Rio de Janeiro - Christ Reedemer and Jardim Botanico

---

We took a City bus to Christ Reedemer. We used google maps to find the bus from our hotel to Cosme Velho. We knew we had arrived at Cosme Velho when we saw the train. You can also take the metro to Largodo Machado metro stop then take a bus to Cosme Velho. Once you arrive at Cosme Velho you can buy a ticket for a train ride up the mountain. We arrived at noon and the next train available was 4:00. There were people selling rides in a van up the mountain so we decided to do that. We were able to pay by credit card so that was nice. You can also take a taxie. Once we got to the mountain base we had to wait in line to buy a ticket to get into the park. The line was long. If you bought your ticket over the internet or were on a tour you got into a short line. The short line was also for seniors over 60 so I got into the short line and passed at least 60 people. Being old in South America has its advantages. Once you buy your ticket you get into another van for your last ride to the top. Once you get off the van you can take an elevator or climb 220 steps to the statue.

Christ the Redeemr is to Rio like the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It is a symbol of the city and a must see for tourists. Once at the top it is crowded with tourist and you will find it hard to get pictures without other tourist in your picture. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Then take a van back to the ticket booth. Our van service had it's own line to Cosme Velho. We caught the public bus headed to our hotel. The bus driver could tell we were tourist and assumed we were getting off at Jardim Botanico. He stopped the bus and told us to get off, so we thought why not. Jardim Botanico was on our list of things to see so why not see it now.



The gardens are 348 acres of broad , palm tree lined avenues, shady paths and lawns dotted with fountains. The park was not crowded and after the crowds at Christ the Reedemer we enjoyed the quiet. The park can take up to three hours to walk around. We stopped at the cafe and had a coke to give us a boost of energy. This was a nice way to spend the afternoon away from the crazy Carnival crowds.

We usually do not take a tour but I think I would recommend a tour to Christ the Reedemer because there were multiple busses and van rides. I am not sorry we took public transportation because we got to see the Botanical gardens.

---

Comments

[Stanley Skiba]

Photos
Got some great pictures on this excursion. Glad to see you having such a wonderful time.