Train Trippin’ in Rio

by Austin
(Chicago, Illinois, USA)

I have traveled by train through Europe, ridden on the famous White Pass & Yukon Route, the Alaska Railroad, and have completely encircled the United States on a 7,500 mile Amtrak excursion.

However I still believe one of the most satisfying trips I ever made by rail was the shortest -- the 20 minute ride on the Trem do Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, from the district of Flamengo to the top of the famous Corcovado Peak, atop which stands the impressive Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue.

Part Of A Wonderful Day Of Sightseeing

Although I have been to Rio on several occasions, I had always wanted to go to the top of Corcovado Peak and get a 360° view of the city, as well as see the famous Christ the Redeemer statue up close. I knew that one could take a limo or other hired vehicle up a narrow, winding road to the summit of the 710 meter peak, but I was anxious to ride on the electric train and see a part of the Tijuca National Forest up close. I would soon find out that this short rail trip was nothing like a ride at an amusement park, but rather an extremely interesting part of a visit to the famous monument.

The train leaves every 30 minutes from a station in the west end of the Flamengo district, and is easily accessible by city bus. When I arrived at the station, I was immediately greeted by locals who operate the small minivans that also run to the top of the mountain, but I politely refused their offers, knowing that the train would be more enjoyable.

There is one single track to the summit, meaning that trains passing in opposite directions use small sidings that allow each other to pass. The grade is quite steep at times, and made me happy that I had come prepared with short term medical insurance. Passengers in the open air cars either face forward or to the rear, meaning I had the choice of being held back in my seat by gravity, or being pushed forward, especially on the way down. I wasn't concerned; it was all part of the adventure.

The ride is exciting; on my trip I saw a variety of birds as well as a small troop of monkeys in nearby trees. The 20 minute ride is exhilarating, and arrives at a small station below the statue. An elevator takes visitors to the large platforms at the very feet of Christ the Redeemer, and an amazing panorama unfolds below.

Beautiful Spot For Photography

The statue itself is an amazing feat of engineering. Completed in 1931, it is one of the largest freestanding statues in the world. Recent renovation work has restored its outer covering of soapstone tiles to a pearly bright appearance, and I could have gazed at it for hours.

The view of the city is incredible, with the central business district, Guanabara Bay and Botafogo harbor in full view. Rising above Urca district stands the famous Sugar Loaf Peak, and to the south is a completely unobstructed view of Copacabana, Arpoador and Ipanema, as well as the Freitas lagoon, Jockey Club and Botanical Gardens.

The trip down was just as exciting, and I have never enjoyed such a short train ride as I did on the Trem do Corcovado. It is part of a major sightseeing event, and perfectly bookends a visit to the Cristo Redentor.

Austin is an avid traveler and blogger. His passions include music, art, travel and food and he loves to see these things bringing people together.