Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro

Corcovado is the name of the mountain at the foot of the unique Rio de Janeiro. This emblematic Brazilian hill reaches a height of 710 meters. Corcovado is entirely a granite peak, which is included within the national park of Tijuca. This Brazilian protected area covers a total area of 8, 154 acres of forest in the heart of the city. Corcovado Hill owes its worldwide popularity to the fact that built on top of it is a statue of Jesus.

This huge monument, depicting Christ the Savior, is one of the most famous monuments in the world, while an integral part of the business card of Rio de Janeiro and throughout Brazil. The Statue of the Savior of Corcovado reaches a height of 38 meters and its original name is Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer.

You can reach the the statue on top of Corcovado by a little train, which departs from the neighborhood of Cosme Velho and passes through the rainforest going on to the foot of the very figure of the Son of God. While tourists head to the highest point of the emblem of Brazil by train they can enjoy the spectacular views of Rio de Janeiro.

Today there are numerous tourist attractions that are charming spots for visitors from around the world that come to spend unforgettable moments in Rio de Janeiro. Among the attractions at the foot of Corcovado are the natural pools, waterfalls and also the Chapel Mayrink which is beautifully decorated with magnificent murals by Candido Portinari, one of the most popular, modern Brazilian artists.

The Statue of Jesus Christ on top of Corcovado is open to visitors every day from 8:00am to 18:00pm and the entry fee is around 20 dollars which includes the travelling by the train to the top. The entire route to the summit of Corcovado is about 3.8 kilometers. The two trains, which travel up and down the mountain Corcovado have a capacity of 380 passengers each.

Corcovado is located west of central Rio de Janeiro, but is entirely within the beautiful Brazilian city. In literal translation from Portuguese, Corcovado means hump. Annually more than 300, 000 tourists from around the world are scrambling to Corcovado to get up close to this famous monument of the Saviour.

From the viewing platform on top of Corcovado, visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding Brazilian mountains of the sea and the attractive beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.