Rio de Janeiro - Statue of Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado Mountain

Most people associate Rio de Janeiro with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new seven wonders of the world, which overlooks the city from the top of Corcovado Mountain. Visitors to Rio make their way to the top of Corcovado via a cog wheel train, a taxi, or by walking on the five-mile long path. Our Celebrity Infinity shore excursion group did the two-mile, 10-minute train ride to the top of Corcovado passing through scenic Tijuca Forest. We purchased tickets with a stamped boarding time for the ride to the top, but had to wait in line to ride back down. At the train station near the top, escalators or 220 steps upward take visitors the to the foot of the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The massive statue at the top of Corcovado Mountain is impressive. The views of Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana are amazing on a clear day.