Corcovado Overview
Intermediate skill level
Tijuca National Park
4 hours (route K2)
The Corcovado mountain is best known for being home to the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the most recognizable cultural icons of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. A 710-meter granite peak, it is also home to many unique rock climbing routes, some that terminate at the base of the statue! Corcovado’s vertical south wall is amongst the most impressive in Rio de Janeiro. It features highly difficult and technical climbs, as well as several chimney and aid routes. One of the most classic routes of Rio de Janeiro, the route K2, is also found on this side
Rock climbing on Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Climbing to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rock climbing routes on Corcovado
There are more than twenty climbing routes on Corcovado. Below you will find information about K2, the route we most often guide and most highly recommend.
If you are interested in information about climbing a different Corcovado route, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. For climbing options beyond Corcovado, see other rock climbing destinations in Rio de Janeiro.
intermediate
K2
Corcovado’s most classic route starts with impressive verticality at an altitude of over 500 meters and leads right to the base of the Christ statue. Each pitch is different, demanding a variety of technique - from layback crack climbing to edging and smearing on slab. An incredibly fun route, it is further made special by its panoramic views of the city.
Grading
4º V BR | 5 FR | 5.9 US
Length
140 meters (5 pitches)
Approach
30-minute trail hike from our meeting point
Descent
Return by a van to our starting point
THE EXPERIENCE:
We meet at Paineiras Corcovado, a park located about half-way up the Corcovado mountain. From there, we take a short forest trail to arrive at the base of our route. At this point, we are already at a height of over 500 meters above the city and surrounded by breathtaking views!
K2 is a varied and complex route of five pitches. It is important to have experience in a variety of climbing styles, be comfortable with heights and be comfortable with climbing horizontal sections. As the route does not follow a straight line up the mountain, there isn’t always visual contact between the guide and the participant. As such, it is important to be well-versed in multi-pitch procedures and communication.
The route ends right below the large platform that hosts the Christ the Redeemer statue. We join other visitors to appreciate the monument, explore the views from the top of the mountain and enjoy a well-deserved rest! There is no entrance fee for climbers.
Once we are ready to leave, we take a park van, free of charge, to return to our starting point at Paineiras Corcovado.
Prerequisites:
Multi-pitch experience
Outdoor climbing skills at or above the route's difficulty grade
Planning your climb
Price
One person: R$520
Two people: R$440 per person
Group size
Maximum participant to guide ratio is 2:1
All reservations are private - your guide will be exclusive to your reservation
Duration
4 hours in total
Availability
Every day, all year round
What is included
Certified rock climbing guide
Collective rock climbing equipment: rope, quick-draws and anchor building equipment
Any individual rock climbing equipment you may need to borrow (see below)
Entrance to the Christ the Redeemer monument
Return from the summit to the starting point (Paineiras) by a van
Equipment you will need
Your individual rock climbing equipment:
rock shoes
harness
helmet
ATC-type belay device and carabiner
personal anchor
You can borrow from us if you don’t have your own equipment set or are missing an item.
Please indicate any equipment needs in the booking form.
What else you should bring
Water (1.5L per person)
Snacks
Sunscreen and bug repellent
Backpack to carry your belongings and keep your hands and arms free during the climb. Hand bags and shoulder bags are not permitted.
Wear walking, hiking or running shoes. Flip-flops and casual sandals are not permitted.
R$10 in cash if you wish to descend from Paineiras to the foot of the mountain by a van
Where we meet
In front of the Visitor’s Center at Paineiras Corcovado. See your confirmation email for full details.
Keep these in mind
Participant responsibilities
You are an equal partner in the safety and success of your climbing experience. Ensure that you read and understand your responsibilities as a participant
Assumption of risk
It is impossible to eliminate all risks associated with climbing. Our goal is to minimize your risk, but ultimately you must assume full responsibility for your participation. Ensure that you read and understand our assumption of risk terms
Cancellation and reschedulinG
Read our cancellation and rescheduling policy to understand what happens if you need to change your plans or if the conditions on the reserved day are not suitable for your chosen activity
Rock climbing on Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Climbing route K2 on Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro
Climber on the first pitch of the route K2 on Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Two climbers on the first pitch of the route K2 on Corcovado
Arriving at the Corcovado summit after climbing route K2
Secure online booking
Booking is easy. Our availability is reflected live in the system. Making your booking will secure your date and you can contact us at any time to ask questions, discuss options and finalize details!
Interested in expanding your skills to take on bigger adventures? Check out our extensive range of outdoor rock climbing courses in Rio de Janeiro
From R$440/person