Rio de Janeiro – a city of life unmatched by any other throughout South America. A city that acts as a bookshelf full of stories featuring beautiful scenery, friendly locals, delicious foods, never-ending Caipirinhas, and traditional music that keeps the party going late. And at each end of the bookshelf you have Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain; two amazing sights that serve as symbols of what the city represents.
Christ The Redeemer
In one corner you have Corcovado Mountain. Nestled in the Tijuca Forest National Park, the top of the mountain features the world-renowned statue of Christ the Redeemer commanding the city of Rio. If you’re staying in Copacabana, I recommend taking one of the vans that departs from Praca do Lido located right off the Av. Atlantica. The price is 41 Reais (~$17 USD) during the week and 51 Reais (~$21 USD) on the weekends, which includes transportation to and from the top of the mountain and your admission ticket. In my opinion this is the ONLY way you should go, as you save time finding a cab or bus to and from the mountain, and save literally hours waiting in line at the base of the mountain to take a ride to the top.
Once you arrive at the top, be prepared for people – LOTS of people. As one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this attraction gets over 6 million visitors every year and finding a good place to take a picture is rare. You’ll see hundreds of people taking the somewhat sacrilegious photo with arms spread wide like the statue, and might even get hit in the face a few times if you don’t watch out. That being said, the statue itself is breathtaking. Standing 98 feet tall and 92 feet wide, the statue can be seen from almost anywhere in Rio, but when you’re only steps away, it truly feels like you’re sitting at the right hand of God. Built in 1922, this symbol of peace looking over the city will make you feel a sense of wonder, no matter if you’re a religious person or not. While the crowds can make the attraction seem somewhat uninviting, the view from the top is nothing short of spectacular, and you might be considered foolish if you miss the trip up Corcovado when in Rio.
Sugarloaf Mountain
In the other corner sits Sugarloaf Mountain. Coined by the Portuguese by the sugar cane trade in the 16th century, “Sugarloaf” rises 1,299 feet above Guanabara Bay, and arguably has the best view of Rio. I recommend arriving about two hours before sunset to receive an experience that many others will undoubtedly miss. Featuring views of the bay, the Atlantic ocean, and Rio as a whole, it seems so picturesque, you might think you’re looking at a painting straight out of the Louvre.
Now if you’re staying in Copacabana, getting there is a pretty simple 20 minute walk to the base of the mountain. Once there, you’ll have to purchase a ticket to take the two cable cars to the top. At 62 Reais (~$26 USD), Sugarloaf is one of the priciest attractions in Rio, but definitely one that cannot be missed. Built in 1912, each car takes around 3 minutes and fits approximately 65 people standing. The first car takes you to the top of Morro da Urca (Urca Hill), which is the first stop on the journey. With amazing views of its own, you can easily spend an hour here taking pictures and gazing out over Rio. However, the next car to the top of Sugarloaf is what the journey truly is about.
Taking the same cable car that was featured in the James Bond film, “Moonraker”, might even make you feel like the world famous British Secret Service agent, as you’ll feel empowered and unstoppable once you reach the top. The view over Rio – stunning. The view of the sunset – indescribable. It would take me ten blogs to describe the detail of the sunset from the top of Sugarloaf, and ten more to describe how it makes you feel. Although Sugarloaf costs a pretty penny, it’s worth every cent. The views are arguably better than the ones from Corcovado Mountain, and in my opinion, I would declare Sugarloaf the outright champ.
When in Rio, these two bookend mountains stand high above the city. The views are worth the trip to Rio alone and the experience and ten thousand pictures you take atop of each will make each half day trip worth it. Do me one favor though – please don’t take the cliche arms spread wide picture in front of Christ the Redeemer. You can be more creative than that!
