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Offered languages
- Portuguese
- English
We begin in the charming neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, walking up a cobblestone road toward the forest. Entering Tijuca Forest National Park at the historic Carioca River reservoir—built during imperial times when the river supplied most of Rio’s water—we reach the Carioca River Trail.
Your adventure starts with a climb up a stone staircase, keeping an eye out for wildlife. With luck, we may spot monkeys, sloths, quatis, toucans, and a variety of birds.
Along the way, we pause at a scenic lookout before arriving at the Emperor’s Bathtub—a pool once used by Dom Pedro II to cool off during forest visits.
Next, we stop at the Paineiras Visitors Centre, a former hotel with information about the park. Here, you can enjoy coffee and snacks before continuing the final 1 km walk to the statue.
At the top you’ll marvel at the iconic statue and breathtaking views of Rio. We then return to Cosme Velho on the Christ the Redeemer Train, ending the journey with unforgettable memories.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We'll normally wait for you with the door open, but if you arrive early you can ring the buzzer at number 33.
This is the main Christ the Redeemer train station, it's a 5 minute walk from the starting point, and an easy place to hail a taxi or call an Uber. There are also local bus stations nearby. There are restaurants and a cafe nearby too.
Itinerary
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1
You'll notice that people from Rio call themselves Cariocas, and here you'll learn the reason why the river was so important to the early residents of Rio de Janeiro. After a 20 minute walk through the leafy neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, we enter into the Tijuca Forest National Park alongside this historic river.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Parque Nacional da Tijuca
After climbing up into the forest, crossing paths with the Carioca river along the way, we stop at a lookout with a view of the Guanabara Bay.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
If you're feeling the heat on the trail, you can cool down in royal style. This giant bathtub was built for the enjoyment of Emperor Dom Pedro II and his family. It's fed by the river, and while it is partially in ruins, it's still possible to take a splash.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Centro De Visitantes Paineiras
This old hotel has been converted into a modern visitor's centre, with information about the national park and the Christ the Redeemer Statue. Here you can get a coffee, use the bathroom and grab a bite to eat.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Christ the Redeemer
On the last 1km section of the trail we encounter the best views of the hike, before entering into the statue complex (your entrance fee is included in the price). You'll have time to see the panorama of the city at the feet of one of the modern wonders of the world.
25 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6
We take the train home through the forest after visiting Christ the Redeemer. The modern electric Swiss-made trains are a far cry from the orginal steam train that first visited the mountain in 1884, and is Brazil's longest running tourist attraction. The train will leave you in the tranquil neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, where you can call an Uber or Taxi, or have a bite to eat or coffee before heading home.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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