⭐ 4.6 (289 reviews)

Christ the Redeemer Tour by Van & Selarón Steps

Ride through Tijuca Forest to the iconic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, then explore Santa Teresa and the dazzling mosaic staircase of Lapa on one unforgettable Rio de Janeiro journey.

Featured Tour

Van Ride to Corcovado & the Selarón Steps

The Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps experience is the ultimate way to see Rio's most celebrated landmarks in a single, seamless outing. Your journey begins at the meeting point, where a comfortable van whisks you along a scenic route through Tijuca Forest — one of the largest urban forests on Earth — before delivering you to the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Standing 710 metres above the city, the outstretched arms of Christ the Redeemer offer a breathtaking 360-degree panorama across Rio de Janeiro. After soaking in the views, the tour continues past the bohemian hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, with its narrow cobblestone streets and signature yellow trams, before arriving in the vibrant Lapa district. Here you'll marvel at the Carioca Aqueduct and descend the world-famous Selarón Steps, Jorge Selarón's gift to the Brazilian people, covered in thousands of brilliantly coloured tiles. The Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps tour ties together history, art, culture and natural beauty in one remarkable afternoon.

  • Ascend Corcovado Mountain by van through lush Tijuca Forest
  • Stand beneath one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro from 710 m
  • Stroll through bohemian Santa Teresa and its cobblestone streets
  • Admire the iconic mosaic tiles of the Selarón Steps in Lapa
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⭐ 4.6 (289 reviews) Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps
Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps
Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps
Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps

About This Experience

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

This guided van tour combines Rio de Janeiro's two most photogenic landmarks into one expertly paced itinerary. Beginning at a convenient central meeting point, a knowledgeable guide leads a small group through the cool shade of Tijuca Forest before the van emerges at the summit of Corcovado Mountain. The statue of Christ the Redeemer looms above, arms wide open, framing one of the most spectacular cityscapes on the planet.

After descending from Corcovado, the route winds through Santa Teresa, Rio's creative hillside enclave beloved for its art galleries, colourful facades and the famous yellow bonde tram. Travellers have plenty of opportunity to photograph the neighbourhood's atmospheric lanes before the van continues down to Lapa, home to the elegant arches of the Carioca Aqueduct and the electrifying nightlife scene that defines Rio's Bohemian soul.

The grand finale is the Selarón Steps, a dazzling staircase of more than 250 steps adorned with tiles collected from over 60 countries. Crafted by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, the artwork is in constant evolution and remains one of Rio's most photographed spots. The tour wraps up with a comfortable return transfer to the meeting point, leaving you with full evenings free to explore the city at your own pace.

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Duration Approx. 4 hours
👥
Group Size Small group tour
📍
Meeting Point Central Rio de Janeiro
✅
Included Van transport & guided tour
💪
Difficulty Easy – suitable for most
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Languages English & Portuguese

Travel Guide

Christ The Redeemer Tour Everything You Need to Know

Plan Your Visit Like a Pro

What to Bring & Pack

Rio de Janeiro's tropical climate means comfort and sun protection are your top priorities. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the warm temperatures you'll encounter both in the forest and at the open-air summit. Even on clear days, the wind at the top of Corcovado can be surprisingly brisk, so a light layer or thin jacket is worth tucking into your bag before you leave the hotel.

Good footwear matters on this outing. The Selarón Steps involve a gentle climb over tiled surfaces that can be slippery after rain, so closed-toe shoes or supportive sandals are recommended over flip-flops. Keep your bag compact and theft-deterrent, especially in busy public areas like Lapa. A small daypack is far more practical than a large suitcase-style bag for moving comfortably between stops.

  • Sunscreen SPF 30+ and sunglasses
  • Lightweight jacket or thin layer for the summit
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes or supportive sandals
  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Camera or fully charged smartphone
  • Small amount of local cash (BRL) for snacks or tips
  • Compact daypack or crossbody bag

What to Expect on the Tour

The experience kicks off when you meet your guide and fellow travellers at the designated central Rio meeting point. Everyone boards a comfortable air-conditioned van that immediately begins winding upward through the dense canopy of Tijuca Forest. The drive itself is scenic and informative, with your guide sharing stories about the forest's remarkable ecological restoration and the history of Corcovado Mountain as you ascend.

At the summit you'll have free time to walk the viewing platforms, take photos and simply absorb the extraordinary 360-degree panorama. The guide will be on hand to answer questions and point out landmarks across the city below. After the descent the pace shifts to a leisurely cultural exploration through Santa Teresa and Lapa, culminating at the Selarón Steps where your guide explains the artist's extraordinary lifelong dedication to the mosaic masterpiece.

  • Meet guide at the central Rio meeting point
  • Van ride through scenic Tijuca Forest to Corcovado summit
  • Free time to photograph Christ the Redeemer and the 360° view
  • Scenic drive past Santa Teresa's cobblestone streets and yellow tram
  • Stop at Lapa to view the historic Carioca Aqueduct
  • Visit and photograph the iconic Selarón Steps mosaic staircase
  • Return transfer to the original meeting point

Good to Know Before You Visit

Weather at the top of Corcovado can change quickly. On overcast or foggy days the statue may be partially obscured by cloud, which is entirely outside the operator's control. Checking the Rio forecast the evening before your tour and setting realistic expectations will help you enjoy the experience regardless of conditions. Many travellers actually find a misty summit atmosphere adds a dramatic, otherworldly quality to their photos.

Ticket entry fees to the Christ the Redeemer monument area are not always included in the base tour price, so read the booking details carefully and have payment ready if required on the day. Arrive at the meeting point at least ten minutes early, as vans depart on schedule. Valuables should be kept secure at all stops, particularly on the Selarón Steps, which attract large crowds. Respectful behaviour is expected at the monument site.

  • Check Rio weather the night before — summit visibility varies
  • Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point; vans leave on time
  • Confirm whether monument entry fees are included in your booking
  • Keep cameras and phones close in crowded areas like Selarón Steps
  • Photography is welcome but drone use is restricted at Corcovado
  • Modest clothing is appreciated at the religious monument site
  • Inform the operator in advance of any mobility requirements

Traveler Reviews

Christ The Redeemer Tour What Visitors Are Saying

See why thousands of travelers choose this christ the redeemer tour to experience Rio's most iconic landmarks in one unforgettable day.

★★★★★

"Absolutely the best way to see the statue up close — our guide was knowledgeable, funny, and made every stop feel special. The van pickup from our hotel was right on time and the whole group had a fantastic vibe. The Selarón Steps were a bonus we hadn't expected and they were absolutely stunning. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Rio for the first time."

SM
Sarah M.March 2024
★★★★★

"We'd tried to visit the statue on our own the day before and the lines were overwhelming, so booking a guided van tour was a total game-changer. Our guide knew exactly which viewpoints offered the best photo angles and even held our spot while we grabbed snacks. The Selarón Steps were vibrant and colorful — a photographer's dream. This is genuinely one of the highlights of our entire South America trip."

JR
James R.January 2024
★★★★☆

"Really enjoyed the christ the redeemer tour overall — the guide was passionate and shared fascinating history about both the statue and the city below. The only minor downside was that clouds partially obscured the view from the top for about 20 minutes, but that's just Rio weather. The Selarón Steps stop more than made up for it, and the van comfort made the winding road up Corcovado much less stressful than taking the train. Would absolutely book again."

PN
Petra N.February 2024
★★★★★

"From hotel pickup to drop-off, every detail was handled smoothly and professionally. Standing beneath the outstretched arms of the statue with the whole city sprawling out below us was genuinely emotional. Our guide shared stories about the construction and cultural significance that you simply wouldn't get wandering around alone. The Selarón Steps at the end were the perfect colorful farewell to a magical morning in Rio."

DK
David K.April 2024

FAQ

Christ The Redeemer Tour Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you go — answered honestly so you can plan with total confidence.

The Christ the Redeemer by Van and Selarón Steps tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable air-conditioned van, a licensed English-speaking guide for the full duration, entrance fees to the Corcovado viewpoint area, and a dedicated stop at the iconic Selarón Steps in the Lapa neighborhood. You'll have guided commentary at both locations, with time set aside for photos and exploration at each stop. Bottled water is typically provided during the journey. Check your booking confirmation for any minor variations based on your departure point.
The excursion typically runs between 4 and 5 hours in total, depending on traffic and group size. Most departures are scheduled in the morning, generally between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, to take advantage of clearer skies and smaller crowds at the summit. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking based on your hotel's location within Rio. Arriving early in the day also means better lighting conditions for photographs of the statue and panoramic city views.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there are steps and uneven surfaces at both sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal given Rio's warm climate, but bring a light layer since the summit of Corcovado can be noticeably cooler and windier than the city below. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are strongly recommended for the open-air viewpoint areas. Don't forget a fully charged camera or phone — you'll want plenty of battery life for the views and the colorful mosaic tiles of the Selarón Steps.
Rio's weather can be unpredictable, and cloud cover at Corcovado is genuinely common, especially during the rainy season from November to March. The tour will still operate in light rain or partial clouds, and many visitors find misty conditions add an atmospheric quality to the experience. If visibility is severely limited, your guide will often suggest the best alternative viewpoints or adjust timing where possible. It's worth noting that even on overcast days, the scale and detail of the statue itself remain breathtaking up close. Refund or rescheduling policies vary, so check the cancellation terms at the time of booking.
The tour is family-friendly and children generally love both the statue and the vivid colors of the Selarón Steps. However, travelers with significant mobility limitations should be aware that there are escalators and elevators available at the Corcovado viewpoint area, though some uneven pathways remain. The Selarón Steps themselves are a steep mosaic staircase and may be challenging for those with knee or hip concerns. It is always best to contact the operator directly before booking if you have specific accessibility needs, so they can advise on the most suitable arrangements. The van itself is comfortable and requires only a standard step-up to board.
You can reserve your spot directly through Viator, where availability is shown in real time and instant confirmation is provided upon payment. Most bookings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, giving you flexibility if your plans change. Payment is processed securely through Viator's platform, and your booking voucher — which you'll need on the day — is sent by email. Group sizes are kept manageable to ensure a personal experience rather than a crowded bus tour. If you have questions about private group options or special requests, these can often be accommodated by contacting the operator through the Viator platform.

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