Everything you need to visit Rio's two icons in 2026: how to get up Corcovado, what the Sugarloaf cable car costs, when to go to beat lines and clouds, and what you'll see from the top.
2,330 ft
Corcovado summit
The statue is 125 ft including its base
R$134
Corcovado train (adult)
60+: R$70 · ages 7–11: R$107
8:30am–9pm
Sugarloaf cable car hours
90 min
Arrive before sunset
To beat the cable car line
Christ the Redeemer (on top of Corcovado, inside Tijuca National Park) and Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar, in Urca) are the two sights nobody skips on a first trip to Rio. You can do both in one day: Christ in the morning, when it's usually clearer, and Sugarloaf in the afternoon for sunset over the bay.
Below we compare every way up, with reference prices from Sept 2026. Cards are accepted everywhere, but in peak season (January, July and holidays) book timed tickets online.
Corcovado
How to get up to Christ the Redeemer
Four ways to reach the top, with pros and cons
Train, van, trail or tour
| Corcovado train | Official van | Parque Lage trail | Guided tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | R$134 adult (60+: R$70; 7–11: R$107) | About R$132 from Copacabana or Largo do Machado; about R$87 from Paineiras | Trail is free; you pay the monument entry at the top | All-in price with transport and tickets |
| Starts at | Cosme Velho station | Copacabana, Largo do Machado or Paineiras | Parque Lage, Jardim Botânico | Hotel pickup |
| Time to the top | About 20 min through the forest | 30–60 min depending on traffic | 2–3 hrs, steep, with chain-assisted sections | Depends on itinerary |
| Best for | The classic experience and families | When the train is sold out | Fit hikers, in a group and with a guide | First-timers, short stays, no Portuguese |
| Watch out for | Sells out in peak season: book a time slot | Lines at Paineiras on weekends | Don't go alone or after rain | Check what's included (tickets, lunch) |
Reference prices Sept 2026; van fares and the entry fee for hikers are approximate.
Urca
Sugarloaf: the cable car in two stages
Open 8:30am–9pm, running since 1912
Praia Vermelha station
The base station is at Praça General Tibúrcio in Urca, a 10–20 min Uber or taxi ride from Copacabana.
Morro da Urca (720 ft)
3 minFirst leg. Viewpoints, cafés and the classic view over Botafogo. Many people linger here.
Sugarloaf summit (1,300 ft)
3 minSecond leg to the top: Copacabana, the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Niterói and Christ facing you across the city.
Best time to go and what you'll see
Tap the dots on the photo to get your bearings
The perfect day with both icons
Early: Christ
Take the first train or go up before 9am: fewer crowds, soft light and better odds of clear skies.
2–3 hrs
Midday: lunch and a break
Santa Teresa or Botafogo are on the way. Avoid the harsh sun from 11am to 3pm.
Afternoon: Sugarloaf
Get to Praia Vermelha 90 min before sunset: the cable car line gets long late in the day.
2–3 hrs
Evening: city lights
Stay until the lights come on and ride down; the last cable car is around 9pm.
What it costs (Sept 2026)
Per person. Items marked approx. may vary by season.
If you'd rather not plan a thing
Christ the Redeemer Tour
Hotel pickup, tickets handled and an English-speaking guide. No ticket lines, no hassle.
- English-speaking guide
- All-in price
Sugarloaf Sunset
Get there in time for golden hour without worrying about schedules or lines.
- Sunset timing
- Pay by card or Pix
1 Day in Rio
Christ, Sugarloaf and more in a single day, perfect for short stays.
- Transport included
- All in one day
Frequently asked questions
The Corcovado train costs R$134 for adults, R$70 for 60+ and R$107 for ages 7–11 (Sept 2026). The official van from Copacabana is about R$132.
Go up with us
English-speaking guide, transport included, pay by international card or Pix. All-in price, no surprises.
Visite du Christ Rédempteur
Montez au Christ Rédempteur par le train historique du Corcovado et admirez la vue panoramique à 360° la plus époustouflante de Rio de Janeiro.
1 Journée complète à Rio
Tour complet d'une journée entière des principales attractions touristiques de Rio : Pain de Sucre, Centre Historique, Selarón, São Bento et Christ Rédempteur.
Excursions recommandées
Réservez en ligne avec un guide local, prix fixe et paiement par carte internationale ou Pix.
Visite du Christ Rédempteur
Montez au Christ Rédempteur par le train historique du Corcovado et admirez la vue panoramique à 360° la plus époustouflante de Rio de Janeiro.
1 Journée complète à Rio
Tour complet d'une journée entière des principales attractions touristiques de Rio : Pain de Sucre, Centre Historique, Selarón, São Bento et Christ Rédempteur.
