Tandem flights launch from the ramp of Pedra Bonita and land on Pepino Beach, with views over Barra da Tijuca and the Atlantic. Flights are run by certified pilots and depend on wind.
Tandem hang gliding from Pedra Bonita is one of the signature adventure activities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Flights launch from a wooden ramp on the granite peak of Pedra Bonita, inside the Tijuca National Park, and glide roughly 3 km over the Atlantic Forest and the rooftops of São Conrado before landing on Praia do Pepino, on Avenida Prefeito Mendes de Moraes. Along the way the view takes in Pedra da Gávea, the Barra da Tijuca coastline, the Tijuca lagoons and the sweep of the ocean. The flight lasts about 30 minutes in the air, while the full outing, including transfer to the ramp, harnessing and return, usually takes two to three hours.
No previous experience is needed because the flight is tandem: a certified pilot controls the wing while the passenger hangs in a harness beside or in front of the pilot. There is no strict fitness barrier, but participants should be able to run a few steps on the ramp at take-off and to stand up on landing. Age and weight limits are set by each operator and pilot, so children, older visitors and heavier passengers should confirm eligibility when booking. Operators such as Just Fly (justfly.com.br) run tandem flights with certified pilots; visitors should ask about pilot licensing and insurance before paying.
Equipment is supplied. A helmet and harness are provided, and visitors need only comfortable clothes, closed shoes that fasten securely and sunglasses. Photo and video packages are commonly sold as extras, and pick-up from hotels in Zona Sul is often available. Prices are around R$700-900 (about $136-175) per flight, varying by operator and extras.
Safety is handled through a pre-flight briefing covering the run at take-off, the seated position and the landing. Pilots check wind speed and direction before every flight, and launches are cancelled when the wind is too strong, too weak or from the wrong direction, or when cloud covers the ramp. Reserve parachutes are standard equipment, and the landing beach is a known, open site with support vehicles nearby. Visitors should treat cancellations as a normal part of the sport and keep a spare day in the schedule.
The activity runs year-round, but conditions are usually clearest from May to September, when the dry air gives better visibility. Summer afternoons can bring cloud, haze and thunderstorms, so morning slots are generally more reliable. Flights should be avoided in rain, strong wind and low cloud.
| Price | About R$700-900 (~$136-175) per tandem flight, varies by operator |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 30 minutes in the air; 2-3 hours total |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | May-September (clear air) |
| Address | Landing: Praia do Pepino, Av. Prefeito Mendes de Moraes, São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro - RJ |
Activity facts
- Where
- São Conrado
Equipment
Comfortable clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses; helmet supplied
Location
Landing: Praia do Pepino, Av. Prefeito Mendes de Moraes, São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro - RJ
-22.9922, -43.2833 View on map
Highlights
- Launch from the Pedra Bonita ramp inside Tijuca National Park
- About 30 minutes gliding over the Atlantic Forest and São Conrado
- Landing on Praia do Pepino beside the ocean
- Views of Pedra da Gávea, Barra da Tijuca and the coastline
- No experience needed with a certified tandem pilot
Tips for visiting
- Book a flexible date: flights are cancelled in strong wind or cloud, so keep a spare day.
- Morning slots usually have steadier air and clearer views than afternoons.
- Wear closed shoes that fasten firmly and clothes that can be zipped or tucked in.
- Ask about photo and video packages when booking; a GoPro may not be allowed on the wing.
- Confirm the refund or rebooking policy for weather cancellations before paying.
- Check the pilot's certification and insurance with the operator.
When to visit
May to September gives the clearest air, and mornings are usually calmer than afternoons. Avoid rainy, cloudy or strongly windy days.
Accessibility
The activity needs a short run at take-off and a standing landing, and the ramp is reached by road and a short walk, so it is generally unsuitable for wheelchair users. Visitors with mobility limits should ask operators about adapted options.
Frequently asked questions
Is previous experience needed for tandem hang gliding in Rio?
No. A certified pilot controls the flight and gives a briefing on take-off and landing. Passengers need only be able to run a few steps at the ramp.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are cancelled in strong wind or low cloud. Operators usually rebook to another day, but the policy should be confirmed when booking.
Where does the flight land?
Flights land on Praia do Pepino in São Conrado, roughly 3 km from the Pedra Bonita launch ramp.
How much does a tandem flight cost?
Prices are about R$700-900 (roughly $136-175) per flight, depending on the operator and whether photos or hotel transfers are included.