Some tourists when visiting Rio de Janeiro are undecided on where to go seeing the sunset: from Sugar Loaf or from Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain?
Sunset at Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro
Sunset seen from SugarLoaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
Without a doubt, Sugar Loaf Hill is the place to see the sunset in Rio de Janeiro. One of the advantages of Sugar Loaf is that you have a bird’s eye view at 396 meters (1298 feet) above sea level, from the entrance of Guanabara Bay.
The highlights are the horizon beyond Copacabana Beach as well as the sun setting behind Corcovado Mountain (see photo), and depending on the month, it sets right behind Christ the Redeemer statue.
Besides, you see the city of Rio de Janeiro lighting up as night falls.
Sunset at Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain
Sunset seen from Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain
Christ statue on Corcovado Mountain is not the ideal place to see the sunset in Rio because the sun sets behind a forest on the horizon. From the photo the sunset looks stunning, and it is, but if compared to Sugar Loaf, Corcovado’s sunset would be in second.
However, the greatest advantage to see the sunset on Corcovado Mountain is not the sunset itself, but the opportunity of seeing Christ statue both at day time and at night time. Seeing the statue completely lit up is quite an experience so it is to see the sunset from Sugar Loaf.
Bottom line is go to Sugar Loaf at sunset and go to Christ in the morning. If it happens that you visit Rio de Janeiro twice, then go visit the statue before sunset to witness the moment the lights are lit up.
Planning to travel to Rio de Janeiro in the near future? Read all the relevant, updated and important travel information in My Rio Travel Guide – The Essential How-To Visitor’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro.
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