It's a necessary evil. I mean, how else are you going to get up the mountain? I suppose that you could travel with one of the competing private companies who will immediately attack you as you make your way to the entrance (and block your way to said entrance) but they seemed even shadier than the official service. When having to make a choice between two devils, choose the one you know (better).
Once I made it to the counter through the morass of people, I was 'greeted' by a duo of people so rude and disorganized, they would make DMV veterans weep with pride. I get it. It can't be fun having to deal with a bazillion tourists every day wanting to see the Christ. The questions, lines and sheer volume of people have to be overwhelming. I get it. Thing is, when someone's *not* making your life harder, recognize that and dial the attitude back -- especially at R$ 44. My 'helpers' had an eight conversation between themselves rather than process my ticket. That conversation caused me to miss the train and wait a half hour for the next one. And when that next train came? It didn't leave on time. We sat and sat until we finally took off. The trip back down the mountain was slightly less chaotic.
Would I discourage someone from visiting the Christ and the mountain because of the tram? No. Absolutely not. It's a necessary evil.... but, unfortunately, evil nevertheless. read more