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Bucket list experience:

Glider takes off from mountain top
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
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 Hang Gliding Experience

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Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio

Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio

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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 ...

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Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro

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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 Ped...

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Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro

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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 Ped...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

La Suite

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[3 miles]

Ducasse-trained chef is sumptuous. That’s a good thing, because alternative eateries, bars and the famous beaches are a 20-minute cab ride away.

Official star rating:

Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[5.7 miles]

Rooms are modern, flooded with light, and decked out with Paulo Alpes furniture. The best have views of the sunset over the beach and the Morro dos Dois Irmãos mountains.

Official star rating:

Hotel Fasano

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[8.4 miles]

Effortlessly hip and elegant in a choice Ipanema location, this is one of Rio’s most luxurious beach hotels in an unrivalled beachfront location.

Official star rating:

Hotel Arpoador

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[8.7 miles]

There’s a rooftop sundeck with fabulous beach views, a small pool and the restaurant serves high quality comfort food including a huge breakfast (included in the price).

 

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…

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Rio de Janeiro , Southwestern Region, Brazil[3 miles]

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Best for ages: 13+ | £25

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Tijuca National Park

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[5.9 miles]

Rio’s lush urban rainforest climbs over the mountains that surround the Christ statue and Atlantic beaches, affording some of the world’s most beautiful urban views. Excellent for hiking, biking and wildlife-spotting.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Hike up Tijuca Peak

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Breathy and breathtaking rainforest hike to the highest peak in Rio de Janeiro’s urban mountain range, stopping at Tijuca National Park’s waterfalls on the way.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 4 hours

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Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[8 miles]

This iconic, art deco beauty, the symbol of South America, watches out over Rio from high on Corcovado Mountain. The panoramic views from the statue’s feet are dazzling.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Hike up Gavea Rock

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[1.3 miles]

This half-day hike through a wildlife- and waterfall-filled rainforest ends with a scary summit scramble. It rewards, though, with the best views in Rio. Guided rock climbs are also on offer.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 6-8 hours

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Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[5.9 miles]

Once the Emperor’s private retreat, these gardens brim with rare plants and are a haven for birds and butterflies

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Waves crashing on busy sandy beach
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Ipanema Beach

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[6.7 miles]

Rio’s prettiest, chicest ocean beach, is watched over by the impressive Dois Irmaos mountain that sits behind. The water is cleaner, and the crowd more exclusive the further south you go, where Ipanema Beach merges into the more upscale Leblon Beach.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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People play football sandy beach
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Football lessons on Ipanema Beach

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[7.4 miles]

Pelé da Praia has been teaching locals and tourists Brazilian football tricks on Ipanema beach for more than a decade. One-to-one tuition and group classes available. Contact him at peledapraia1@hotmail.com.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 1-2 hours

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