Look, Cristo Redentor is gonna be packed, train takes forever, you'll spend more time in lines than looking at views.

You want views? Sugarloaf is ten times better. Cable car runs every 20 minutes, not some ancient cog railway. Plus you get two stops — Urca Hill first, then summit. Most tourists blow through Urca but the bar there has same views without chaos.

If you're dead set on the statue, go at sunset. Costs more but light is incredible and half the tour groups are gone. Or don't go at all — Statue looks better FROM other places anyway.