Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding & Paragliding over Tijuca Forest
Launch from a Cliff in Rio & Glide Over the City's Oldest Forest
You meet at the landing area, get fitted with a helmet and emergency parachute, ride up to Pedra Bonita in the instructor's car, and launch into a glide over Tijuca Forest and the city's skyline. The flight lasts around an hour, includes video footage, and ends on São Conrado Beach. Weight limit is 75kg. Weather conditions on the day may affect heavier passengers.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hang gliding flight from Pedra Bonita
- Meet at landing area
- Enroll in hang gliding club
- Climb ramp in instructor's car
- Fly next to Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gavea
- Land at Sao Conrado Beach
What’s included
Tandem hang gliding or paragliding flight with a certified instructor, helmet, emergency parachute, video footage of your flight, pickup by car to the launch ramp at Pedra Bonita, and landing at São Conrado Beach. All equipment is provided.
Times
- Every day 07:30 08:00 08:30
Before you book
Operated by Estilo Voo Livre - Asa delta - Rio de Janeiro
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You're standing at the top of Pedra Bonita and wondering if you actually want to do this. The ramp is steep, the view is already incredible, and you haven't even left the ground yet. But then the instructor clips you in, the wind picks up the right way, and suddenly you're not thinking anymore. You're just floating. The takeoff happens from inside Tijuca National Park, which means you're already in one of Rio's protected forests before the flight even starts. The climb up the ramp takes a few minutes in the instructor's car, so you're not hiking to the edge. You just show up and get strapped in.
Once airborne, you're gliding over Floresta da Tijuca itself: the forest spreads out below in shades of green that don't quite match any color you've seen before. The two rock formations, Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gavea, pass underneath or beside you depending on the thermals and the day's wind. It's not a long flight, maybe an hour or so depending on conditions, but it's the kind of time that feels different when you're suspended in it. You get video of the whole thing, so there's proof later, though honestly the memory is what stays.
The landing is at São Conrado Beach, which means you come down on sand instead of pavement. A small detail that matters more than it sounds. The instructor handles the approach. You just need to stay relaxed and let your legs touch down when they're supposed to. After that, you're back on solid ground, still buzzing, probably grinning at people who have no idea what just happened to you.
Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see Rio from the air without needing to learn to fly solo. The instructor handles everything, and you just experience the glide over the forest and city below.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 18 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.
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's the weight limit for hang gliding in Rio?
Up to 75kg. Above that weight, the operator assesses based on the day's weather conditions.
Do I need experience to do this?
No. You fly tandem with an instructor who handles the flight. No prior experience needed.
How long is the actual flight?
Around 1–2 hours in the air, depending on wind and thermal conditions.
Where do I take off from?
Pedra Bonita, a ramp inside Tijuca National Park. You're driven up in the instructor's car.
Where do I land?
São Conrado Beach, on the sand.
Is the video included?
Yes. Video footage of your flight is included.
Is this safe?
You wear a helmet and an emergency parachute. The activity is not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, or for pregnant travelers.
How do I get to the takeoff point?
You meet at the landing area (São Conrado Beach), enroll at the club, and then ride up to Pedra Bonita in the instructor's car.
What if the weather is bad?
Wind and weather conditions determine whether flights go ahead. The operator will assess on the day.
Rio de Janeiro: Hang Gliding & Paragliding over Tijuca Forest
2h · EN · ES · FR · PT
from US$ 224 per person
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