Cristo Redentor & Sugarloaf Mountain

★★★ Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)

The 38-meter-high Christ statue on the 710-meter-high Corcovado is not only Rio's but Brazil's number one landmark — and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Art Deco statue made of reinforced concrete and soapstone was inaugurated in 1931 and stretches its arms 28 meters wide over the city.

The view from the base is breathtaking: To the north, the Guanabara Bay with the bridge to Niterói, to the south Copacabana and Ipanema, to the west the Tijuca National Park, and directly below you the Sugarloaf Mountain rising from the sea. On a clear day, the view extends to the islands in the bay.

Two ways up: The cog train (Trem do Corcovado) from Cosme Velho — the historic train winds its way through the Tijuca rainforest for 20 minutes (ticket: 90–130 BRL / 15–22€, book online in advance!). Or by van from Paineiras (official parking lot, shuttle included).

Corcovado, Cosme Velho. Daily 8:00–19:00 (last ascent 18:00). Cog train: 90–130 BRL, vans from Paineiras: 55 BRL + entrance. Be sure to come early in the morning (8:00–9:00) — then it's clearest and least crowded. Clouds often roll in from noon.

★★★ Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)

The 396-meter-high granite rock at the mouth of Guanabara Bay is Rio's second major landmark — and perhaps even more photogenic than Cristo. The cable car (Bondinho) runs in two stages: first to Morro da Urca (220 m), then to Sugarloaf Mountain itself. Both stations have viewing platforms, bars, and restaurants.

The absolute tip: sunset. When the sun sets behind Rio's mountains, the city is bathed in golden light, and the millions of lights slowly come on — with the illuminated Cristo Redentor in the background — it is one of the most unforgettable moments Brazil has to offer.

Praça General Tibúrcio, Urca. Cable car daily 8:00–21:00 (last ride 20:00). Price: 130–170 BRL (22–28€). Online tickets recommended, especially for sunset. Alternative: hike to Morro da Urca (Pista Cláudio Coutinho, 30 min., free), then cable car only for the second stage.