostel. It’s clean and social, with lots of space to party just like a local. It’s only 2 blocks from Copacabana Beach and a 15-minute walk to Arpoador, which has plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies. The staff is warm and welcoming and makes your stay even more fun with their social personalities! Dorm beds start at $24 USD a night, and you can book a room on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

If you can spend a little more, Nacional Inn Rio Copacabana is a popular choice. It’s a few blocks from the beach and has a pool with an excellent view. Although the rooms are on the small side, that shouldn’t matter too much if you plan to spend most of your time outside of the hotel. They offer a fresh breakfast with bread, meats, cheeses, and fruits. There’s also an on-site bar and a sauna. Rooms are around $100 USD, and the best deals I’ve found are on Booking.com.

Luxury travelers should stay at PortoBay Rio de Janeiro. It’s a 4-star beachfront hotel with a rooftop pool, gym, spa, and sauna. The on-site La Finestra restaurant serves really delicious Brazilian dishes as well as other international cuisine. The complementary breakfast buffet has fresh fruits, juices, and hot and cold choices. It’s also within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and popular bars. You can book a room with a sea view for around $200 USD.

Ipanema

Ipanema Beach House is the best budget option, with dorm beds starting at $17 USD. This historic house is in a very safe neighborhood of Rio – just one block from the metro station! It’s super close to the chill Ipanema Beach, and there’s a pool near the main building! Other more popular beaches are only 2 km (1.2 mi) away. It’s also easy to book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

For medium-budget travelers, Arena Ipanema Hotel is a beachfront property with stunning views, a restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool with lots of lounge chairs to work on your tan. There is a fitness center and sauna and a 24-hour help desk if you need anything. Prices start at around $300 USD a night, but check availability here for last minute deals!

Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is another fantastic option for luxury travelers – and you can’t get any closer to the water! It has a rooftop pool and all the facilities you’d expect, like a wellness center offering massages, a gym and sauna, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, a sunroom, and a nightclub – it’s perfect! A bed here will set you back $600 USD, but your room will have modern furnishings, a minibar, robes, and a TV. Some even have a seating area and a bathtub. So book your luxury stay in Ipanema here!

Lapa and Santa Teresa

I love the Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro for budget travelers. This chain hostel is trusted all around the world for being clean and modern with excellent facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned, and dorms start at $16 USD, while a standard private room is $60 USD. The property is close to happening bars and restaurants, but Selina’s restaurant is loved for its breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or for coffee from the coffee house! You can reserve a room on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

The Mansion Aline is located in Santa Teresa and would suit a medium to high-end budget. The hotel has a rooftop jacuzzi as well as breathtaking views over the city. The deluxe suites have their own spa baths, a patio, and a private kitchen with a minibar and coffee maker. All rooms have a view of the city and river/garden views. One night here will average $169 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey poses with the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro
Thanks for reading!

As one of the most iconic places to visit in the entire world, I wouldn’t skip out on visiting Christ the Redeemer if you’re in Rio! Hopefully, our review has helped you figure out if this famous statue deserves a spot on your Rio itinerary.

While you’re traveling South America, have a look through our other blogs about Brazil for more travel inspiration. I’ve put a few helpful blogs below to get you started.

10 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio

15 BEST Places to Visit in Brazil

How to Spend TWO DAYS in Rio de Janeiro: An Ideal 2-Day Itinerary