Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer or Christ Corcovado, located in Peru and Brazil respectively, are tourist attractions that increasingly host more travelers from around the world. Although from the beginning you can find clear cultural differences, we want to leave information and some comparisons of both destinations. Also, the details of how to make the reservation, the experiences and experiences that both destinations offer along with other topics so that you have a better decision when choosing one of these two wonders of the world. Let’s get started!

• Christ the Redeemer and Machu Picchu, 2 wonders of the world
• Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer differences to get there
• This is how to reserve entrance tickets for Christ the Redeemer and Machu Picchu
• The route between Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer is different
• Both wonders of the world host a large number of tourists.
• What is the experience of visiting Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer like?
• Best season to visit Machu Picchu
• Best season for Christ the Redeemer or Christ Concorvado
• More activities in Peru and Brazil
• Which one to choose: Machu Picchu in Peru or Christ the Redeemer in Brazil?

Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer and Machu Picchu, 2 wonders of the world

The Christ the Redeemer or Cristo Concorvado, is located very close to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It is a sculpture of more than 30 meters high, since with its 8-meter pedestal it reaches 38 meters in height.

Although it is not the largest sculpture of Jesus of Nazareth, it is one of the most visited in the world. This is because in 2007, like Machu Picchu, it was recognized as a Wonder of the Modern World. The main reason for this selection was its location, the beauty of the city’s landscapes and the worldwide vote.

In the case of Machu Picchu, it is another of the wonders of the world located in South America. Unlike Christ the Redeemer, which began construction in 1911, Machu Picchu began to be built approximately between 1400 and 1500. Machu Picchu is a citadel, designed for religious, ceremonial and agricultural purposes for the ancient Inca culture.

Both wonders are located in South America and visiting them is one of the best activities you can do. Although each has its pros and cons, we want to tell you more about some comparisons, similarities and the experience you can have when making the trip.

Panoramic view of the monument and the city of Rio de Janeiro

Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer differences to get there

How to get to Machu Picchu?

• Machu Picchu is located 100 kilometers from Cusco, so getting to Cusco is essential.
• There are international flights that can arrive to Cusco, but there is also the option of making the trip from Lima to Cusco.
• The easiest way is to take a bus and then a train. However, there are other travel options.
• The train journey can also start from Cusco, although it almost always leaves from Ollantaytambo.
• Other options to get to Machu Picchu are by hiking. There are options for 2 days, 4 days and even 7 and 8 days through Choquequirao.
• For any of the aforementioned activities, reservations must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• The wonder of the world Machu Picchu is located in the mountains of the Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes district.
• It is possible to make a reservation in Machu Picchu Pueblo, but it requires waiting in lines and you will not be able to access all the tickets.
• That is why, from Machu Picchu Pueblo there is the option of taking the bus to the Inca citadel (recommended option).
• Once in the entrance area, you can contact and go on the adventure with a guide throughout the entire tour.

How to get to visit Christ the Redeemer or Christ Corcovado?

• Christ the Redeemer or Christ Corcovado is located very close to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
• It is also located very close to the heart of the city, making it very easy to visit.
• It will be essential to take a direct flight to Rio de Janeiro.
• Getting to these beaches is easy from an international flight.
• From any point in Rio de Janeiro (at least most of them), you can see the image of Jesus of Nazareth on Corcovado Mountain.
• You can make the trip on the Corcovado trains. These are special trains that arrive at the entrance area of this wonder.
• You can also get there by minivan or van. Of course, in both cases, you must make reservations in advance to avoid queues.
• There is also the option of taking a walk from Parque Lage. The time can be between 1 hour and 2 hours.
• Before entering the Christ the Redeemer viewpoints you can pay the entrance fee without much difficulty.
• A less risky option, and one that will ensure everything goes smoothly, is to travel with the help of a travel agency.

Tourists in the Inca citadel

This is how to reserve entrance tickets for Christ the Redeemer and Machu Picchu

Book your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu

• It is important to do this at least 2 months in advance.
• There are routes or entrance tickets that may sell out faster than others.
• It can be done virtually and from anywhere in the world. This will significantly avoid long queues.
• Some tickets can be purchased in the Machu Picchu Pueblo district and Cusco (not recommended option).
• There are 3 circuits and 10 types of tickets in high season and 6 in the regular season.
• In the case of hiking routes such as the 4- or 2-day Inca Trail, entrance tickets are also required.
• If you are travelling by train, remember that you will also need to reserve this ticket.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu on the most popular circuits or routes allows entry at 6:00 in the morning.
• The last entry time allowed, only on some routes, is at 3:00 p.m.
• Travel agencies are mostly responsible for booking everything necessary so that tourists can just focus on enjoying their trip.

Book tickets for Christ the Redeemer or Christ Corcovado

• Tickets to see Christ the Redeemer or Christ Corcovado can be purchased just before entering.
• Sometimes tickets sell out, but only for the immediate time slot. That is, you will be able to enter after a little more time.
• For example, if you arrive at the access area at 9:00 a.m. and there is high demand, you will be able to enter at 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
• To do this, you have to find a way to get there and there are many alternatives.
• The first of them, but which requires an advance reservation, is the trip on the Corcovado Train.
• The Corcovado train goes to the summit and entry point, where you can purchase the entrance ticket.
• You can also travel in the official Paineiras Corcovado vans that make the trip and have the following pick-up points:
  • Paineiras Corcovado
  • Machado Square
  • Copacabana
• On the Paineiras Corcovado website, you can find all the information you need to make the tour.
• At the entrance ticket office, you can find discounts for children under 6 years old, seniors (over 60 years old) and also for students.
• It is important that you carry your identification document with you, even if you do not wish to access these discounts.
• As we mentioned above, another option is to walk to the ticket office and purchase the entrance ticket.

The route between Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer is different

• Both destinations offer very different routes, starting with the fact that one is located in the city and the other in the middle of nature.
• In addition, Machu Picchu has circuits and a variety of routes and entrances, compared to the Christ the Redeemer viewpoint.
• Christ the Redeemer, on the other hand, does not have circuits or several routes, nor is it necessary to hire a tour guide.
• Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle, that is, at the crossroads between the high Andean mountains and the jungle. At an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level.
• The Christ the Redeemer statue of Brazil is located near the beach of Rio de Janeiro, but on the Corcovado mountain, so it is located 710 meters above sea level.
• Another factor that sets them apart is that Machu Picchu involves a long journey and you can live an experience together with nature.
• At Cristo Redentor, however, the experience is much more comfortable and does not require physical effort, unless you make the ascent on foot.
• Machu Picchu is considered a sacred place, while Christ the Redeemer, despite having a Christian reference, is not considered as such.
• Getting to Christ the Redeemer is much easier than getting to Machu Picchu.
• Tickets to enter Christ the Redeemer are easier to purchase than tickets to Machu Picchu.

Full view of the Christ the Redeemer monument

Both wonders of the world host a large number of tourists.

Nowadays, many people decide to visit the wonders of the world as if they were a mission. That is why you can always find a large number of people at each of the 7 wonders of the world.

Each of the wonders of the world receives thousands of visitors, both in a single day as well as the annual accumulation of visitors. For example, the annual number of visitors is as follows:

• During 2023, it was found that the average daily reservation to Cristo Redentor is 6,000 inhabitants.
• Christ the Redeemer can be visited from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• In the case of Machu Picchu, it is estimated that more than 5,000 people enter daily.
• The entrance time to Machu Picchu is from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is the case on a daily basis.

Tourists at the Wonder of the World – Machu Picchu

What is the experience of visiting Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer like?

They are very different destinations and the experiences vary considerably. Both in terms of the travel details and the landscapes that can be seen when traveling. Likewise, the experience and cultural information that is acquired is completely different. Below, let’s look at some details about the experience of visiting these places.

Best season to visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located 100 kilometers from Cusco, so it has largely the same climatic conditions. That is why you can find 2 very different seasons or climatic conditions.

The first of these is the rainy season, which begins in November and lasts until March. The second season is the dry season, which begins in April and lasts until October. The dry season is the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu in complete normality and comfort.

Likewise, the rainy season is an option for traveling, of course taking into account the weather conditions. It is possible that rain falls during the tour, so it is recommended that all tourists bring a waterproof poncho, and footwear with the same qualities would not be a bad idea. Taking all this into account, it is possible to visit Machu Picchu throughout the year.

Llamas in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Best season for Christ the Redeemer or Christ Concorvado

The best season to visit Christ the Redeemer or Christ Corcovado, starts from May to September. This is a season with good weather and the advantage of having fewer people. Also, during this season you can find good prices and also few people.

During the Rio de Janeiro Carnival season you can expect to see a lot more people, hotels almost full and prices high. If you are only looking to visit Christ the Redeemer, it is not recommended to do so during the months of February or March.

Another detail of the first months of the year is that the rainy season begins. This can fill the landscapes of the 30-meter sculpture with mist, as well as the beautiful views of the wonder of the world.

Whichever season you visit Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, make sure to always wear sunscreen and also start activities early to avoid large crowds.

Christ the Redeemer Monument – Brazil

More activities in Peru and Brazil

In Peru, you can find a large number of destinations ready to visit. However, near Cusco, which is considered the tourist capital, there are several options. Below, we leave you some alternatives for you to visit before or after visiting Machu Picchu in Peru.

• The city of Cusco – Cusco is a city that still houses Inca mysticism in its streets. Some of these streets retain mysticism in their stone walls and some buildings. Likewise, from Cusco you can start the trip to Machu Picchu and other destinations, both natural and archaeological sites and religious buildings.
• Humantay Lagoon – This is a natural destination that allows you to visit communities in the upper area of ​​Cusco. This place is characterized by its turquoise waters that are ideal to visit at the end of the rainy season because it offers a much more beautiful landscape.
• The trip to the coasts of northern Peru – On the Peruvian coast you can find many attractions, with Máncora standing out as the main destination in northern Peru. Near this place you can also find more beaches and even archaeological remains of ancient Peruvian civilizations.
• Route to the Valleys (South Valley and Sacred Valley) – Cusco is located very close to beautiful valleys where a great deal of agriculture was developed and this work can still be seen to this day. In addition, you can find different spaces such as natural destinations and archaeological sites.

On the other hand, in Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, you can find many activities to do, among which the activities on the coasts will stand out. This place is world-renowned for the beauty of its waters, but also for other activities as we will see below.

• Rio de Janeiro Carnival – Between February and March, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is celebrated annually, one of the most spectacular and well-known events in the world. For more than a week, you can enjoy multicoloured dances and parades.
• Tour the Maracanã Stadium – One of the most iconic stadiums in Brazil and its relationship with the king of sports or football. Today, you can take tours of the facilities and the history of this emblematic stadium that also serves as a museum.
• Cable car ride – In Rio de Janeiro you can find the Sugar Loaf cable car, which is the mountain that can be seen from Christ the Redeemer and also appears on many postcards of this city. If you like panoramic views, this is an excellent option.
• Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro – Rio is one of the most impressive cities in the world. Therefore, the nightlife brings together thousands of activities and bars or venues where you can have a good time. The party districts located very close to the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro will be particularly noteworthy.

Enjoying the Humantay Lagoon

Which one to choose: Machu Picchu in Peru or Christ the Redeemer in Brazil?

Choosing between these destinations is quite complicated. However, a decision can be made based on the type of experience you want to have while on vacation. Both wonders of the world are amazing in their own way, but at the same time, they are very different.

The details that will lead us to choose to visit Christ the Redeemer are very simple to do. This is because the experience of visiting this site does not require physical effort and you can also find all the necessary comfort to make the trip a reality. In addition, it can be visited by both children and older adults.

Likewise, you can have more urban experiences. You don’t have to take long walks to get there and you don’t have to lose comfort during the night. While visiting Machu Picchu, for some people, can represent quite a challenge. Mainly because Machu Picchu is located 100 kilometers from Cusco. But, in Machu Picchu Pueblo, the district, you can find hotels, restaurants and banks to have a pleasant stay.

In the case of Machu Picchu, if you are looking for comfort during your trip, you can opt for exclusive trains and also luxury trains. This type of service can also be found in hotels, so Machu Picchu can be considered a destination that combines luxury services with a closeness to nature.

Likewise, Machu Picchu offers hiking trails that can be the perfect option for people who are looking for adventure during their vacation. From our perspective, Machu Picchu offers a greater experience, both cultural and adventure, and even luxury services.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Javier T.

“A wonder that exceeds expectations“

“Visiting Machu Picchu is a unique experience. The energy of the place, the impressive architecture and the views from above are unforgettable. Without a doubt, a destination that you have to visit at least once in your life.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 14, 2025