A spectacular day visiting Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, the highlight of my time in Rio.
Guided Tour.
Gail and I had booked a guided tour to see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. I didn’t realise the tour included several other stops too, which made the day even better.
A coach picked us up from the hotel. The guide asked a couple of people to move so I could sit at the front, then checked us off her list as “Mr and Mrs Morris.” Gail quickly corrected her, and we set off through Rio toward Corcovado Mountain.
Christ the Redeemer.
The road up the mountain was incredibly steep, there’s no way I could ever have walked it. As we climbed, the city gave way to lush greenery, and the views over Rio and Guanabara Bay were stunning.
At the base of the statue, we were given time to use the facilities. I bought myself a T‑shirt before we were taken to the entrance. Instead of the long path, our guide took Gail and me to the disabled lift.
At the top, we were given time to explore. I took the classic tourist photo with the statue behind me and admired the view, but the crowds were overwhelming. Hundreds of people pushing and shoving for the same photo spot made it less enjoyable.
As I returned to the lift, the guide spotted me and asked people to move so I could sit down. She was incredibly attentive and kept calling me “Mr Morris.”
When we boarded the coach again, another coach crashed into the one in front of it, knocking off part of its bumper. Thankfully, they moved aside quickly and didn’t delay us.
As we drove away, the guide asked if my “partner” and I had enjoyed the statue. Gail corrected her again, and the guide switched to calling me “Mr Alan,” giving me even more attention.
The Favela Viewpoint.
We drove down through the favela where scenes from the Fast and Furious films were shot. We stopped above it for photos. The guide approached me again, calling out, “Mr Alan, would you like me to take your photo?” I told her to call me Alan, and she took several photos before we continued.
We drove through the favela itself, steep, narrow, and not somewhere I’d want to walk for safety and physical reasons.
Maracanã Stadium.
We made a brief stop outside the Maracanã Stadium. Once again, the guide got off with me and took photos before we continued toward Sugarloaf Mountain.
Sugarloaf Mountain.
We arrived near the Mausoleum of the Heroes of the Battle of Laguna and then walked to the cable car station. The guide led me through the disabled entrance and into a lift.
We boarded the first cable car. Gail and I were right at the front, with a perfect view as we ascended. I loved it, Gail, who’s scared of heights, handled it brilliantly.
At the first stop, the guide showed us viewpoints and plants growing on the mountainside. The views were incredible, far more relaxing than Christ the Redeemer, with fewer crowds and more space.
We took the second cable car to the top. I wandered around taking photos, enjoying the scenery and the layout. Every level had disabled access, making it easy to explore. The guide found me again, took more photos, and explained the history of the site. I visited the small museum and saw the original cable car cogs. The current system is the third generation.
The Guide asked which I preferred, Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf Mountain. I said Sugarloaf, and she looked delighted, saying it was her favourite too.
While waiting for the group, Gail took a photo of me at the Sugarloaf heart photo point. I also spotted four Brazilian girls dressed as if they were going to a fashion show rather than a tourist site, colourful dresses, perfect hair, the lot. They brightened up the day.
Returning to the Hotel.
The guide walked me through the exit so I didn’t have to queue or take stairs, then showed us where to meet the coach. I bought a bottle of water and boarded.
The rest of the group were continuing on a full‑day tour, but Gail and I had only booked the first half. As we got off at our hotel, I tipped the guide, she’d looked after me all day and absolutely deserved it.
She thanked me and said goodbye using my nickname, “Sharky,” which was on my shirt. We’d gone from “Mr and Mrs Morris” to “partners” to “travel friends,” and finally to “Sharky.” She’d become guide, helper, and photographer all in one.
Evening on Copacabana.
That evening, Gail and I went to a local restaurant. Once again, the food was terrible, cheap but poor quality. I couldn’t recommend any of the Copacabana eateries so far.
After dinner, Gail headed back to the hotel, but I stopped at a bar to listen to Arsenal vs Lens on the Champions League commentary. A local match was on TV, so I got some odd looks when I kept cheering for goals that weren’t happening on their screen. Arsenal won 6–0, and I went back to the hotel very happy.
It had been a brilliant day, beautiful sights, great company, and a bucket‑list dream fulfilled.
Add comment