Paragliding Flight in Rio de Janeiro: Takeoff at Pedra Bonita with Surreal Views — Complete Guide 2026
- May 31
- 4 min read
In this Guide
6. What's Included |
Fly Over Rio de Janeiro: Paragliding at Pedra Bonita
Imagine taking off from the top of a mountain and flying over the Tijuca Forest, the beaches of São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca, Pedra da Gávea, and the Atlantic Ocean—all at the same time, in absolute silence, with the wind in your face and the entire Marvelous City at your feet. This is not a dream. It's paragliding at Pedra Bonita.
Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the best destinations in the world for paragliding. The Pedra Bonita ramp, at 520 meters altitude within the Tijuca National Park, offers ideal wind conditions and one of the most spectacular views on the planet for those who practice—or experience for the first time—paragliding.
You don't need experience. The tandem flight is done with a certified pilot who controls everything. You just need to take a few quick steps during takeoff — and enjoy.
How Paragliding Works
Tandem paragliding is the safest and most accessible way to experience free flight. You fly connected to a professional pilot accredited by ABVL (Brazilian Free Flight Association), with new equipment that is regularly inspected. The pilot takes care of the entire operation — takeoff, navigation, and landing. You just need to enjoy the view and smile for the camera.
Step-by-Step Experience
1. Meeting at the pre-arranged meeting point in the São Conrado area. 2. Transfer included to the Pedra Bonita launch ramp (car ride up the Tijuca National Park road). 3. Arrival at the ramp at 520 meters altitude — quick briefing from the pilot about takeoff. 4. Flight equipment and helmet put on. GoPro positioned to record your entire flight. 5. Takeoff: you run a few steps down the ramp and in seconds you're flying. 6. Flight of 8 to 15 minutes (depending on wind conditions), flying over mountains, Atlantic Forest, beaches and the sea. 7. Soft landing on the sand of São Conrado Beach.
Takeoff at Pedra Bonita
The Pedra Bonita ramp is located within the Tijuca National Park, 520 meters above sea level. It is one of the most famous paragliding launch sites in the world—and it's not hard to see why. As you position yourself for takeoff, you see the vast ocean ahead, the imposing Pedra da Gávea to the side, the sandy beach of São Conrado below, and in the background, the entire coastline of Rio de Janeiro all the way to Barra da Tijuca.
The moment of takeoff is the most exciting: you run 3 to 5 steps, your feet leave the ground, and suddenly the whole world opens up below you. It's a feeling that no photo can capture.
What You'll See From Up There
During the flight, the pilot navigates through thermal currents, offering a 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 Barra da Tijuca coastline and Recreio, and on clear days, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range. It's the kind of view that transforms how you see Rio de Janeiro forever.
Landing in São Conrado
The landing takes place on the sandy strip of São Conrado Beach, in a specific area for paragliding. The pilot guides the entire procedure — you only need to stand up at the final moment and walk a few steps on the sand. It's smooth, safe, and surprisingly peaceful.
What's Included in the Price
The complete package for R$ 990 includes: full flight video recorded on a GoPro, all mandatory fees and insurance, transfer from the meeting point to the Pedra Bonita ramp, professional pilot accredited by ABVL, and new and inspected equipment. Insta360 cameras (immersive 360-degree video) are sold separately for those who want an even more spectacular record.
Requirements and Restrictions
Weight limit: up to 120 kg. Children under 16 years old: only with parental/guardian authorization (signed document). No prior experience is necessary — tandem flying is designed for beginners. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops). 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$ 990.00 per person (full flight with GoPro video included)
Payment methods: Pix (Brazil's instant payment system) or cash and card (with a fee). Cancellation due to weather: rescheduling at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to fly a paraglider?
Yes. Tandem flying is one of the safest forms of extreme sports. All pilots are certified, the equipment is new and inspected, and insurance is included.
I'm afraid of heights. Can I fly?
Most people with a fear of heights are surprised: paragliding doesn't feel the same as flying from a tall building. You sit comfortably, without any edge reference, and the sensation is one of floating. More than 80% of passengers who were afraid say they would do it again.
What if there's no wind that day?
If conditions are not suitable for a safe flight, we will reschedule at no cost. Safety is always our priority.
Can children fly?
Children under 16 years of age can fly with authorization signed by their guardians.
Book your Paragliding Flight
There are experiences that change the way you see the world. Flying over Rio de Janeiro is one of them. In just a few minutes in the air, you see the city from an angle that less than 1% of people who visit Rio have ever seen. It's the kind of memory you tell everyone about — and the GoPro video will prove it really happened.
Spaces are limited per day (depending on wind conditions). Don't leave it until the last minute.
🪂 CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PARAGLIDING FLIGHT
📱 Questions? Talk to us on WhatsApp
Comments