Corcovado Mountain

Tijuca Forest,
Rio De Janeiro
Southwest Brazil
Brazil

Type: Landmark

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Considered Rio’s top tourist attraction, Corcovado (Hunchback) Mountain is crowned by a 120-foot-high statue of Christ the Redeemer whose arms are outstretched to welcome visitors. Facing Botafogo, the statue is visible from virtually every part of the city, especially at night when it is illuminated. The idea for the statue arose in 1921, Brazil’s centennial, and it was actually erected over five years from 1926 to 1931. The enormous cost was paid for by donations collected in all churches throughout the country. The initial construction started in Paris under the direction of French sculptor Paul Landowski. Concrete and granite were used, then covered in soapstone. The statue weighs 1,450 tons and the reach from fingertip to fingertip is 75 feet. Corcovado Mountain, part of Tijuca Forest, stands at 2,400 feet (the statue adds an additional 100 feet). A small park area at the base has the customary souvenir shops and snack stands. Elevators and escalators are recent additions, but many visitors climb the 227 steps from the park to the peak, where the statue is located. From scores of viewing areas on the peak, the entire glittering city stretches out below you. You can spot Sugar Loaf, beaches, Maracaná Stadium, Lagoa, Centro (downtown Rio) and the smaller city across the bay, Niterói. You’ll no doubt see groups of young people climbing the mountain paths to the peak. You can do the same, but only with a group. Do not hike on your own. King Dom Pedro I was one of the first to climb the mountain and his son, Dom Pedro II,gave permission for a cog railroad to be built. It took the Swiss company three years to build it and the first passengers were carried in 1885. The railroad still functions today. Since Corcovado is in Tijuca Forest, you can combine the two experiences. The paved road that winds its way through the forest passes several observation points. There is a small chapel and, if you look to its right, you’ll see Rio’s largest favela (shanty town), Rocinha, which sprawls across Dois Irmáos (Two Brothers) Mountain – a sobering sight. (See Tijuca Forest for details.)