Last week we told you about the Billabong Pro surf competition that’s taking place in Rio de Janeiro until 20 May. And that got us thinking … what would be the number one thing we’d do if we were in Brazil’s second city?
After momentary paralysis at the thought of sipping an ice-cool caipirinha while watching toned, tanned and swimwear-clad Brazilians play volleyball on the Copacabana, we came to one conclusion: hang gliding over Rio’s spectacular cityscape.
After a long drive up one of Rio’s famous peaks on the outskirts of the Tijuca Forest National Park, you takeoff from a ramp in Pedra Bonita. Harnessed to a qualified and certified pilot, you glide from 518 metres (1,700 feet) to Pepino Beach in São Conrado district.
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The flight, which typically lasts between 10 and 30 minutes depending on wind conditions, offers serene views of Corcovado (Christ statue), Sugar Loaf, the Tijuca National Forest and the famous beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana.
There are several hang gliding operators in Rio. Tours (including hotel transfers) cost a little under £125 ($200), often include a video of your flight, and last up to four hours in total.
While no match for the bird’s eye view you enjoy when doing the real thing, you’ll get a taste of a flight with this video.
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Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: kthomason)
