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See Rio de Janeiro from the air on a 30-minute helicopter sightseeing flight that lifts off from Jacarepaguá Airport in Barra da Tijuca. This is the classic introduction flight for first-time aerial visitors to Rio. You'll follow the city's famous coastline and mountain landmarks with a certified pilot at the controls, large cabin windows for photography, and headset communication throughout the flight.
On arrival at Jacarepaguá Airport the crew welcomes you, confirms passenger weights and runs through a safety briefing before you board with your pilot. Once airborne you'll follow Rio's coastline and mountain skyline with headset communication throughout and large windows for photography.
This 30-minute flight is the classic introduction to Rio from the air, circling the south zone beaches and holding near Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf when conditions allow. Routing can adjust slightly with air-traffic control, but the focus is a smooth, memorable scenic loop with time to ask questions before and after the flight.
Jacarepaguá Airport in Barra da Tijuca is where flights depart, on the western side of Rio's Zona Sul hotel belt. The airport puts you airborne quickly toward the coastline and Corcovado without crossing congested city streets to reach a downtown heliport, which makes it a practical base for guests staying in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon or Barra itself.
Getting there is straightforward via taxis and ride apps, though Rio traffic can be heavy at peak hours. If you are travelling from Zona Sul or downtown, allow extra journey time so you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in and weighing. Hotel pickup can be added as a transfer extra when you book if you prefer not to arrange transport yourself.
First-time flyers are welcome on this scenic tour with no prior experience needed. You'll simply board the aircraft comfortably and follow crew safety instructions from check-in through landing. All guests should be able to sit securely with a seat belt for the duration of the flight and walk a short distance to and from the helipad.
Guests must be at least 14 years old, with under-18s accompanied by a legal guardian on the flight and photo ID for both on the day. Weight limits apply for safe helicopter loading, so height and weight details are collected when you book. If you have mobility needs or questions about boarding, mention them when you book so the team can advise on the best approach at the airport.
Certified pilots know Rio's airspace intimately and pace each route so you see the city's icons clearly from the air rather than rushing past them. Decades of scenic flying experience over Corcovado, the south zone beaches and the lagoons mean the crew can adjust the flight path on the day for the strongest views when conditions allow.
Safety and clear communication sit at the heart of every flight from welcome at the hangar through to landing. Flight equipment and briefing are included so you can concentrate on the panorama. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or ticking a bucket-list flight off your list, you'll experience Rio from a perspective very few people ever see.
Check in at the airport where the crew confirms your booking, collects passenger weights for safe loading, and talks you through the route for the day. You receive a headset and hear how communication works in the cabin before walking out to the helicopter. This is a good moment to ask any last questions about photography, seating or what to expect once the rotors spool up.
Take-off follows Rio's shoreline and famous districts, with beaches, lagoons and the dense grid of the south zone unfolding below. You'll see how the Atlantic curves along Copacabana and Ipanema before the pilot turns toward the forested mountains that rise behind the city. Large windows give uninterrupted sightlines for photos as the coastline stretches west toward Barra da Tijuca.
The pilot tracks toward Sugarloaf and Corcovado, with time near Christ the Redeemer when air traffic allows. Photo holds give you clear angles on Barra da Tijuca and the landmarks beyond, so you can capture Rio's most famous viewpoints from above. Routing may adjust slightly with air-traffic control, but the crew prioritises the coastal and mountain sections that make this flight memorable.
You'll land back at Jacarepaguá where the crew helps you gather belongings and step clear of the rotor wash. Take a moment to debrief with your pilot if you have questions about the route or landmarks you saw. From the airport you can continue to your hotel, restaurant reservation or next plans across Rio.
You'll meet at Jacarepaguá Airport in Barra da Tijuca. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for weighing and briefing.
Full meeting details are confirmed after booking. Taxis and ride apps serve Barra da Tijuca; build in traffic time from Copacabana or Ipanema at busy hours.
This flight takes up to 2 passengers in the helicopter. Weight limits apply for safe loading, so passenger weights are collected at booking.
Solo travellers may share the aircraft with other guests on the same time slot unless you book a private format where offered.
Participants must be at least 14 years old. Guests under 18 need a legal guardian on the flight and photo ID for both on the day.
No flying experience is needed. You sit with headset communication and enjoy the views while the pilot flies. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
You'll spend about 30 minutes in the air, plus check-in and briefing time at the airport. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
Daytime, sunset and evening slots are available up until 20:00 when conditions allow. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
Helicopter flights need safe visibility and wind. If conditions are unsuitable, the crew will reschedule or refund according to policy.
Routing near Corcovado can adjust with air-traffic control, but you still get the main coastal and landmark sections.
Bring a camera or phone, comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Avoid loose hats that could blow on the helipad.
Sun protection helps on bright days. Large bags are best left at your hotel. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
Transport to Jacarepaguá Airport is not included in the base price unless you add a transfer extra when booking.
Making your own way from Zona Sul hotels is common; allow extra time for Rio traffic. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your flight. Weather cancellations by the operator receive a full refund or rebook option.
Late changes inside 24 hours may be charged as shown at checkout. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
Height and weight for each passenger, plus guardian and ID details for under-18 guests. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
Mention mobility needs so the team can advise on boarding at the airport. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
The route covers Barra da Tijuca, Joatinga, São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer, with photo holds when air traffic allows.
Exact timing at each landmark can vary slightly on the day. If anything is unclear before your visit, message us after booking and we will help with timing, meeting details or extras.
About the centre
Rio de Janeiro
Operated by Rio Hang Gliding and Helicopter, a partner of adventuro.