Scenic helicopter flights, hang gliding and paragliding from Pedra Bonita, sunrise stand-up paddle and surfing at Arpoador: prices, duration, adrenaline level and how to choose safely.
~US$241
Helicopter, from (approx.)
R$850–1,200
Hang gliding or paragliding
8–12 min
Free flight from Pedra Bonita to the beach
May–Oct
The most stable season for flying
Rio is one of the few cities where you can fly over Christ the Redeemer, glide down to the beach and paddle at sunrise off Copacabana on the same trip. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and, with reputable operators, very safe.
Below we compare price, duration and adrenaline level for each, and explain what to check before booking. All figures are approximate, Sept. 2026.
From the air
Scenic helicopter flight
It’s the most comfortable way to see all of Rio at once: Christ face-on, Sugarloaf, Lagoa, Copacabana and Ipanema in a few minutes. There are short routes focused on Christ and the bay, and longer routes that follow the coast to São Conrado and Barra.
- Price: from approx. US$241 per person, depending on route and duration.
- Doors-off flights: some operators fly with the doors open, with a harness, for reflection-free photos. A photographer favorite.
- Adrenaline: low. Suitable for almost all ages.
- Weather: rain or low clouds mean the flight is rescheduled.
Free flight
Hang gliding and paragliding from Pedra Bonita
You take off from the Pedra Bonita ramp in Tijuca National Park and land on São Conrado beach. It’s always a tandem flight with an instructor: you just run a few steps at takeoff and enjoy the ride.
- Price: approx. R$850–1,200, plus video or photos if you want them.
- Duration: 8–12 minutes in the air (plus the drive up and waiting for wind).
- Hang glider vs. paraglider: hang gliding is faster and horizontal (“superhero” feel); paragliding is gentler and slower.
- Weather: wind-dependent. Book a morning slot and keep a spare day in case you need to reschedule.
On the water
Sunrise SUP and surfing at Arpoador
Sunrise stand-up paddle in Copacabana
Paddle as the sun rises over the ocean with Sugarloaf in the background. The water is usually calm early; sometimes turtles show up.
- No experience needed
- Instructor and gear included
Surf lesson at Arpoador
Arpoador is Rio’s classic surf break, between Copacabana and Ipanema. Beach surf schools rent boards and rash guards to beginners.
- Depends on the day’s swell
Which one? Quick comparison
| Helicopter | Hang gliding / paragliding | Sunrise SUP | Surfing at Arpoador | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From ~US$241 | R$850–1,200 | See tour | Beach lesson |
| Activity time | Minutes of flight, route-dependent | 8–12 min of flight | Approx. 1–2 h | Approx. 1–2 h |
| Adrenaline | Low (medium doors-off) | High | Low | Medium |
| Best time | Clear morning or late afternoon | Morning, steady wind | Sunrise | Morning |
| Requirements | None in particular | Operator weight limit | Be able to swim | Be able to swim |
Approximate prices per person, Sept. 2026.
Where each activity happens
Safety: what to check before booking
Checklist before flying or paddling
Häufige Fragen
From approx. US$241 per person for short routes; longer or doors-off flights cost more.
Book your adventure
Certified operators, pay by international card or Pix, and rescheduling if the weather doesn’t cooperate
Want to go hang gliding or paragliding?
We’ll connect you with accredited instructors and arrange transport. Message us on WhatsApp.
Empfohlene Touren
Online buchen mit lokalem Guide, Festpreis und Zahlung per internationaler Karte oder Pix.
