Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer Helicopter Tour

See Christ the Redeemer & Rio's Beaches from 300 Feet Up

You board a helicopter and spend the flight watching Rio's landmarks pass below: Christ the Redeemer at close range, then the curve of Ipanema and Leblon, the Botanical Garden, and the lagoon. You don't arrange transport to the helipad or worry about entry fees. Everything's included. Confirm your time 24 hours ahead, and the flight goes as scheduled.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Rio landmarks

• Fly over Christ the Redeemer
• View Ipanema Beach from air
• See Leblon Beach from helicopter
• Admire Barra da Tijuca coastline
• Fly past São Conrado Beach
• View Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
• See Rio Botanical Garden from sky
• Fly over Two Brothers Hill

The experience

"The best part is when you come around the statue and it fills the whole window," one of the pilots told me before takeoff. That moment (when Christ the Redeemer stops being a postcard and becomes something you're actually circling) is what stays with you. The helicopter tour over Rio de Janeiro runs the length of the city's coast in a single flight, so you get the statue, then Ipanema and Leblon beaches sliding beneath you, then the Botanical Garden, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and Two Brothers Hill all in sequence. It's not a long flight, but it covers ground fast.

The logistics matter here because they shape what you see. You'll need to confirm your check-in and takeoff time at least 24 hours before. That's not a suggestion, it's a requirement that keeps the schedule locked in. If you're booking alone or with one other person, you'll fly shared with other passengers, which means seat selection happens by draw. That sounds random, but it also means you're not paying for empty seats. Groups of three or four get assigned spots, and on a four-person flight, one passenger sits in the middle row: still a full view, just a different angle. The whole experience includes all fees and taxes, so there's no surprise at the end.

Weather and minimum passenger counts both affect whether your flight goes. If the forecast turns, they'll reschedule you. If bookings don't meet the minimum, same thing. It's not ideal, but it's how they keep the operation safe and the price reasonable. The flight itself is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride on an adult's lap. There's one weight consideration: if you're over 120 kg, contact them first to confirm they can accommodate you on the available aircraft.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight over Rio de Janeiro with views of Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach, Leblon Beach, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Two Brothers Hill, São Conrado Beach, and Barra da Tijuca.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

3 options

SharedGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeThe flight is shared with 3, 4, or 5 randomly selected passengers, and seats are drawn before boarding.

VIP Tour (Private)Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeExperience a VIP flight over Rio de Janeiro with only your group on board.

Pickup is included with the standard-rate flexible departure.Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeTransfer and helicopter

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Helicopter Rio

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Rio's landmarks from the air without arranging separate transport or paying extra fees. The helicopter does the work of covering the whole coastline in one flight, and everything's priced upfront.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I see on the helicopter tour?

Christ the Redeemer statue, Ipanema Beach, Leblon Beach, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Two Brothers Hill, São Conrado Beach, and Barra da Tijuca from the air.

Do I need to book a private flight or can I share?

If you're booking for one or two passengers, you'll fly shared with other travelers. Groups of three or four can have a dedicated flight depending on availability.

How far in advance do I need to book?

You must confirm your check-in and takeoff time at least 24 hours before the flight. Bookings made with less than 24 hours' notice may be rescheduled.

What if the weather is bad?

The flight depends on weather conditions and minimum passenger numbers. If either changes, the operator will reschedule you to another date.

Is the helicopter tour accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, the helicopter is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants fly on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride, and infants are required to sit on an adult's lap.

What's included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included. There are no additional charges.

What if I weigh over 120 kg?

Contact the operator before booking to confirm they can accommodate you on the available aircraft.