Our taxi driver tried to convince us to have him drive us to the top. The price he quoted us was equivalent to the round-trip cost for two train tickets, and we wouldn’t have had to wait for the train. However, we decided to take the train based on advice we had read, and I think it was a good choice. Though we did need to wait a while for the train, the ride up was filled with great views that we wouldn’t have appreciated from the car.

On the top of the mountain, there was small restaurant and snack bar. Though it was a bit overpriced, the view was unbelievable and more than made up for it.

I went alone, and this was no problem. I took a cab to the base of the mountain, and then took the train up. The train is the second-steepest train in the world, and I recommend it over the drive (it's also cheaper as parking is expensive up there). It runs through Tijuca National Park. It's the largest urban forest in the world (hence the striking green hills rising up from the beach that I saw from the plane).

The crowd at Corcovado was mostly families and tourists; there were a few youth groups on pilgrimage, too. I found the vendors selling souveniers to be unsavory.

All that aside, the view is a splendor (not as inspiring as when you see the coast from an airplace, but still worth the trip). You can see all the way up past Ipanema to Barra da Tijuca, and all the way out through Guanabara Bay. On a clear day, it is dazzling! I could have leaned against the wall for hours watching the noiseless traffic, the tissue-paper waves, and the purposeful migration of the clouds.

The Jesus (a.k.a. Christ the Redeemer), on the other hand, really creeped me out. It seemed such a heavy-handed symbol, and his features are rough-hewn when seen from up close. From the back, you can say a prayer in a small shrine cut into the pedestal. If you are religious, this would be an important pilgrimage site, though.

You can get the train at: Rua Cosme Velho 513, Cosme Velho, Rio de Janeiro. The tel is 2558 1329, and check this website for more info.

You don’t have to be religious to enjoy a trip to the top of the Corcovado mountain to view the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Take the incline train that makes the steep climb upward, and you’ll enjoy Rio’s nature along the way.

If you weren’t making your way through an Atlantic rainforest, you’d almost think that you were in the steep Alps of Europe.

After you leave the train, you have a number of stairs to climb before you are at the statue of the Christ, but, believe me, it’s worth it just to see the incredible view of the city below.

It’s an exhilarating feeling to be up so high and look down on the dramatic city below — even for someone who is not particularly fond of heights. It’s just so peaceful to look out over this grand city.,P> Back in the city, look up at the statue, and you’ll find it difficult that you were there. (Of course, if you purchase the souvenir plate with your photo on it, you have proof.