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

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.

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Estilo Voo Livre - Asa delta - Rio de Janeiro

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'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.

Can children do this?

Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller, but only adults and older children can fly tandem with an instructor.

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.