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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 25 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

With warm weather and towering coastal mountains creating almost constant thermals, myriad broad sandy beaches for landing strips and spectacular views over boulder-mountain studded bays, Rio is a hotspot for hang gliding.

The sport is long-established here, and a number of operators offer tandem or solo flights, which take off from the paragliding station atop the giant 520m-high monolith of Bonita Rock (Pedra Bonita).

If you’ve ever wanted to try hang gliding, this is as good a place as any.

Price from: £120
Minimum age: 14
Age suitable: 14+
When: All year around
Duration: 3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Tour operators will collect you from your hotel and transport you to the take-off point. All equipment is provided, and a full safety briefing is given before you fly.

Flights last 15-30 minutes depending on weather conditions; the whole adventure, including transport, takes about 2 hours. There’s no minimum age, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a weight limit of around 120kg.

When to do it

Flights can be organised all year round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset – weather permitting.

This is obviously something best done on a cloudless day. November to March is Rio’s rainy season, so expect intermittent clouds and weather interruptions during these months.

Try and fly as early as possible for the best light and clearest air and for chances of seeing marmoset monkeys and birds along the short jungle trail that leads to the take-off.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Experience

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Hang Gliding Experience
The original hang gliding experience over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Operated by, WXC World Champion, National Champion, National team member and multi Record holder Konrad Heilmann and his team of friendly, safe and fully certified instructors. The unique experience of flying a Hang Glider, launching of the Tijuca Forest National Park, surrounded by tropical Atlantic Forest, unique views of the Atlantic ocean and many landmarks of Rio such as Rocinha, Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer and more, finishing with a smooth landing on the white sands of beautiful São Conrado beach.

Price: $169

Min age: 16

Rating 4.58 / 5 [209 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio

Rio de Janeiro

Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio
Fly in the most beautiful scenery of the city, fly over the forest, the mountains and the sea. We are a team selected with the best pilots of the Club Sao Conrado, competitors racing championships and always in search of evolution in the sport. We use the most modern photographic equipment on the market and also the best flight equipment. We are prepared to help make this dream come true with the safety and comfort you deserve.

Price: R770

Min age: 14

Rating 4.97 / 5 [295 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro
Come fly over one of the most beautiful landscapes of Rio de Janeiro on board a hang glider or paraglider. The takeoff is on the Ramp of Pedra Bonita, inside the National Park of Tijuca. During the flight, we flew over Floresta da Tijuca and landed on the beach of Sao Conrado.

Price: R770

Min age: 14

Rating 4.99 / 5 [205 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro
Come fly over one of the most beautiful landscapes of Rio de Janeiro on board a hang glider or paraglider. The takeoff is on the Ramp of Pedra Bonita, inside the National Park of Tijuca. During the flight, we flew over Floresta da Tijuca and landed on the beach of Sao Conrado.

Price: R770

Min age: 14

Rating 4.92 / 5 [27 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly

Rio de Janeiro

Hang gliding Hang gliding Experience Rotorfly
We fly every day with great joy and care, as if it were always the first time, so we enjoy each flight with the same enthusiasm and superior quality in the images offered.

Price: R799

Min age: 14

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1064 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Paragliding or Hang gliding included Pick up and drop off from your hotel.

Rio de Janeiro

Paragliding or Hang gliding included Pick up and drop off from your hotel.
In this experience you will have the opportunity to have a stunning view over Rio de Janeiro. Fly with an experienced instructor, and new equipment. Air-conditioned car .

Price: R899

Min age: 14

Rating 4.97 / 5 [72 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

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