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Launch from Pedra Bonita and glide over Rio’s beaches and forest on a tandem paragliding flight that lands on Pepino Beach. This guide covers what to expect, safety considerations, and logistics to help you plan a morning in the air.
Launch from Pedra Bonita and glide over Rio’s beaches and forest on a tandem paragliding flight that lands on Pepino Beach. This guide covers what to expect, safety considerations, and logistics to help you plan a morning in the air.
The wind picks up as the city shrinks beneath you — high-rises, the sweep of Ipanema and Copacabana, the green crown of Tijuca’s forest. Takeoff from Pedra Bonita feels immediate: a short run, a lift, and then the Atlantic opens. The beach at Pepino approaches as a bright ribbon where the pilot eases you down into sand and surf sounds.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by rio adventures tour operator · Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
The wind picks up as the city shrinks beneath you — high-rises, the sweep of Ipanema and Copacabana, the green crown of Tijuca’s forest. Takeoff from Pedra Bonita feels immediate: a short run, a lift, and then the Atlantic opens. The beach at Pepino approaches as a bright ribbon where the pilot eases you down into sand and surf sounds.
Pedra Bonita sits on the southern edge of Tijuca National Park, a remnant of an ancient coastal range carved by erosion and uplift. The launch ramp became a paragliding hub in the late 20th century, attracting pilots drawn to steady coastal thermals and views of Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea. Culturally, flights thread together Rio’s beach life and mountain traditions — pilots, clubs, and vendors around São Conrado form a small aviation community.
Practically, expect a half-day commitment: meet at Clube de Vôo Livre in São Conrado, sign waivers, pay a modest ramp/insurance fee, and ride 10–15 minutes to the summit. Flights last roughly 10–20 minutes depending on wind; total booking time is about two hours. Wear closed-toe shoes and layer for wind at altitude; pilots handle all controls in tandem, but passengers should be able to run a few steps at takeoff.
Tips: morning sessions are more stable, afternoons can produce strong thermals or sudden clouds. Readers with back, heart, or pregnancy concerns should avoid the flight. Bring a fully charged phone for the included media transfer and cash (local currency) to cover the club fee.
moderate.
2 hours (flight 10–20 minutes).
Suitable for most active adults who can run a few seconds; not recommended for those with serious back, heart, or pregnancy conditions.
Flights typically last 10–20 minutes depending on wind and thermal conditions; the booking is about two hours total including check-in and transfers to the launch.
Participants must be over 18 and under the operator weight limit (about 240 pounds); exact limits are confirmed during booking.
Yes — the operator transfers 4K video and photos to your smartphone after landing as part of the experience.
No — the meeting point is at Clube de Vôo Livre in São Conrado; transportation to the club is the traveler’s responsibility.
Pedra Bonita is part of the coastal escarpment within Tijuca National Park and has hosted recreational flying since the 20th century, creating a local community of paragliding and hang-gliding clubs.
Flights operate next to Tijuca National Park, so pilots and visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace practices and avoid disturbing wildlife and vegetation.
rio adventures tour operator operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The wind picks up as the city shrinks beneath you — high-rises, the sweep of Ipanema and Copacabana, the green crown of Tijuca’s forest. Takeoff from Pedra Bonita feels immediate: a short run, a lift, and then the Atlantic opens. The beach at Pepino approaches as a bright ribbon where the pilot eases you down into sand and surf sounds.
The wind picks up as the city shrinks beneath you — high-rises, the sweep of Ipanema and Copacabana, the green crown of Tijuca’s forest. Takeoff from Pedra Bonita feels immediate: a short run, a lift, and then the Atlantic opens. The beach at Pepino approaches as a bright ribbon where the pilot eases you down into sand and surf sounds.
Pedra Bonita sits on the southern edge of Tijuca National Park, a remnant of an ancient coastal range carved by erosion and uplift. The launch ramp became a paragliding hub in the late 20th century, attracting pilots drawn to steady coastal thermals and views of Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea. Culturally, flights thread together Rio’s beach life and mountain traditions — pilots, clubs, and vendors around São Conrado form a small aviation community.
Practically, expect a half-day commitment: meet at Clube de Vôo Livre in São Conrado, sign waivers, pay a modest ramp/insurance fee, and ride 10–15 minutes to the summit. Flights last roughly 10–20 minutes depending on wind; total booking time is about two hours. Wear closed-toe shoes and layer for wind at altitude; pilots handle all controls in tandem, but passengers should be able to run a few steps at takeoff.
Tips: morning sessions are more stable, afternoons can produce strong thermals or sudden clouds. Readers with back, heart, or pregnancy concerns should avoid the flight. Bring a fully charged phone for the included media transfer and cash (local currency) to cover the club fee.