Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding Flight & Beach Landing Video

Summary

Soar above Rio’s forest then glide down to São Conrado’s sand

You’ll launch from Tijuca Forest above Rio de Janeiro with a champion pilot, glide over city landmarks like Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer, then land right on São Conrado beach. Includes your flight video so you can relive that first wild leap into open air — trust me, it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this one second just before takeoff from the edge of Tijuca Forest where my heart did this weird hiccup — not fear exactly, more like my brain trying to catch up with my body. Konrad, our hang gliding instructor (he’s apparently won all sorts of championships but just grinned when I asked), checked the straps again and said something in Portuguese that I pretended to understand. The wind smelled green and wet, like crushed leaves after rain. Then we ran — or he ran and I sort of stumbled — and suddenly the ground was gone.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would be up there. The city noise fell away, replaced by this rushing hush, almost like being underwater. We drifted past patches of Atlantic forest so dense they looked painted on. Konrad pointed out Rocinha below — all those colorful houses stacked together — and then off in the distance, Sugar Loaf just poking through a misty patch. He tried to show me Christ the Redeemer but honestly I was too busy trying not to drop my jaw (or my phone). At one point he laughed because I kept forgetting to look at the GoPro camera strapped in front of us.

The landing is what really surprised me: São Conrado beach coming up fast, white sand stretching out as if it had been waiting for us. My feet hit soft and cold, a little wobbly but mostly just buzzing with whatever you call that feeling when you’ve flown over Rio de Janeiro for real. There were a few locals hanging out nearby who clapped as we landed — not sure if it was for us or just their friend who’d landed before, but it felt good either way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hang gliding over Rio landmarks

• Meet certified hang gliding instructors
• Launch from Tijuca Forest National Park
• Fly over Atlantic Ocean and landmarks
• View Rocinha, Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer
• Land smoothly on São Conrado beach

Top questions

How long does the hang gliding experience in Rio last?

The flight itself is usually short (about 10-15 minutes), but plan extra time for preparation and safety checks.

Where do you take off for hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro?

You launch from Tijuca Forest above the city, surrounded by Atlantic forest views.

Is hotel pickup included for this hang gliding tour?

No, hotel transfers aren’t included by default but can be arranged after booking for an extra cost.

Who are the instructors for Rio hang gliding?

The team is led by Konrad Heilmann, a world champion pilot with certified instructors alongside him.

What landmarks can you see while hang gliding over Rio?

You’ll spot Rocinha favela, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue, and the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Where do you land after hang gliding in Rio?

The flight ends with a landing right on the sands of São Conrado beach.

Are photos or videos included in this experience?

Yes, GoPro front camera video recording is included; images are usually downloaded to your phone afterward.

Is there a weight limit for hang gliding in Rio?

Yes, persons above 100kg/220lb can’t be accepted for hang gliding; paragliding may be offered as an alternative.

What’s included

Your day includes all equipment and safety checks with certified instructors led by a world champion pilot; launch from Tijuca Forest; glide over iconic Rio sights; smooth landing on São Conrado beach; plus your own GoPro video recording to keep after your flight. Hotel transfers aren’t standard but can be arranged if needed after booking.