By skyforbes 
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Are you planning to visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro? Then keep reading!
I’ve traveled to Rio de Janeiro many times and been lucky enough to see the Christ the Redeemer a few times – most recently in 2024. It is truly an iconic landmark in Rio de Janeiro and is a must-do activity while visiting this amazing city.
After a few visits, I’ve learned the easiest way to see Christ the Redeemer is on a tour. Tours are a great way to combine multiple activities and keep safe while visiting. So if you’re ready, keep reading for a list of the absolute BEST tours available!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
1. Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Including Christ the Redeemer
Tick off all of Rio de Janeiro’s top sights on this epic full-day tour. In addition to the Christ the Redeemer, you’ll take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, another one of Rio’s top attractions!
This top-rated tour hits all of Rio’s highlights in one 8-hour day, making it a great option if you are only in Rio for a couple of days. You will travel all over the city with your knowledgeable guide and will make 9 stops along the way including the iconic Maracanã Stadium and Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian.
One of my favorite parts of this tour was the included lunch at a top steakhouse in the city – it was so delicious!
This tour offers included hotel pickup and is a group of 20 travelers, which is small enough to move around easily but large enough to make some friends! They provide all entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and a guide for only $138 USD – and with over 2,000 positive reviews, you know you’re in for a great day!
Check availability for this popular full-day tour here!
2. Half-Day Tour with Redeemer Statue and Sugarloaf Mountain
Summit two of Rio’s mountains on this small group, half-day tour, which allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy incredible views of the city. You’ll get to marvel at the views over Rio from both Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain – does it get any better than that?
While Christ the Redeemer was certainly impressive, we really loved Sugarloaf Mountain too! It offers incredible panoramic views of Rio and riding the tram to the top is certainly an experience that can’t be missed.
This half-day tour has both morning and afternoon departure times, but we highly recommend choosing the 7:30 am departure so you can beat the crowds and the heat!
This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your Rio hotel and entrance fees for only $120 USD – which we think is a pretty great deal for the experience that you get. If you don’t believe us, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Check all the tour details and secure your spot on this half-day tour here!
Related Read: Want to venture outside of the city a bit? Consider one of these epic day trips from Rio de Janeiro!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Helicopter Tour over Christ the Redeemer
For a view that not many people get to enjoy, this helicopter tour takes you over the famous statue. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime view of Christ the Redeemer! You won’t have to worry about any lines or crowds and you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of Rio and the coast.
We’ve taken helicopter flights many times in our travels, and this one is perhaps the most unique! Imagine seeing Christ the Redeemer from a birds-eye view – how many other people can say they’ve done that!?
You can choose a morning or afternoon flight and the cost is $196 USD per person. The flight requires a minimum of 3-5 passengers for takeoff, so you may be sharing with a few others. However, if you’re booking this as an unforgettable family experience, you could have the entire helicopter to yourself!
Book this popular helicopter flight here before it sells out!
4. Private Day Tour
This private day tour of Rio de Janeiro is perfect for those who want an intimate tour experience and are short on time. In addition to visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer, you’ll see top sights such as the Santa Theresa neighborhood, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, and the beautiful Taunay Waterfall.
You’ll be out exploring the best sights in Rio for 8 hours, so you will truly see a lot! I love private tours because I can ask my guide any questions, and you can tailor the experience to best fit your travel desires.
You can even choose when your tour starts, so whether you want to wake up early to beat the crowds, or sleep in, the option is up to you! This tour can accommodate groups of up to 10 people and costs vary between $65 – $337 USD per person depending on the number of people. This doesn’t include any entrance fees but don’t worry because the tour company will help you organize this if you wish!
Check availability for this premium private tour here!
5. Early Morning Tour
Be one of the first people in the day to summit Corcovado Mountain and see Christ the Redeemer at its best in the morning light on this early morning tour. This is the best time to visit, so you can enjoy the incredible site without the hoards of tourists!
You’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned van at around 7 am and enjoy commentary from your knowledgeable guide on your way there as you pass other historical sites in Rio.
This tour lasts for around 3 hours, so it’s short and sweet, leaving more time to relax on the beach – obviously one of the best things to do in Brazil!
They offer hotel pick-up and transportation, but entrance fees are at your own expense. This varies by season, so check with the tour provider to ensure you have enough cash on the day of the tour. This is one of the most affordable Christ the Redeemer tours at only $60 USD per person. If you want to visit Sugarloaf Mountain as well, you can add it on for only an additional $10 USD when booking.
Book this early morning tour to Christ the Redeemer here and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Related Read: If you are trying to save money by backpacking through the country, make sure to check out our guide to backpacking in Brazil. It’s everything I wish I had known before I arrived!
Other Activities to do While in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There’s so much to do in Rio, it’s impossible to get bored here! Besides the famous Christ the Redeemer, the city is full of exciting experiences you won’t want to miss while you’re exploring Brazil. If you’re looking for activities to fill up your Rio itinerary, we’ve got you covered.
- Go Sailing on a Yacht – Why not check out the city skyline from a different perspective while sailing along the ocean? This 3-hour sailing experience allows you to take in the views in style while having some snacks and drinks along the way. This is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Rio!
- Enjoy Samba at Pedra do Sal – For a more authentic side of Rio, Pedra do Sal at night is the place to go. Known as the birthplace of Samba, this neighborhood knows how to party! You can experience this lively scene by yourself or book this Samba tour that includes a bit of the history and culture and a Samba party!
- Hike to the Two Brothers Lookout – This is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Rio, overlooking Copacabana Beach and offering incredible views of the landscape below. Two Brothers Lookout is a 3 km (1.8 mile) out-and-back hike that is doable for most travelers. For an even more epic view, you can book a hiking tour to catch the sunrise from the top and have the convenience of a local guide.
- Take a Brazilian cooking class – You are going to encounter some amazing food while in Brazil. What better souvenirs to take home than knowing how to make some popular meals? This 3-hour cooking class will teach you how to make seven dishes, including dessert and the famous Caipirinha. It’s a fun way to dive into the culture and eat some yummy food!
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a HUGE city, so there are tons of places to stay if you’re hoping to work in a visit to Christ the Redeemer while you’re here. The three most popular areas to stay in Rio are Copacabana, Ipanema, and Lapa/Santa Teresa.
Copacabana
Budget travelers will love Pura Vida Hostel. It’s clean and social with lots of space to party just like a local, and dorm beds start around $22 USD per night. It’s only 2 blocks away from Copacabana Beach and a 15-minute walk to Arpoador which has plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies. The staff is warm and welcoming and makes your stay even more fun with their social personalities! You can book a room on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
If you can spend a little more, Nacional Inn Rio Copacabana is a popular choice that’s a few blocks from the beach and has a pool with an excellent view. Although the rooms are on the small side that shouldn’t matter too much if you plan to spend most of your time outside of the hotel. They offer a fresh breakfast with bread, meats, cheeses, and fruits. There’s an on-site bar and a sauna to take advantage of.
Luxury travelers should stay at PortoBay Rio de Janeiro. It’s a 4-star beachfront hotel with a rooftop pool, gym, spa, and sauna. You can book a room with a sea view for around $200 USD. It is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and popular bars. The on-site La Finestra restaurant serves really delicious Brazilian dishes as well as other international cuisine. The complementary breakfast buffet has fresh fruits, juices, and hot and cold choices.
Ipanema
Ipanema Beach House is the best budget option with dorm beds starting at $16 USD in a very safe neighborhood of Rio. It’s only 2 blocks to reach the beach and also has a pool at the Ipanema Beach House just a block from the main building which is also where the metro station is if you need to use it! The other more popular beaches aren’t as close, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away. It’s also easy to book on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
For medium-budget travelers, Arena Ipanema Hotel is a beachfront property with stunning views, a restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool with lots of lounge chairs to work on your tan. There is a fitness center and sauna that all guests are welcome to use as well as a 24-hour help desk if you need anything. For the price of $180 USD a night, it’s a great value.
Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is another fantastic option for luxury travelers. You can’t get any closer to the water and with a rooftop pool and all the facilities you’d expect such as a wellness center offering massages with a gym and sauna, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, a sunroom, and a nightclub – it’s perfect! A bed here will set you back $630 USD but your room will have modern furnishings, a minibar, robes, and a TV. Some even have a seating area and a bathtub.
Lapa and Santa Teresa
I love the Selina Lapa Rio de Janeiro for budget travelers. This chain hostel is trusted all around the world for being clean and having a modern vibe with excellent facilities. Rooms are air-conditioned and you can choose a dorm room for around $20 USD or a standard private room for $70 USD. The property is close to nearby happening bars and restaurants but Selina’s restaurant is loved by its guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or for coffee from the coffee house – give it a try! You can reserve a room on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
The Mansion Aline is located in Santa Teresa and would suit the medium to high-end budget. The hotel has a rooftop jacuzzi as well as breathtaking views over the city. The deluxe suites have their own spa baths, a patio, and a private kitchen with a minibar and coffee maker. All rooms have a view of the city and river/garden views. One night here will average $169 USD.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the perfect Christ the Redeemer tour for you! If you’re planning a trip to Rio, you really shouldn’t miss out on seeing this iconic landmark up close – even if you only have two days in Rio. Plus the views of the city from up here are second to none!
If you’re planning a trip to this part of the world, check out our other Brazil blogs for more travel inspiration. We spent two months exploring Brazil and learned a lot while visiting that we would love to share with you.
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8 BEST Places to Visit in Northeast Brazil and Travel Guide