Praia Grande: Balloon flight over canyons with sunrise

Summary

Drift quietly above Brazil’s canyons as the sun lights up Praia Grande

You’ll float quietly above Praia Grande’s vast canyons as dawn breaks, guided by locals who know every curve of this landscape. Enjoy coffee before takeoff, watch sunrise from 1000 meters up, then celebrate your landing with sparkling wine and stories from your pilot — moments you’ll remember long after your feet touch ground again.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to feel nervous until I saw the balloon half-inflated, its colors bright against the early blue of Praia Grande. There was this faint smell of grass and coffee in the air — our guide, André, handed me a tiny espresso while we waited for the burners to roar. I tried to joke about my fear of heights but it came out awkward; André just grinned and said, “Wait until you see the sunrise from up there.” He was right. The first few minutes floating over the canyons felt unreal — like we were just drifting inside a painting, except colder than I thought (bring a jacket, seriously).

The view over the UNESCO Geopark Canyons is something I still think about. You get these layers of green valleys and cliffs that seem to go on forever, with barely any houses or roads below. It’s quiet except for the occasional whoosh of the burner and someone whispering “wow” (not me, definitely not). Our pilot explained how Praia Grande gets more than 300 days of balloon flights a year because of the weather — which made sense when you’re up there, everything feels steady and calm. At one point we climbed above 1000 meters and could see all the way to where the sun hit the sea. I tried taking photos but honestly, none of them do it justice.

Landing was softer than I expected — just a little bump and then laughter as everyone realized we’d made it down in one piece. We landed on private land (the pilot said they never know exactly where), and then there was this little celebration with sparkling wine. Someone asked about balloon history and our commander told us stories while we sipped and tried not to spill on ourselves. On the drive back to town, I kept looking at my hands — they smelled faintly like grass and champagne. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip balloon flight in Praia Grande, don’t overthink it too much. Just go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Balloon Flight Experience

• Check-in at agency
• Shuttle to take-off field
• Photo session with balloons and canyons
• Flight briefing and boarding
• Balloon flight over canyons
• Landing and celebration toast
• Visit souvenir store with discount

Top questions

How long does the balloon flight in Praia Grande last?

The flight usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes depending on conditions.

Is transportation included for the balloon tour?

Yes, shuttle transportation from check-in in town to the take-off field is included.

What time does the balloon flight start?

The experience is timed for sunrise; exact times depend on season but it’s always early morning.

Is breakfast provided before or after the flight?

Coffee, tea, biscuits, and accompaniments are served before takeoff.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will there be photos or videos taken during the flight?

Yes, photos and drone videos are included as part of your experience.

Where does the balloon land?

The landing spot varies each day based on wind; it’s always on private property arranged by the team.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from central Praia Grande to the launch field, fresh espresso coffee or tea with biscuits before takeoff, adventure insurance throughout your day trip balloon flight over Brazil’s canyons, plus celebratory sparkling wine after landing — all guided by experienced local pilots before returning to town together.