Lift off from Barra da Tijuca for a 20-minute helicopter circuit that flies beside Christ the Redeemer and over Sugarloaf, Copacabana and Guanabara Bay. This quick overflight compresses Rio’s geology, history and best viewpoints into one unforgettable aerial snapshot.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A rotor hum builds beneath you as the chopper lifts off from Jacarepaguá Airport in Barra da Tijuca, and Rio spreads out beneath like a living map: ridgelines of Tijuca Forest, the knife-edge of Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf), the arc of Copacabana and the crest of Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer standing watch. In twenty minutes the flight stitches together the city’s topography and history—colonial harbors, granite inselbergs, and urban forest reclaimed from ranchland in the 19th century.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; boarding requires no strenuous activity
Wildlife
History
Corcovado's Christ the Redeemer was completed in 1931; Sugarloaf's granite rise and Rio's harbor made the area strategically important through Portuguese colonial times.
Conservation
Helicopter operators follow strict routing and weather rules to limit noise and safety impact; visitors should respect local protected areas like Tijuca National Park by minimizing disturbance and choosing reputable operators.
Reserve your spot on the Helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro - 20 Minutes today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book a morning slot
Early flights usually have calmer air and clearer light for photos; avoid late afternoons in the summer when storms build.
Bring only a small camera or phone
Loose items can blow around in the cabin; secure straps and use a wrist or neck tether for your camera.
Prepare travel documents
This tour requires passport information at booking for non-Brazilian guests—carry ID and any documentation requested.
Mind health restrictions
Not recommended for passengers with serious heart or cardiovascular issues; notify the operator of any medical concerns.
Compact camera or smartphone
For wide-angle shots through the cabin windows without bulky gear.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Sun reflects off water and rooftops at altitude; protect your eyes and skin.
summer
Light windbreaker
Cabin doors and ramps can be chilly when doors open on the tarmac or during coastal winds.
spring
Photo tether or wrist strap
Keeps cameras and phones secure in a moving helicopter.