1. Hop into an Uber and head to Cosme Velho to purchase your tickets. For international visitors, the price stands at 122.5 reais. Use Google Maps to locate the address: Rua Cosme Velho, 513.
2. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a crowd of people in white t-shirts promoting a round-trip minibus package for 100 reais. They’ll assure you that their service departs as soon as it fills up and warn you about a two-hour wait for the iconic little train. If you’re set on experiencing the charming train ride (as seen in Figure 2), politely decline their offers and make your way directly to the ticket window in Figure 3 to buy your tickets with cash.
3. If you prefer using a credit card, turn left and head to the ticket machine shown in Figure 4. There will be staff on hand to assist you through the process.
4. Once you have your ticket, proceed to the areas indicated in Figures 6 and 7 to join the queue. Typically, you can board the train within an hour—far less than the exaggerated two-hour wait claimed by the promoters in white t-shirts. Figure 8 gives you a sneak peek of the cozy interior of the little train. The journey takes you through lush woods, offering limited views but plenty of charm for the novelty seekers. If time is of the essence, the minibus remains a practical alternative.
5. After disembarking from the train, you can either take the elevator straight to the summit or opt for a brief climb up a short staircase. Behind the majestic statue, you might spot a few playful monkeys adding to the adventure. The latter part of the ascent features two escalators, ensuring minimal physical exertion.
6. At the peak, you’ll encounter the breathtaking Christ statue. The viewing platform, though not expansive, draws crowds eager to capture the moment. Here, creativity reigns supreme—some visitors choose to sit, others lie down, all in pursuit of that perfect shot.
7. Based on my personal experience, I’d recommend avoiding a midday visit. The intense sunlight can blur your photos and diminish the experience. Arriving between 3-4 PM offers softer lighting, fewer tourists, and the added bonus of watching the stunning sunset. Descending the mountain aboard the evening train adds its own magical allure.
8. Guard your ticket carefully—it’s essential for boarding the train back down the mountain. Lose it, and you’ll face the inconvenience of purchasing another ticket or opting for the minibus instead. Rejoin the queue at the same spot where you boarded earlier, allowing about half an hour for the process.
