What you want to know about Christ the Redeemer
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is probably the most photographed site in Brazil. The statue was built between 1922 and 1931 and it stands 30 meters or 98 feet tall (not including its 8 meter or 26 foot high pedestal). The arms are 28 meters or 92 feet wide. It is constructed from reinforced concrete and soapstone. It was built in the art deco style and it is the largest art deco sculpture of the world. The story goes that after the separation of state and church a group of Catholics wanted to fight against ‘godliness’ in the city and that’s why they wanted a statue of Jesus watching over the people. A way of making them aware of Christ seeing everything. And did the people change their ways ? I don’t know, but what I do know is that the city gained a beautiful site and lots of people like to visit it.
Visiting the statue by tram
The easiest way to travel to the statue is to take the tram to the top. You can go to Cosme Velho station to take the little tram. We bought a combination ticket and we thought it was well worth it. We took an Uber to the station but you can also take a bus if you are feeling adventurous. For wheelchair users the bus to the station is (most of the time) not possible. Some buses have ramps but not all of them so it’s easier to take a taxi or Uber if you have a collapsing wheelchair. The tram is accessible for wheelchairs but check in advance if they haven’t changed anything. We bought our tickets for the tram in a time slot and you can enter during that time. There are elevators at the end station and it’s very easy to go to the top. There are some spots you can’t go with a wheelchair at the top but you can come pretty close.
Hiking to Christ the Redeemer
Did you know you can also do a hike to the statue? It’s about 1h and 40 min long and it starts from Parque Lage. The trek is free but you do have to have a ticket to Christ the Redeemer itself. Unfortunately the trail is not accessible for wheelchairs or people with mobility problems because some parts are very steep. If you want to take the trail go to Parque Lage, head towards the mountain, and walk to the upper right end of the park. Almost all the paths lead to the trail entrance. There, you will be welcomed by a local ranger that will write down your name and the date and time of your ascent. He will also hand you a map and give you a lot of information most likely in Portuguese. There is a very small chance that they speak English. If you are not sure what they are asking, use google translate to make sure you do.
Bring enough water and snacks with you because it’s quite a hike. The views are amazing and you will definitely see some animals on your trip. You have a chance to see lots of birds, snakes, frogs and monkeys. And who knows what else.
Take a van to the top
Another option is to take a van to Christ the redeemer. You can catch the van from three different locations: Largo do Machado (at the square just outside the subway station), Lido Square in Copacabana (near Cardeal Arco Verde Subway Station), and Barra da Tijuca (Citta America Shopping Center).
You can buy the van ticket separately from the ticket to Christ the Redeemer or you can buy a combination ticket. Van prices will be different from the different locations.
It’s best to buy your ticket in advance because the lines can get really long!
Alternative options of going up
You can also do a guided tour with a travel agency or you can go with the car (or Uber/taxi) to the parking lot in Paineiras. From there, authorized city vans take you the rest of the way. You can walk on the road to the entrance and that way it is cheaper!
Other information before your trip
You don’t need a lot of time here because there is not a lot to do; you will walk around the statue, take some pictures and enjoy the view. You can buy a souvenir here or eat something but it will be expensive.
Fun facts about Christ the Redeemer
It took nine years to build. Construction started in 1922 and finishing in 1931.
Christ the Redeemer is a world wonder. In 2007, the public voted Christ the Redeemer onto the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Lightning frequently hits Christ the Redeemer. The statue’s numerous lightning rods divert most of these strikes. Just before the 2014 World Cup, lightning damaged the back of the statue’s head and a fingertip. They quickly repair the statue before the first game started.
You can marry your loved one beneath Christ the Redeemer. There is a small Catholic chapel at the base of the statue. The chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of Brazil – Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Our Lady of Appreciation).
We played a game where we counted everyone who did the Christ-the-redeemer-pose. And of course we had to do it ourselves too. I don’t remember who won but we had a good laugh.
If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section down below.
Is Christ Redeemer accessible for wheelchair users?
Christ Redeemer
Yes, Christ Redeemer is accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. There are part where there are stairs but you can see it from up close. The staff is super friendly here.
Café’s and restaurants
There are some café’s and restaurants here where you can enter or sit on the terrace. If you want to use a bathroom there are designated areas for toilets for wheelchair users.
Public transport to the statue
Not good. See information in the blog for more information. For a hassle free trip it’s easier to use Uber or taxi to get to the top.
Toilets
There are designated toilets for wheelchair users here. Very well taken care off.
Items I love while traveling
Travel adapter
Definitely a must have for all travelers who go to different countries all over the world. I especially like this one because you can detract the different plugs and there are 4 usb ports.
Collapsible water bottle
If the country I’m traveling to has water fountains I like to take my water bottle. But. I like my water bottle to be lightweight and small. This collapsible one is great for my needs.
Door lock
My portable door lock goes everywhere with me. Especially as a solo traveler it makes me feel way more safe. It can be use in most doors (only a couple of times I wasn’t able to use it) and it’s super sturdy.