Time for my second Brazil series: There are several methods of getting to the top of Corcovado Mountain: Car, Tram, Bike, Hike & any other number of ways you can think of. Car & Tram are the most popular for obvious reasons when you consider the mountain is nearly 3000 feet tall. Here is a shot of my family on the Tram known as Trem de Corcovado. As stated in my first series (Rio de Janeiro), this mountain is located in the middle of a rainforest & where else would you expect to find wildlife if not in a rainforest. There are a couple levels of giftshops & cafe's at the top just before you get to the level with Cristo. Here you sit & share a platter of fruit, cheese along with a glass of wine. All the while there are these breathtaking views of Rio & the Atlantic Ocean. Here is one of Pão de Açúcar which I featured in my first series. It's the two mountains situated to the bottom left of the railing, just above the tree line. This is one looking down at Ipanema Beach on the other side of those highrise buildings. Nestled at the bottom of those mountains is Copacabana Beach. Here's one looking back over Rio on the Bay side of the mountain. Another has us looking down upon the entrance to the bay from the Atlantic. Note Pão de Açúcar hiding behind the trees on the left again. Also, that would be part of Niterói inthe distance, on the other side of the bay entrance. Niterói has several nice restaurants & a few great beaches of it's own. Finally, we ascend the last flight of stairs (or escalator if you wish) to meet Cristo. His external shell is made of sandstone which is reinforced with concrete & steel. He is 130' tall & is standing upon a marble base.
