Meeting the Giant Jesus Statue on Top of Corcovado

After a morning of sightseeing on top of the Sugarloaf Mountain, we headed to the most famous site of Rio de Janeiro - Corcovado Mountain to visit the Giant Jesus Christ Statue (officially named "Cristo Redentor" - Christ the Redeemer). This site is just nominated as the candidates of "the New 7 Wonders." "Corcovado," in turns, means "hunchback" (please do not confuse with "brokeback," a more well-known term these days). Looking at the shape of this mountain, then you get the idea.

Though visitors can either drive, or even hike to the top of the mountain, we chose to take the cog train ride, slowly winding up to the hill. Even higher than the Sugarloaf, it offers a more paramanic view of Rio.

Please click the thumbnail on the pictures to see enlarged images

Entrance to the cog train station. Because it was the Carnival time, even the doll riding the train dressing up to the fruity Carnival theme.

Our cog train is slowly winding up the Hill. It is tropical jungle all around. Take the advice from "Lonely Planet," sit at the left side for the best view.

View of Lake Rodrigo de Freitas in the Gavea neighborhood. Between the race tracks and the ocean is the poshy neighborhood of Leblon.

View of Bay of Guanabara and the downtown Rio. On the right side, Sugarloaf is barely visible behind the clouds.

The single most famous sight of Rio de Janeiro. I have never felt so close to God. It actually feels bigger than this picture shows.

A tourist routine, spread your arms open like Christ the Redeemer does. There are just too many people between him and me. Tourists were evreywhere on Corcovado.