Rio de Janeiro: How to get the perfect photo at Christ the Redeemer
Going to Rio de Janeiro and not visiting Christ the Redeemer is like never having been to Rio at all . Because of its allure, many choose Christ the Redeemer as their first stop on their first visit to the Marvelous City. Out of faith, some go every time they visit Rio. But it doesn't always represent a pleasant adventure, especially if the weather isn't on your side .
And if the weather isn't on our side, getting a good photo is nearly impossible . Not even the magnificent natural scenery surrounding the structure or the panorama of Rio's buildings would be visible when everything is shrouded in an intense gray caused by fog . Going to Christ the Redeemer on a cloudy day is risky if you're hoping for a good photograph and might force travelers to go twice.
Have you seen those viral TikTok videos of travelers visiting Rio de Janeiro, climbing to Christ the Redeemer, only to find nothing to see? That trending audio clip of a young woman exclaiming "My savings!" is as heartbreaking as reaching the top of Corcovado Mountain and not being able to admire the grandeur of one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, whether due to fog or the crowds gathered at the foot of Christ .
Nobody wants to feel like they wasted their money and climbed all the way up to Christ the Redeemer only to not appreciate it properly . But here we'll explain some tips and recommendations so you can choose the perfect moment for a perfect memory .
The weather in Rio de Janeiro is constantly changing.
Many are surprised to learn that Rio de Janeiro's summer months have its rainiest days . It's a strange combination of sun, heat, and rain, constantly fluctuating , due to the geographical location of this vibrant Brazilian paradise.
But even during the rest of the year, temperatures in Rio are highly changeable . It's difficult to predict what will happen in three or six months, depending on the date you choose for your trip to the Marvelous City, but as the days approach , you can find out what the weather will be like, for example, with the weather app installed on your smartphone .
So, if you've planned a week-long trip to Rio de Janeiro, you need to confirm the day and time with the most sunshine and clearest skies . A bright, clear sky will guarantee you witness the grandeur of Christ the Redeemer.
As a side note, there's a YouTube channel that shows the Christ the Redeemer statue in real time. Its live stream, shared at different times each day, lets you check the weather at the top.
What time should I go? This applies to almost everything in Rio de Janeiro.
We already know that the ideal time to visit Christ the Redeemer is on the sunniest and clearest day. That leads us to the next question: What time should we go?
The best time to climb Corcovado is first thing in the morning . The sun rises very early in Rio de Janeiro, so it's recommended to go up at 7:00 AM local time . If you book a tour to Christ the Redeemer, choose the first departure of the day. If you're going on your own, try to arrive at the ticket booth at the designated time.
In the early hours of the day, there are fewer travelers queuing to board the train or van, resulting in fewer people on each mode of transport and less crowding at the top. This is key: fewer people means more space to get the perfect photo .
This early morning schedule applies not only to Christ the Redeemer, but to the vast majority of natural attractions in Rio de Janeiro, such as Sugarloaf Mountain . Even Rio's beaches are best visited early, after breakfast, around 10:00 AM.
The “competition” of photos at Christ the Redeemer
If we manage to get up to Christ the Redeemer early, there won't be such a huge crowd . We'll have space to take selfies, more elaborate photos, help any travelers who need assistance with their cameras, and simply marvel at the immensity of this Wonder of the World.
But from about 9:00 AM, the photo "competition" begins . Everyone tries to get that perfect shot, where a couple or some other traveler might innocently appear in the picture you take. That's why "competition" is in quotes, because everyone who climbs up to Christ the Redeemer has the same goal: to get a good photo for a perfect souvenir .
When there are a lot of tourists at Christ the Redeemer, taking a photo becomes more difficult. It's not impossible, but obviously, with less space, there's less room to maneuver when taking pictures . It's in this scenario that we have to be most creative, and that's why we'll also share some tips .
Rio de Janeiro at Sheraton Grand Rio with 2 children free (7 days / 6 nights)
Tips for a perfect photo
Even without being professional photographers and surrounded by crowds, we can still get a great photo at Christ the Redeemer. The following tips apply to both crowded and small gatherings :
- Bring a tripod . This will help you keep your phone or camera steady, allowing you to point the camera lens the way you want. You can also use a selfie stick .
- Take the photos from ground level . If your camera or smartphone is down below and pointing upwards, you can capture an iconic image that fully showcases the Christ the Redeemer statue. It's the best photography tip we can give you .
- Respect other people's turns and help them . In some cases, travelers arrange to form lines so everyone has their turn to take their photo. This is the best possible scenario, as it gives everyone a chance to get the perfect shot, fosters camaraderie among travelers, and encourages everyone to help each other get a good picture .
These tips can help you get a photograph like the one taken by Guy Acurero, digital analyst and content creator at Expan Tours , who recently visited Rio and shares this text and his recommendations.
Following these tips will make your trip to Rio de Janeiro one you'll never forget, and your visit to Christ the Redeemer will leave you with the experience you've always dreamed of. After all, what we always take away from travel is the satisfaction of a dream fulfilled, the memories, and a perfect photo for your social media feed or your living room .
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