- Type
- Tour
- Area
- South Zone
São Conrado is a South Zone neighborhood between Leblon and Barra da Tijuca, separated from the rest of the seafront by Dois Irmãos Hill and framed by Pedra da Gávea. It is known worldwide for free flight: hang gliders and paragliders take off from Pedra Bonita and land on the sand of the beach, according to Wikipedia.
The Pedra Bonita ramp
The free-flight ramp stands next to Pedra Bonita, in Tijuca National Park, above the neighborhood. From there, pilots take off over the forest and glide down to the last stretch of the São Conrado seafront, known as Praia do Pepino, according to Wikipedia.
Even if you are not flying, you can enjoy it: watching the takeoffs at the ramp or the landings on the beach is a free and photogenic outing, with Dois Irmãos Hill on one side and Pedra da Gávea on the other.
The Pedra Bonita trail
The trail to the top of Pedra Bonita is one of the best known in Rio. It is considered easy, not very steep, and the climb takes about an hour, according to Wikipedia. It starts on Estrada das Canoas, near the ramp. From the top you can see São Conrado Beach, Dois Irmãos Hill, Pedra da Gávea, Barra da Tijuca and the Tijuca Forest.
According to Tijuca National Park’s rules, the Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea area is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you may start the Pedra Bonita trail until 4 p.m. Go during the day, with company and water, and tell someone your route.
The beach and the neighborhood
São Conrado Beach faces the open sea and can have strong waves. Go in near the lifeguard post, respect the flags and the lifeguards’ guidance, and watch out for rip currents.
The neighborhood has residential towers and the Hotel Nacional, Oscar Niemeyer’s cylindrical tower on the seafront. On Estrada das Canoas is the Casa das Canoas, Niemeyer’s own former home, according to the English Wikipedia.
Getting there
Metro Line 4 has a São Conrado station, according to the MetrôRio network. For the ramp and the trail, on Estrada das Canoas, go by car, taxi or ride-hailing app and arrange your return, because phone signal can fail. See other walks in hiking in Rio.
Practical tips
- To fly, choose only accredited instructors and check their paperwork.
- On the Pedra Bonita trail, respect the start time limit set by the park.
- To watch the landings, just stand at the end of the beach, at Praia do Pepino.
Frequently asked questions
Where do hang-gliding flights in Rio take off from?
From the free-flight ramp next to Pedra Bonita, in Tijuca National Park, above São Conrado. Hang gliders and paragliders land on the last stretch of the neighborhood's seafront, known as Praia do Pepino, according to Wikipedia.
Is the Pedra Bonita trail difficult?
It is considered easy, with about an hour's climb, according to Wikipedia. It starts on Estrada das Canoas, near the ramp. The park sets a time limit for starting the trail.
How much does a hang-gliding flight in Rio cost?
This guide does not publish company prices. Choose accredited instructors, check their paperwork and agree everything in writing before the flight.
Pair it with
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Hike West Zone Pedra da Gávea One of the largest seaside monoliths in the world, at 842 meters. The trail is hard, has a climbing section and should only be done fit and with a guide. See details -
Hike South Zone Dois Irmãos Hill The two peaks that close off the Ipanema and Leblon seafront. The trail starts in Vidigal and ends at one of the fullest views in the South Zone. See details -
Kids North Zone Tijuca National Park The forest Emperor Pedro II ordered protected and replanted in 1861. Today it is home to Christ the Redeemer, waterfalls, viewpoints and the city's main trails. See details