Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro
Launching off the Pedra Bonita ramp and gliding 510 metres down to São Conrado beach is one of those experiences that ruins every other tandem flight in your life. This is the 2026 guide to hang gliding in Rio — real prices, how to verify your pilot's ACVL licence, when to book sunrise slots, what insurance actually covers it, and the paragliding alternative.
Quick Answer
Best for most travellers: tandem hang gliding R$650–900 with hotel pickup. Nervous? Choose paragliding — longer, smoother flight. Pro tip: always book the earliest morning slot and leave a buffer day in case of weather.
Affiliate disclosure: PlanRio may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Hang Gliding vs Paragliding: Both Options
Tandem Hang Gliding from Pedra Bonita
3 hrs total / 12 min flightThe classic. Sharp launch off the ramp, glide over Pedra da Gávea, São Conrado and Rocinha, land on São Conrado beach. GoPro footage included on most packages. ACVL-licensed pilots only.
Check availabilityTandem Paragliding over Rio
3 hrs total / 20–30 min flightSame Pedra Bonita ramp, parachute-style canopy instead of hang glider. Smoother flight, longer air time, more steerable. The better choice for nervous first-timers or anyone who wants maximum time in the air.
Check availabilityPrices last verified July 2026. Flight prices can change — confirm when booking.
Verifying Your Pilot is ACVL-Licensed
The single most important safety step. Every legitimate tandem pilot in Rio carries an ACVL card with photo, licence number and expiry date. Ask to see it before you climb into the harness.
- • Card not visible → walk away. No exceptions.
- • Cross-check the number on abvl.com.br (or ask the pilot to show you the entry on their phone).
- • Pilot won't let you film the gear check → red flag.
- • Operator pressuring you to fly in marginal weather → walk away. Real operators reschedule.
What the Flight Actually Feels Like
Minutes 0–2: Briefing at the ramp. Three rules: head up, run when the pilot says run, don't grab the bar. Harness clipped to pilot's harness — you're physically attached to a licensed adult.
The launch (5 seconds): Six running steps off the wooden ramp, then your feet leave the planet. There's no drop sensation — the wing just catches and you're flying.
Minutes 1–10: Silent gliding over Pedra da Gávea, the Atlantic ocean below, Rocinha favela to your left, the Atlantic forest carpeting Tijuca to your right. Pilots usually do one or two spirals if you ask.
The landing (5 seconds): Pilot calls "feet up". You glide in low across São Conrado beach, the pilot flares, you land standing up on sand. Cheers from passing surfers.
When to Fly: Monthly Conditions
- • Apr–Aug (dry season): most flyable days, calm mornings, cool 22°C launches. Best window overall.
- • Sep–Nov: good flight days but afternoon thunderstorms — go early.
- • Dec–Mar: high humidity and thermals. Many flight days but a higher chance of cancellation. Book buffer days.
- • Carnaval week: high demand, book 2+ weeks ahead.
Cost Breakdown (2026)
- • Tandem hang gliding: R$650–900
- • Tandem paragliding: R$550–800
- • Sunrise slot premium: +R$150
- • Hotel pickup Zona Sul: usually included
- • Pro photographer add-on: +R$200–350
- • Adventure insurance rider: ~US$15–25 for trip duration
Pair It With
- • Post-flight São Conrado beach lunch — you've already landed there.
- • Tijuca Forest jeep tour — same direction; see Tijuca jeep guide.
- • Pedra Bonita hike the day before so you see the ramp from solid ground — best hikes.
- • Travel insurance with adventure rider — see insurance guide.
- • Bungee jumping alternatives — honest bungee guide.
FAQs
How safe is hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro?
Tandem hang gliding from Pedra Bonita is among the safest commercial adventure activities in Rio when booked with an ACVL-licensed pilot. The Brazilian Free Flight Association (ABVL/ACVL) enforces certification, recurrent training and equipment inspection. Decades of operation off Pedra Bonita have produced an excellent safety record — incidents almost always trace back to uncertified pilots or skipped weather calls.
How much does a tandem hang glide in Rio cost in 2026?
R$650–900 for a tandem flight including pilot, harness, GoPro footage and pickup from most Zona Sul hotels. The flight itself is 10–15 minutes; total time including transfer, briefing and landing is around 3 hours. Paragliding off the same ramp costs slightly less (R$550–800) and the flight lasts longer.
Where do you take off and land?
Take-off is the wooden ramp on Pedra Bonita (510 m) inside Tijuca National Park, above São Conrado. Landing is on São Conrado beach itself — a soft sand landing pilots have done thousands of times. The drive from Ipanema/Copacabana to the ramp is 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
What's the minimum and maximum age and weight?
Most operators take passengers 5 to 75 years old. Weight limit is typically 100–110 kg (220–242 lb). There's no minimum weight, but very light children (<25 kg) may need a special harness — confirm at booking.
What's the best time of year and day?
April–October (Rio's dry season) has the most flyable days. November–March has stronger storms but also stunning clear mornings. Always fly in the morning — thermal winds get unpredictable after 1 PM. Book the earliest slot your operator offers and keep a buffer day in your itinerary in case of bad weather.
What should I wear and bring?
Closed running shoes (you run off the ramp), athletic shorts or leggings, a T-shirt, sunglasses with a strap, and sunscreen. Skip skirts, sandals and loose hats. The pilot supplies the harness, helmet and camera mount. Eat a light breakfast — not empty stomach, not heavy.
Is hang gliding covered by travel insurance?
Most standard policies exclude it; you need an adventure-sports add-on. World Nomads' Explorer Plan and SafetyWing's adventure rider both cover tandem hang gliding with a licensed operator. Confirm in writing before flying. See our travel insurance guide.
Book your Rio hang glide
Compare ACVL-licensed operators, sunrise slots and combo packages. Free cancellation up to 24 hours on most options.