March 7, 2025
Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro
Experience Christ the Redeemer the way locals recommend—early morning, without crowds, with someone who knows every angle for the perfect photo. Your native Carioca guide picks you up from your hotel, handles all logistics, and shares the stories behind Rio’s most iconic landmark that you won’t find in guidebooks. We start at 7:20 AM with the first train up Corcovado Mountain, arriving before the tour buses. You’ll have 60-90 minutes at the monument—no rushing, no fighting for space at the viewpoints. This is how to experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World properly.
What’s Included in Your Tour
✓ Private hotel pickup and drop-off (all Rio neighborhoods) ✓ Professional English-speaking local guide (native Carioca) ✓ Comfortable air-conditioned transportation ✓ Assistance with train tickets (purchased on-site: ~R$128/person) ✓ Extended time at Christ the Redeemer (60-90 minutes minimum) ✓ Perfect photo timing and guidance at best viewpoints ✓ Cultural and historical insights about the monument ✓ Flexible schedule—combine with other attractions if desired Not included: Tickets, food and drinks.
Choose Your Experience
Discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World with our Christ the Redeemer tours, where comfort and style meet authentic local expertise. Rio Cultural Secrets offers personalized experiences ranging from intimate half-day tours focused on the iconic statue to comprehensive city tours of Rio de Janeiro that showcase multiple landmarks. For the ultimate experience, combine your visit with our private Christ and Sugar Loaf tour, or explore Rio’s natural beauty on our Tijuca Forest and Corcovado tour. Whether you choose a full-day adventure, a magical sunset tour, or our efficient Rio Express highlights tour, each journey is tailored to your interests. Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Design your own custom tour and create your perfect Rio experience with our expert local guides.
![Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [4] City Tour Christ and Sugar Loaf](https://i0.wp.com/www.rioculturalsecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/City-Tour-Christ-and-Sugar-Loaf.jpg?w=1230&ssl=1 "Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [5] City Tour Christ and Sugar Loaf")
![Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [6] rio express highlights](https://i0.wp.com/www.rioculturalsecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/rio-express-highlights.jpg?w=1230&ssl=1 "Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [7] rio express highlights")
![Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [8] sunset tour rio de janeiro 1 e1762622648104](https://i0.wp.com/www.rioculturalsecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sunset-tour-rio-de-janeiro-1-e1762622648104.jpg?w=1230&ssl=1 "Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [9] sunset tour rio de janeiro 1 e1762622648104")
Private Rio de Janeiro sunset tour with Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer by train
Rio de Janeiro
Starts from USD320
![Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [10] rio de janeiro corcovado tour](https://i0.wp.com/www.rioculturalsecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rio-de-janeiro-corcovado-tour.jpg?w=1230&ssl=1 "Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [11] rio de janeiro corcovado tour")
![Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [12] full day tour of rio de janeiro](https://i0.wp.com/www.rioculturalsecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/full-day-tour-of-rio-de-janeiro.jpg?w=1230&ssl=1 "Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [13] full day tour of rio de janeiro")
![Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [14] design your own tour](https://i0.wp.com/www.rioculturalsecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/design-your-own-tour.jpg?w=1230&ssl=1 "Unforgettable Christ the Redeemer Tours in Rio de Janeiro [15] design your own tour")
Why Book Your Tour with Rio Cultural Secrets
14+ Years of Local Expertise We’re born-and-raised Cariocas who’ve been guiding international visitors since 2012. Featured in Fodor’s Travel Guide with excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. Guaranteed Early Access
We secure 7:20 AM tickets (first train up the mountain) so you experience the monument before crowds arrive. Most tours start at 9 AM when it’s already packed. Private Experience Only Never mixed with strangers. Just you, your group, and your dedicated guide.
Set your own pace, ask unlimited questions, take all the photos you want. Stress-Free Logistics We handle everything: hotel pickup, ticket coordination, optimal timing, and transport. You just show up and enjoy.
Ready to Book Your Tour?
Booking is simple and secure:
1. Choose your preferred date and tour option
2. Contact us via WhatsApp (+55 21 98031-2692) or our booking form
3. Receive confirmation within 1 hour during business hours 4. Pay securely by credit card
5. Receive detailed meeting instructions Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 7 days before your tour for a full refund.
Christ the Redeemer: History and Facts
The history of Christ the Redeemer dates back to 1824 when Dom Pedro I organized an expedition to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Later, in 1882, his son, Pedro II, initiated the construction of a tram to facilitate access, with the first tram trip occurring in 1884. The idea of a religious monument atop Corcovado emerged in 1859 when a French priest, Pierre Marie, admired the view from a Catholic school window. Initially, there were discussions about erecting a statue of Princess Isabel, who had signed the law abolishing slavery in Brazil, but she declined, asserting that the true Redeemer was Jesus Christ. As Brazil approached its centenary of independence, the Catholic Church debated whether the monument should be placed on Sugarloaf Mountain or Corcovado. In 1923, a fundraising event was held to support the construction of the Christ the Redeemer statue. French artist Paul Landowski designed the statue’s head and hands, which were transported to the summit by tram. The statue was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1931, becoming an iconic symbol of Brazil. Finally, in 2007, Christ the Redeemer was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
How tall is Rio de Janeiro Christ the Redeemer Statue
- Height: 30 meters
- Weight: 1,145 tons
- Arm Span: 28 meters
- Head Height: 3.75 meters
Rio de Janeiro Christ the Redeemer Construction
The Idea and Design – When was Christ the Redeemer biult?
First proposed in the 19th century, the project gained traction in 1922. Architect Heitor da Silva Costa’s initial design was rejected, leading him to seek a new artistic vision.
Landowski’s Contribution
French sculptor Paul Landowski was commissioned in 1923. He redesigned the statue with open arms, symbolizing peace. Engineer Albert Caquot planned the reinforced concrete structure, while Brazilian artisans covered it in soapstone.
Construction and Legacy
Completed in 1931, Christ the Redeemer became a global icon, symbolizing Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian hospitality. Though Landowski never saw it in person, his work remains one of the world’s most famous sculptures.
Q: What time does the tour start?
A: We recommend starting at 7:00 AM to catch the 7:20 AM train (first departure). This ensures you experience Christ the Redeemer before large tour groups arrive around 9-10 AM.
Q: How long will I have at the monument?
A: You’ll have 60-90 minutes at Christ the Redeemer. Unlike group tours that rush through in 30-40 minutes, our private tours let you explore at your own pace.
Q: Is this tour suitable for elderly visitors or people with mobility issues?
A: Yes! The train takes you directly to near the top, with minimal walking required. There are elevators and escalators to reach the monument platform.
Q: What if it rains?
A: The tour operates rain or shine, as weather changes quickly in Rio. However, if there’s heavy rain or the monument closes due to weather, we’ll reschedule or provide a full refund.
Q: Can we take the van instead of the train?
A: Absolutely. The van option goes through Tijuca Forest on Paineiras Road. Both access points arrive at the same place—we can discuss which you prefer.
Q: Is the tour price per person or per group?
A: Our prices are per group (up to 4 people). Additional guests can be accommodated with advance notice.
Q: Do you pick up from all hotels?
A: Yes, we provide pickup from any hotel in Rio’s South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), Downtown, Santa Teresa, and Barra da Tijuca.
Q: Are entrance tickets included?
A: Train tickets (~R$128 or $25 USD per person) are purchased separately on the day of your tour. Our guide assists with purchasing to ensure smooth entry. This gives you flexibility in payment method.
Resume
Our company are more than happy to work with you, so you get exactly what you want when it comes to things to do during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. The guides here at Rio Cultural Secrets are quite professional and they will make sure you are comfortable, safe, and happy during every minute of your tour. They are continuously given the top-rated tour guide designation, which is no surprise since they are always punctual and ready to show you the best that Rio has to offer.
Rio Cultural Secrets always make suggestions, so if you are unsure of what you want to do, you can get an idea of what is possible. This is why we have tours already created, as well as potential options when it comes to customization.
We never want you to be afraid to seek a tour guide when you are visiting Rio de Janeiro, because these tours are the only way you can truly experience this gorgeous part of the world!
