RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

This leisurely tour combines a drive through the lush Tijuca Forest and a trip up to Corcovado Mountain – home to Rio’s most famous monument, the statue of Christ – for a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful city.

This leisurely tour combines a drive through the lush Tijuca Forest and a trip up to Corcovado Mountain – home to Rio’s most famous monument, the statue of Christ – for a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful city. We will leave the coach at Cosme Velho, where we change transport to the funicular railway for a 20 minute ride up to Corcovado. As the funicular climbs what is also known as ‘Hunchback Mountain’ we will be treated to spectacular views of Rio and the dense vegetation of the forest. Crowning the mountain at 730 metres (2,400 feet) above sea level is the captivating statue of Christ, standing 40 metres (130 feet) high. The Redeemer’s outstretched arms welcome visitors, who are spellbound by the magic of the mighty statue shining down on Rio. We will descend the mountain via the funicular railway and reboard the coach for a drive through the Tijuca Forest to the Barra Beach district. Comprising of an area of 47 square miles, this once dense tropical forest was largely cut down in the 19th century to accommodate coffee plantations. A project of reforestation was initiated in the late 1800’s with the planting of more than 100,000 trees. Today the park is a favourite spot to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. On the return journey to our ship, the coach will drive past the famous beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. Please note that on a clear day, breathtaking views from the Corcovado Mountain can be appreciated from the disembarkation point of the funicular. However we can not guarantee how much will be seen on the day. For those of us who wish to venture further, there is an elevator and escalators; queues can be expected.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE