Rio's Christ statue tops World Cup tourist list

Rio's Christ statue tops World Cup tourist list
By admin


Top of the list of tourist attractions for visitors coming to Rio de Janeiro for the 2014 World Cup is likely to be the 30-metre-high Christ the Redeemer statue of Jesus Christ.

It perches on the summit of the 700-metre Corcovado mountain that overlooks Rio.

Constructed between 1926 and 1931, the 635-tonne Art Deco statue with its outstretched arms has become an icon for Rio and Brazil.

It looks down on a variety of attractions such as the Sugar Loaf, Rio's old town, Ipanema, the beaches of Copacabana and the Maracana stadium where next year's World Cup final takes place on July 13 in this football-crazy country.

Since taking his place in the Tijuca Forest National Park all those years ago, Christ the Redeemer has witnessed many unexpected events, not least the banning of football from Rio's beaches as part of an effort to make the city a more bearable place during the hot South American summer.

The stream of tourists making their way up the final 215 steps to the statue is constant.

The viewing platform is always crammed with throngs of tourists happily imitating Christ the Redeemer's pose for their holiday snaps.

For those visitors not mobile enough to tackle the steep steps to the summit of the Corcovado mountain, there is always the option of taking a lift, which is conveniently located just a few metres away from the shuttle bus car park.

Once out of the lift, there is even a moving walkway to bring any weary traveller the final few metres to the statue.

Considered one of the modern seven wonders of the world and located in a country that is 74 per cent Catholic, any visit to Brazil would not be complete without a close-up view of Christ the Redeemer.

Standing on the viewing platform high above the city, it is also possible to see Rio's favelas, the slums of makeshift shacks that sprawl up the steep slopes that surround Brazil's third-largest city.

For decades, these poor areas were considered no-go zones where powerful drug barons held sway, but now the favelas are slowly but surely opening themselves up to the economic opportunities tourism has to offer.

The Babilonia favela is situated on the steep mountain slopes between Copacabana and Botafogo. For many years, Babilonia's impoverished residents had to endure a reign of terror under the control of the Third Commandoes drugs cartel.

Things only began to improve in 1997 when the first police raids against the area's drug gangs took place ahead of Pope John Paul II's visit.

In 2009, armed police occupied Babilonia and the security situation has improved so much in recent years that is now possible to go on guided tours of the favela.

Much still needs to be done to improve the security situation in Rio ahead of the World Cup but tournament organisers are confident the event will pass off without a hitch.

They hope the former Brazilian capital, which gave up the honour to Brasilia in 1960, will welcome its extra visitors with open arms just like its most famous landmark Christ the Redeemer.

Latest News

  • Hotels

RACV Hobart Hotel launches “Tascation” package

RACV Hobart Hotel has launched a new “Tascation” package that offers visitors an opportunity to explore Tasmania’s captivating capital city starting at only $299 per night. The offer combines luxury accommodation with exclusive benefits, promising an unforgettable Hobart experience. Highlights include one night in a Hotel King or Twin room, delicious breakfast for two, a […]

  • Cruise

Cruise Traveller offers savings on unique Scotland and England packages

Cruise Traveller has announced savings on its Scotland and England offerings. The 20-night land and sea holiday in the UK is offered in partnership with Lord of the Glens. The world’s smallest cruise line’s only vessel, the 52-guest boutique ship, was purpose-built to explore the pristine and intricate waterways and lochs of the Scottish Highlands, […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Abercrombie and Kent unveils The Chianti Collection

Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has debuted A&K Private Estates: The Chianti Collection, five meticulously curated villas in Tuscany. These handpicked estates, ranging from restored farmhouses to ancient towers, are perfect for multi-generational families and special celebrations. Each villa is equipped with a variety of premium amenities, such as heated pools, outdoor kitchens, yoga studios, gyms, […]

  • News
  • Tourism

New Zealand Tourism Awards names shortlist

New Zealand Tourism has announced its shortlist for its 2024 tourism awards with 47 finalists being drawn from over 120 entries. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 6 November at the Awards Gala Dinner at Cordis Auckland. The awards have been set up to celebrate the very best of New Zealand’s tourism offering. It covers […]

  • Hotels

Hotel d’Inghilterra completes its extensive restyling

Hotel d’Inghilterra, the historic and unique accommodation landmark in Rome, has completed its rebirth with the iconic property enhancing its charm event further. Located just a few steps from the iconic Spanish Steps and the Via Condotti, the hotel’s innate elegance has been home of international patrons and Roman nobility since the mid 16th century. […]

  • Cruise

Oceania Cruises unveils its new brand value promise to all guests

Culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises, has unveiled its ‘Your World Included’  featuring an updated selection of always included amenities. The new offer cements the brand’s promise of ‘Your World, Your Way’ branding and as part of it, all guests will receive included shipboard gratuities for stateroom attendants, butlers, and dining waitstaff automatically in […]

  • Destinations

Adventure World unveils new Canada MAKE TRAVEL MATTER campaign

Adventure World has unveiled a new Canada campaign going beyond breathtaking landscapes and iconic sights and inviting Aussie travellers to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER by giving back to the destinations they explore. Through the innovative MAKE TRAVEL MATTER program, starting this month, travellers can add meaningful experiences to their Canadian adventures. Imagine participating in a wildlife […]

  • News
  • Tourism

Intrepid Adventures launches new travel show on Channel 10

Intrepid Travel has launched a new six-part travel series, Intrepid Adventures, premiering on Channel 10 this Sunday, 8 September. In partnership with creative production house, Sloane Media and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the program shifts the spotlight from traditional tourist sights to the local guides and communities that bring each destination to life. The […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Luxury Travel Collection reveals ‘Leaders who Lunch’ series

The Luxury Travel Collection (LTC) launched ‘Leaders Who Lunch’ (LWL) with its first event today, bringing together an intimate group of luxury advisors with global luxury partner, Silversea. This new series of intimate, invitation-only lunches will connect influential global senior leaders from LTC’s luxury partner network, with a hand-selected group of members to nurture elevated […]

  • Cruise
  • Travel Agents

MSC Cruises hosts ’Deep Dive on Japan’ webinar

MSC Cruises has announced an exclusive webinar tailored for travel partners that offers an in-depth look at their Japan 2025 itineraries and more. The 20-minute webinar, followed by a 5-minute interactive Q&A session, is designed to provide travel partners with comprehensive insights into the popular destination of the Far-East and top selling itineraries. Japan and […]

  • News

World-first education initiative introduces “Guardian of the Reef” platform

Tourism Tropical North Queensland has partnered with Expedia in the US, UK and Australia to introduce the “Guardian of the Reef”, a world-first platform. Conservation curious travellers can visit the newly launched website and work through a series of short educational videos, each with a coupon reward system to use with Expedia bookings on the […]

  • Cruise

Explora Journeys announces godmother for EXPLORA II

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that environmentalist Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of their newest ship, the EXPLORA II. The ship’s official naming ceremony will be on 15 September 2024 in Civitavecchia, Italy and marks the latest addition to the Explora Journey’s fleet. It reflects the […]

  • Aviation

Malaysia Airlines launches direct flight to Paris

Malaysia Airlines has announced direct flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, marking a key milestone in the airline’s European expansion. This route, which will commence on 22 March 2025, represents Malaysia Airlines’ 68th destination, reinforcing its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. In celebration of the route’s return after nearly […]

  • Hotels

Oasia Resort Sentosa unveils new room category and junior suites

The Oasia Resort Sentosa has unveiled its latest Courtyard Premier rooms and refreshed Junior Suites as well as a staycation offer for pet owners and their furry friends. Located on level two in the Palawan Wing, the 19 Courtyard Premier rooms each span 63sqm with a spacious alfresco area with bean bags and a dining […]

  • Hotels

Park Regis by Prince Singapore debuts under a new brand name following extensive refurbishments

The debut of the Park Regis by Prince Singapore marks the global expansion of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts since launching its new global brand identity in April. Following this rebranding of the property and extensive refurbishment, Park Regis by Prince Singapore is an urban oasis that effortlessly encapsulates the essence of its unique bi-culture […]