Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro: Takeoff at Pedra Bonita — The City's Most Radical Experience — Guide 2026
- May 31
- 4 min read
In this Guide
3. How the Flight Works |
5. What You Will See |
7. What's Included |
8. Requirements |
9. Price |
11. Book your flight
Hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro: The most radical experience in the Marvelous City.
If paragliding is floating above Rio, hang gliding is truly flying. With speeds that can exceed 60 km/h and the sensation of lying in the air with your arms outstretched, hang gliding at Pedra Bonita is one of the most thrilling experiences Rio de Janeiro has to offer. You take off at 520 meters altitude and glide over the Tijuca Forest, Pedra da Gávea, and the Atlantic Ocean until landing on the sands of São Conrado.
Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the best destinations in the world for paragliding. The Pedra Bonita ramp, within the Tijuca National Park, offers privileged wind conditions and a view that no other hang gliding spot on the planet can match. It's no wonder that pilots from all over the world come to Rio just to fly from here.
Hang glider vs. paraglider: What's the difference?
This is the most common question. In paragliding, you sit in a harness, connected to an open parachute. The sensation is one of smooth, contemplative floating. In hang gliding, you lie down (horizontal position), attached to a rigid wing-shaped structure. The sensation is of real flight—like a bird gliding with its arms outstretched. Hang gliding is faster, more aerodynamic, and offers an extra dose of adrenaline. If paragliding is for those who want to contemplate, hang gliding is for those who want to experience flight firsthand.
How Tandem Hang Gliding Works
The tandem flight is conducted with a certified professional pilot. You don't need experience. The pilot controls the entire operation — takeoff, navigation, and landing. You just need to run a few steps down the ramp and enjoy the view.
Step by step
1. Meeting at the agreed-upon point in the São Conrado region. 2. Ascent to the Pedra Bonita ramp through the Tijuca National Park. 3. Pilot briefing: body position, how to run during takeoff. 4. Equipment fitted: harnesses, helmet, and GoPro positioned. 5. Takeoff: you run alongside the pilot down the ramp and in seconds you are flying at 520 meters altitude. 6. Flight of 8 to 15 minutes (depending on the wind), gliding over mountains, forest, beaches, and ocean. 7. Soft landing on the sand of São Conrado.
Takeoff at Pedra Bonita
The Pedra Bonita ramp is 520 meters above sea level, inside the Tijuca National Park. In hang gliding, takeoff requires a more intense run than in paragliding—you and the pilot run together down the ramp until the wing gains lift and your feet leave the ground. It's the most adrenaline-pumping moment of the flight. In a few seconds you are gliding over the abyss with Pedra da Gávea beside you and the entire ocean below.
What You'll See From Up There
360-degree panoramic view: Pedra da Gávea (the largest seaside rock formation in the world), Tijuca Forest (the largest urban forest on the planet), São Conrado Beach and the Rocinha favela, Morro Dois Irmãos and Leblon in the background, the entire coastline of Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes, and on clear days, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and even the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range. The speed of the hang glider gives a different perspective than paragliding — you feel the wind and see the landscape move faster, like a bird in full flight.
Landing in São Conrado
The landing takes place on the sandy strip of São Conrado Beach, in an area specifically for paragliding. The pilot guides the entire procedure—you land standing on the sand in a controlled manner. It's surprisingly smooth.
What's Included
The package includes: 1 full flight video recorded on a GoPro, complete equipment (hang glider, harnesses, helmet), and a certified professional pilot. Insta360 cameras (immersive 360° video) are sold separately for those who want an even more spectacular record.
Requirements and Restrictions
Weight limit: check with the team (varies depending on wing model and pilot). Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (flip-flops are not allowed). No prior experience is necessary. Average flight duration: 8 to 15 minutes, depending on wind conditions. On days with strong winds or rain, the flight may be rescheduled for safety reasons.
Price and Payment Methods
R$ 1,190.00 (cash or Pix and card with fee)
GoPro video included in the price. Insta360 camera sold separately. Cancellation due to weather: rescheduling at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between hang gliding and paragliding?
A hang glider costs R$1,190 (cash) versus R$990 for a paraglider. The difference is due to the more complex equipment and more advanced piloting technique.
Is it more dangerous than paragliding?
No. Both are safe when done with a certified pilot and inspected equipment. Hang gliding requires more skill from the pilot, but the passenger doesn't feel any difference in terms of safety.
I'm afraid of heights. Can I fly?
Most people with a fear of heights are surprised. You're lying down, with no reference point for edges, and the feeling is one of total freedom. More than 80% of passengers with a fear say they would do it again.
Which to choose: hang gliding or paragliding?
Want contemplation and tranquility? Paragliding. Want adrenaline and the sensation of real flight? Hang gliding. Both take off from the same ramp and land on the same beach. If you can, do both.
Book your hang gliding flight.
Few places in the world offer hang gliding with this view. Flying over the Tijuca Forest, passing by Pedra da Gávea and landing on the sands of São Conrado is the kind of experience that divides life into before and after. Less than 1% of visitors to Rio see the city from this angle.
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