Seeing Cristo Redentor sans tourists is #4 on my Top 10 Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
The Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue is the symbol of Rio and one of the biggest tourist draws in Rio de Janeiro with over 2 million visitors a year. I don’t know about you, but for me there is something about being surrounded by a swarm of camera snapping tourists that tarnishes the experience of an amazing place. I think the epic Christ statue is better enjoyed when there are no tourists in sight. The ideal hour is 6 am, just in time for the sunrise.
The statue doesn’t actually open until 8am, which is why there won’t be any tourists. And from my experience the workers don’t arrive until 7am, so one can walk right in through the turnstile.
There is also the opportunity to make a night of it and stay over at the Paineras Hotel, an abandoned hotspot from the 1800’s. A taxi can get one there, they should know it by the description: “Abandoned hotel near the top of Corcovado.” As far as I’ve seen there is no security whatsoever there at the hotel. The exterior is dimly lit and one can slip inside easily through one of the many unlocked, ground level windows. Bring a flashlight. There are many rooms filled with interesting old things to explore. This chance will not last forever. The hotel has been abandoned for the last 30 years and now there are plans to remake it into a sleek, modern, tourist pit-stop for the upcoming 2016 Olympics in Rio.
The Paineiras Hotel
The new plans for the hotel (Image courtesy of inhabitat.com)
When I went there I was with a group of about 10 friends. We made a fire out of shards of broken furniture salvaged from the rooms of the hotel. We spent a white night on one of the old, tiled decks, huddled in a circle around the crackling flames, telling stories underneath the stars. It is always better to go with a group. It is safer and more fun.
Our bonfire on the deck of Paineiras
At around 5 am it’s time to get-a-hiking. Just down the hill on the road from the hotel is a sign that points the way to Cristo Redentor. The gate for the path up to the Christ will be closed and locked but just around to the left of the gate one can find the train tracks for the tram that leads to the top. The tracks can be followed all the way up Corcavado to the statue.
Notice the near-vertical RR track that cuts up the mountain just to the right of the curved road at the bottom of the photo. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
The tram starts running at around 6:00/7:00. so one should keep their wits about them and their ears open. The very steep hike takes around 45 min to an hour. The view gets better and better the higher you get. It’s pretty self explanatory from there. When you reach the booth for the Christ you just hop up off the tracks and walk on through the ticket booth and up to the statue. The 98 ft. statue is truly spectacular and the panoramic view of Rio is even better.
Note: If you are found by security for any reason just be friendly and polite. They will likely make you wait until the park opens and pay the fare (R$43, about $22 US). You will still be there before the big crowds.
Top 10 things to do in Rio Pt 3 coming soon~