Christ The Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Vistas To Die For

"Jeeezaz Chriiist!", the hubby muttered.

I couldn't think of any thing more apt to say.

It was day 242 of our round-the-world trip. We watched Jesus grew bigger and bigger as our bus hurtled its way to the tram station on Rua Cosme Velho. In the spirit of Brazil's Carnival, a bunch of passengers aboard were either donning hideous wigs or hair accessories adorned with feathers. The air smelt of alcohol. It was an unnerving festive sight.
 
The Christ of my dreams.  

Hurriedly, we hopped off the bus when we realized that more than half of the passenger population were alighting. As we stepped on the sidewalk, we were immediately swallowed by a wild river of tourists that flowed toward Cosme Velho's station and eventually ended up in a sea of cosplayers and drunks. It was the ticket counter's queue.

  View offered by the Corcovado tram.

"Jeeezaz Chriiist!", was also the hubby's reaction when he learned that the next available trip was in an hour and a half's time. Since we came all the way from Rio De Janeiro's business district via public transport filled with rowdy crowds, we resolved to waiting. And time was easily passed chugging Brazilian fave Skol at a nearby drinking joint.

Fight for your spot.
Our late afternoon foray to the tram was accompanied by a debate about buying a pair of Havaianas for little Luna. We rode in silence through Tijuca Forest until views unraveled through the window. At which point, some passengers rose from their seats to capture the stellar vistas with their larger-than-life SLRs. I did the same. Hubby fumbled in his pocket for the videocam, cautious not to wake a napping Luna draped on his shoulder.

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Behind it, Ipanema.  

Upon disembarking, we were with faced two options. A 220-step stairs versus an elevator+escalator combo. Though backbreaking - and not exactly a beeline, we chose the arduous ascent because it showcased more views. And to the hubby's vexation, because it passes by more souvenir shops.

Pão de Açúcar or Sugarloaf Mountain.
The task of snapping shots without being photobombed required patience and skill. Every scenic nook and cranny had someone either posing in it or taking photo from it. Christ The Redeemer, the largest art deco statue in the world, is clearly not the sole attraction atop Corcovado mountain but also the bird's-eye view of Rio De Janeiro.

I got a love-hate relationship with the city, and I have to say, the "love" part includes its amazing topography.

The lowdown. What you don't see on postcards.    We climbed the last set of stairs. Luna awoke and gaped at the massive crowd. From the foot of the pedestal, Christ The Redeemer looked even more imposing with surprisingly soft features brought about by its soapstone mosaic outer layer. A remarkable work of engineering and art constructed in the 1920s. For me, without question, it deserves to be one of the "Wonders Of The World".

Rear view at sunset.

"Jeeezaz Chriiist!"

This time, his expression bore a tone of astonishment. And again, I couldn't think of anything more apt to say.

Trip's Nitty Gritty:

Can't remember where I stumbled upon this info, but I kept it for future reference.

 

1. How to get to Christ The Redeemer by subway and bus: Take the metro from any subway station in Rio De Janeiro to Largo Do Machado Station. Fare's about US$1.50. Bus stop is just outside the exit. Take bus #584 to Corcovado Train Station. Trip takes 15-20 minutes.

If you're coming from Copacabana or Ipanema, you could take bus #583.

2. Corcovado tram runs from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Leaves every half hour and a one-way trip lasts about 20 minutes. If you wish to visit at sundown, come earlier to purchase tickets. Rides are sometimes fully booked because of big tour groups. Cost for round-trip is about US$40+. Ticket must be used on the same day of purchase. Free admission for kids under 6.

No can of olive oil was used during our trip.


Round-The-World 2011-2012, Brazil Leg:

Rio Carnival 2012: Party Tickets For Two And A Half
Cabo Frio, Brazil Holidays: That Thong-Tho-Thong
Brazil Tourist Visa Application In Lima, Peru

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