Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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The Forest Setting
Corcovado is surround-
ed by the Parque Nacional
da Tijuca. The views across
the canopy are beautiful in
the late afternoon when the
setting sun burns a deep
orange behind the trees.
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Refreshments
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Sunsets and Sunrises
The bars and restaurants
behind and below the statue
offer cold drinks, light
meals, and welcome shade
from the tropical sun.
To catch the classic view of Rio
(above)
, come
early in the morning or late in the day when the
light is soft and the sun is either rising from the bay
or setting behind the Floresta da Tijuca
(see p.10)
.
&
Lookout Points
There are panoramic
views out over the city
and Guanabara Bay from
the platform at Christ's
feet. The platforms behind
and below the statue offer
fantastic views of Parque
Nacional da Tijuca.
*
Helicopter Tours
Flights by helicopter
(above)
offer breathtaking
views of the statue and
Corcovado
(see p.53)
.
The early morning pro-
vides the best light to
enhance the experience.
A Seventh Wonder
In 2007 Rio's Cristo
Redentor was declared
one of the winners in a
worldwide poll to find
the “New Seven
Wonders of the World”
- a modern version
of Greek historian
Herodotus' list from
the 5th century BC.
Held by the non-profit
organization New Open
World Corporation, the
poll is thought to have
been the largest ever,
with 100 million voters.
(
The Trem do
Corcovado
The funicular railway
(below)
runs from
Cosme Velho to the
summit. Older than
the Christ statue, it
opened in 1884.
)
The Trem do
Corcovado Museum
This museum
(above)
explores the history of the
railway and the Christ
statue. On display is the
original 19th-century
carriage and engine.
9
When the statue was opened in 1931 its lights were switched on
from Rome using a signal sent by Marconi, the inventor of radio.
