The second day of our Brazilian adventure continued at a great pace. After lunch, we headed to the top of Corcovado. This is the morro (or mountain) where the statue of Christ The Redeemer stands with its arms open. As a lot of you may know, this statue has been declared one of the new wonders of the world. That fact just added to the excitement I was feeling at that moment. As every good traveler, I would like to visit all of the “new wonders”.
Waiting for a shuttle to the top of Corcovado
To get to the top of the mountain you have to go thru the Tijuca Forest (a National Park) which is full of hundreds of species of
wildlife and plants. We saw some monkeys during our short ride to the top. I wish I could have hiked and visit other attractions in the forest. I was not able to do it because of weather related issues. If you like to rough it hiking around and spotting abundant wildlife, this is the place for you!!
After days (or years) of waiting, we finally arrived to the place from where you can walk to the base of the statue.
When you are on the top of Corcovado with this statue in front of you, you can’t really appreciate its dimensions. I don’t know but this guy looks small in person. Don’t be fooled. This is a massive monument, seen from almost every point in Rio de Janeiro. If we want to get technical in here, let me say the statue is 39.6 meters high (130 ft) including the base.
Here are some interesting facts about the statue:
- It weighs 635 tonnes.
- It was built in an Art Deco style.
- It is the 5th largest statue of Jesus in the world.
- It was constructed between 1922 and 1931.
- It was damaged by lighting in 2008.
- It was vandalized (with graffiti) in 2010.
- It needs to be continuously restored to the exposition to strong winds.
Now take a look at some of the photos I took during my visit.
Backside of Christ The Redeemer Statue
Arm of Christ The Redeemer Statue
Christ The Redeemer Statue
Face of Christ The Redeemer Statue
Let me tell you something that is probably going to get me in trouble or make me unpopular with some of you. I believe this is an impressive statue with many gorgeous features. However, I don’t seem to understand why this was chosen as one of the new wonders of the world (well I know these wonders are selected by voting and many factors influence the decision). Don’t get me wrong. I loved the elegance of the statue and it felt great to be there in front of one of the world icons. I just believe there are other places that represent better the human ability to create.
Of course, I got the opportunity to get a great shot with the statue.
Tip: if you want to get a great photo with the Christ in the background, somebody has to take your picture from the floor.
My husband and I in front of the statue
Well, we all know we don’t visit Corcovado just for the statue. The views from the top matter too. I got great shots of the area behind the monument.
Lagoa de Rodrigo de Freitas seen from Corcovado
Constructions near and over the morros
View from Corcovado. Difficult to distinguish the horizon.
Sadly, there was a lot of fog over the part of the city in front of the statue (Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf, Maracana Statdium, etc.). That mean I wasn’t able to get that many photos of this beautiful part of the city. But pictures are not all. My eyes were able to appreciate the views. You really feel at the top of world there. Like I have said before, I would never get tired of appreciating Rio de Janeiro from the top. It is truly a magical experience.
Christ The Redeemer cover with fog
Guanabara Bay seen from Corcovado
Take a look at the following video if you want to experience more of the wonderful views.
Have you visited of want to visit Christ the Redeemer? Let me know in the comments section below.
An incredible location – maybe I’ll get to see it some day. In the meantime, thanks for sharing
robin recently posted..Gran Bretaña
No problem, Robin. Glad to see you are enjoying the series.
Ruth recently posted..Brazil’s Dusty Azure: Day 2 (Scene 3)
Don’t know if I will ever make it there, but the views look truly incredible!
Jan Ross recently posted..All the Cool Kids are Doing It: A 2011 Retrospective
Hopefully, you can make it one day.
Ruth recently posted..Brazil’s Dusty Azure: Day 2 (Scene 3)
I have heard a lot of people say that while this statue was awesome to see, it does not deserve to me a new wonder of the world. At least you got to see some great views though!
Rease recently posted..The Not So Magical Florida Wildlife
I have heard that a lot too and have to agree. For example, places like Angkor Wat and the Alhambra are not included but I can see how they deserve a title like this.
Ruth recently posted..Brazil’s Dusty Azure: Day 2 (Scene 3)
You’re right, those are amazing views! Sounds like it was a great trip.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Travel:The Best of 2011
Yes, it was a great trip. So different from what I have seen before but everything was really interesting.
Ruth recently posted..Brazil’s Dusty Azure: Day 2 (Scene 3)
Wow- those views are incredible! I would love to stand right up on top there and look down. so cool!
jade recently posted..Be a Better Traveler: Part 1
“wow” that’s what my son said when he saw your photos. they’ve discussed the redeermer statue in school and he’s been bugging me to go there ever since… wish it was easy for us to fly to brazil LOL. hopefully, someday ^_^
Gladys | ByahengBarok.com recently posted..Life’s Different Journeys