Christ the Redeemer & Selarón Steps Tour: A Compact Rio Half-Day
Short on time but want more than just the statue? The Christ the Redeemer and Selarón Steps tour is a tidy three-hour half-day that climbs Corcovado for the panorama, then drops into artsy Santa Teresa and the world-famous mosaic staircase. It's the sweet spot between a bare ticket and a full-day trip. Here's what's included and how the morning flows — and you can compare it with the other Corcovado options any time.
About This Activity
Cancel up to 24 hours before your start time for a full refund if plans change.
Hold your spot today and pay nothing until tour day.
A compact half-day — the statue plus the steps without losing a whole day.
Visit the famous mosaic staircase tiled with ceramics from around the world.
Start from a central meeting point and travel up through Tijuca Forest.
A local guide shares the history of the statue, Santa Teresa and the steps.
Check Live Availability & Prices
This compact half-day is popular with travelers who want both icons quickly, and the morning slots go first. Pick your date below to see live availability — reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Why This Compact Half-Day Works
The statue plus the steps, in three hours
A statue-only ticket is quick, but you miss the city below; a full-day tour can feel like a lot. This three-hour trip threads the needle — you summit Corcovado for the view, then descend to the Selarón Steps and the bohemian streets of Santa Teresa.
It's an easy add to a packed Rio itinerary, leaving your afternoon free for the beach.
A scenic route through Tijuca Forest
The drive up takes a short, beautiful route through the Tijuca Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the world, before reaching the statue 710 meters above sea level.
With a guide handling the driving and timing, you simply enjoy the panorama and the photo stops rather than navigating Rio's hills yourself.
What You'll See on the Tour
From the summit to Santa Teresa
The half-day covers the statue and the colorful streets below it.
- Christ the Redeemer and the panorama from 710 meters up
- Views over Guanabara Bay and the city from Corcovado
- The mosaic Selarón Steps, Rio's most photographed staircase
- The artsy, hillside Santa Teresa neighborhood
- Cobblestone streets and views over central Rio
- The Tijuca Forest scenery on the drive up
What's Included — and What to Bring
Included in the tour
- A local guide for the three-hour half-day - Transport from the meeting point and between stops - Entry to the Christ the Redeemer statue - A stop at the Selarón Steps - A drive through the Santa Teresa neighborhood
Not included — bring these
- Water, snacks and cash for souvenirs - Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for the summit - Comfortable shoes for steps and cobblestones - A charged phone or camera for the steps and views - Hotel pickup (this tour uses a meeting point)
What to Expect — Step by Step
Important Things to Know Before You Go
What to bring
- Your mobile voucher and a photo ID - Water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses - Comfortable shoes for steps and cobblestones - A charged phone or camera for the Selarón Steps - Some cash for snacks and souvenirs
Good to know
- This tour uses a Copacabana meeting point rather than hotel pickup — confirm the exact spot beforehand - Double-check your time and meeting location the day before, as pickups can change - Morning departures give the clearest summit views - The Selarón Steps can get crowded; your guide knows the best photo angles - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before adds flexibility
Where the Tour Goes — Statue & Selarón Steps
Who This Tour Is For
Ideal for
- Travelers who want the statue plus the steps without a full day - Anyone with a free morning and a beach afternoon planned - First-timers wanting a guided overview on a budget - Photographers chasing the Selarón Steps and summit views - Visitors who enjoy artsy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa
Not suitable for
- Travelers who specifically need door-to-door hotel pickup - Those wanting to add the Sugarloaf cable car (choose that tour) - Visitors seeking a long, in-depth single-site visit - Anyone who can't manage steps and cobblestone streets
What does the Christ the Redeemer and Selarón Steps tour include?
It includes a guide, transport from the meeting point, statue entry, a stop at the Selarón Steps and a drive through Santa Teresa over three hours. For a version with the Sugarloaf cable car, compare the other Corcovado tours.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
This tour uses a meeting point in Copacabana rather than door-to-door hotel pickup, so confirm the exact spot in advance. If you'd prefer pickup, the Sugarloaf half-day tour includes it.
How long is the Christ the Redeemer and Selarón Steps tour?
It runs about three hours — a compact half-day that covers the statue and the steps, leaving your afternoon free. See how it compares with the other Rio tours and tickets if you want more or less time.
How much does the tour cost?
The guided half-day starts at $60 per person, including statue entry, the Selarón Steps stop and a drive through Santa Teresa. You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Will I have time for photos at the Selarón Steps?
Yes — the steps are a dedicated stop on the tour, and your guide knows the best angles and quieter corners for photos. The colorful mosaic staircase is one of Rio's most photographed spots, so it's a highlight of the trip.
What Travelers Say About This Tour
Leandro was an excellent guide and the transport very comfortable. A perfect tour to quickly tick the highlights of Rio off your to-do list. Great value for a half-day.
Met so many lovely people, and the guide was fluent in several languages. We felt safe, the trip was easy, and there was enough time to take photos at both the statue and the steps.
I had a great time on this tour. Pryscilla was cheerful, fun and knowledgeable, and the Selarón Steps were even more colorful in person. Highly recommend!