Up in the air, Rio looks totally different. This BigFly paragliding flight sends you from the Pedra Bonita ramp with a double, instructor-led setup, plus GoPro filming so you can keep the moment long after the landing.

The two things I’d pick right away are the clear safety briefing before take-off and the fact you’re flying over big Rio landmarks like São Conrado, Ipanema, and the Tijuca Forest during a short 10–20 minute window.

One consideration: this activity is weather-dependent, so if conditions are off, you may need a different date or a refund.

Quick highlights (what matters most)

• Pickup included from São Conrado so you can skip the hard part of getting to the ramp
• Pedra Bonita take-off with a quick safety rundown and safety gear provided (helmet, harness, etc.)
• Double flight with Carlão BigFly’s 25 years of experience for a confidence-first approach
• GoPro filming from take-off to landing, downloaded to your phone after
• Landing at Praia do Pepino so you finish with sand between your toes and a view to remember
• Max 20 travelers, which helps keep things organized on a busy day

BigFly pickup in São Conrado: where the day begins

Your day starts at Carlão BigFly – Parapente in São Conrado (Av. Pref. Mendes de Morais, 1502). It’s in an easy-to-reach area and the tour notes it’s near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not using a private transfer.

Then, you ride as a group from the flight club to the Pedra Bonita ramp, the actual take-off point. For me, the value here is simple: you’re not trying to coordinate transportation up to the mountains while also figuring out gear and timing. They handle the ride portion, and that keeps your brain focused on the main event.

The tour runs a long daily window (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, based on the listed opening hours), so there’s usually flexibility in scheduling, but you still want to plan to arrive on time at the meeting point so you don’t scramble if weather or winds shift.

Pedra Bonita ramp: safety briefing plus gear that makes you feel normal

At Pedra Bonita, you’ll get a quick briefing with the safety instructions before anything happens. It’s not drawn out. It’s practical. And you’ll be flying as a double passenger with an experienced instructor, so you’re not expected to do anything technical.

They provide the key safety equipment (like helmet and harness). That matters because paragliding gear quality is not the place to improvise. Using their setup also keeps the process consistent—one reason these operations run smoothly when conditions are right.

Also, the instructor guidance is a big part of why people rate this so highly. The flight provider is Carlão BigFly, and the setup includes an instructor with 25 years of experience. Even if you’re nervous, you’ll have someone who’s done this repeatedly and knows how to react when wind changes.

A small practical tip

Bring a realistic attitude: you’re not controlling the flight; you’re collaborating with the person in front of you. If you treat it like that—listen, follow instructions, and relax—you’ll get the best outcome fast.

The double flight over Rio: 10–20 minutes of real views

Once you take off, the flight time is between 10 and 20 minutes. That’s short enough to feel manageable, but long enough to actually notice what’s happening. The flight is also filmed throughout—from take-off to landing—so you can replay the experience later with context.

What you’ll likely see from the air

The route passes over major Rio views including:

• São Conrado beach
• Ipanema
• Tijuca Forest

Even if you know Rio from photos, aerial views change your sense of distance and shape. You see how the coastline bends, where the city meets the mountains, and how the forest breaks up the built-up areas. It’s the kind of perspective that makes your photos look like postcards—except you’ll be the one floating above it.

Why the short flight works

Ten to twenty minutes sounds brief, but paragliding has a rhythm. You get the initial sensation, then you settle into the glide, then you’re preparing for landing. A flight that’s too long can turn into waiting and fatigue. This duration tends to keep it fun and focused.

GoPro filming and the storage check you must not skip

This is one of the most valuable parts of the whole setup: your flight is filmed using a GoPro camera from take-off to landing. That’s not just a nice bonus. It’s a smart trade.

In the air, you’re busy looking around. You’re not thinking about angles or whether you got the shot. With GoPro coverage, you can relax and still leave with footage that actually matches what you felt.

After the flight, the photos and videos are downloaded to your phone. Here’s the practical part that can ruin your day if you ignore it: make sure you have enough space.

• At least 6 GB available for standard images
• Another 8 GB available if you choose the optional 360° insta360° camera

The optional 360° add-on is listed as R$ 350 (optional service). If you go for that, the storage requirement becomes extra important, because you don’t want to hit a low-storage wall while they’re transferring files.

My advice

Do a quick storage sweep before you leave home. Free up space the night before. Then bring whatever power bank you usually trust, because you’ll be doing phone transfers soon after landing.

Landing at Praia do Pepino: sand, calm, and a chance to review

The landing happens at Praia do Pepino. The description is that it’s a peaceful landing where you can end right there with your feet in the sand.

This part is underrated. Most adrenaline activities don’t give you a soft landing (literally). Here, you transition into a slower moment where you can sit, take a breath, and look back at what you just did—especially because you’ll be reviewing footage after the flight.

If you’re coming from the city, it’s also a nice contrast. You start in a commercial flight club in São Conrado, go up to Pedra Bonita, then return to a beach landing scene. That arc helps make the day feel complete instead of stopping abruptly when the flight ends.

Transport, group size, and how the day stays organized

The tour includes transport from the flight club in São Conrado to the Rampa da Pedra Bonita. It doesn’t include hotel/hostel transfers, though you can arrange them by contacting after booking (cost varies by location).

Group size is capped at 20 travelers, which is a good sign for how smoothly things can run. Paragliding has moving pieces—gear fitting, briefing, timing, and weather checks. Smaller groups generally mean fewer bottlenecks when you’re waiting to launch or get your photos.

Also, the activity is offered in English. The info notes that translation service can be contracted, with the price charged based on location—so if English isn’t enough for you, ask about what’s available ahead of time.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what adds up locally)

The listed price is $294.29 per person and includes a lot of the core value:

• transport from São Conrado to the ramp
• safety equipment (helmet, harness, etc.)
• an experienced instructor for the double flight (25 years experience)
• full GoPro filming from take-off to landing

But don’t miss the local extras that are not included:

• Flight club fee and individual flight insurance: R$132 per person
• optional insta360° camera: R$350 (optional)
• personal drinks/food
• optional translation service (price depends on location)

So is it good value? For the money, you’re not just buying a seat. You’re buying:

1) access to the launch logistics (ride to Pedra Bonita),

2) safety setup and instructor expertise,

3) professionally recorded footage with an easy phone delivery afterward.

The optional 360° upgrade is the only real add-on that changes the price structure noticeably. If you’re the kind of person who wants extra “wow” footage, it’s there. If you just want solid documentation of the flight, the included GoPro already does the heavy lifting.

The biggest hidden factor in your total experience cost is weather. If wind or conditions are poor, you might be rescheduled or refunded, which can change how the day fits into your itinerary. Still, the upside is you won’t be rushed into a flight when conditions aren’t right.

Who this paragliding flight suits best

This tour is a strong fit if:

• you want a short, manageable flight window (10–20 minutes)
• you like the idea of a fully guided double flight rather than worrying about controls
• you care about keeping the moment with GoPro footage that they’ll download to your phone
• you want a Rio view that includes coastline plus forest, not just one angle

It may not be ideal if you need a hands-on, step-by-step activity. You’re along for the flight, guided by the instructor, so you should be comfortable following direction and letting someone else handle the mechanics.

Also, the tour states most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you have specific concerns, it’s worth checking in before you go.

What to do before you go (so the flight day stays smooth)

A few smart moves make this kind of day feel effortless:

• Plan your phone storage: aim for at least the 6 GB + 8 GB numbers listed if you might add the 360° option.
• Arrive early enough at São Conrado so the briefing and gear fitting aren’t rushed.
• Wear clothes you’re comfortable sitting/being harnessed in. You’ll want movement without fuss.
• Expect weather to matter. This isn’t a “rain or shine” sit-in-a-chair activity. It’s sky time, and they require good conditions.

And if you’re thinking about getting there with rideshare, the general pattern people share is that Uber to the site can work, then you go by their ride to the summit/ramp. Still, always confirm your plan with the exact meeting point instructions on your day.

Should you book BigFly paragliding with Carlão BigFly?

If you want a Rio experience that blends big views, professional guidance, and filmed memories, I’d book it. The strongest reasons are the same ones you’ll feel during the process: the safety briefing, the instructor experience with 25 years, the included GoPro filming, and a landing at Praia do Pepino that lets you finish on a calm note.

The one reason to pause is weather. If you have tight timing in Rio, build in a bit of flexibility. If you can be flexible with your day, this is a high-satisfaction activity that’s easy to understand and hard to forget.

FAQ

How long is the paragliding flight?

The flight lasts about 10 to 20 minutes.

Where does the activity start and end?

You meet at Carlão BigFly – Parapente in São Conrado, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation to the take-off ramp included?

Yes. Transport from the flight club in São Conrado to the Pedra Bonita ramp is included.

What’s included with the flight?

Included items are the safety equipment (helmet, harness, etc.), an experienced instructor for the double flight, and full filming of your flight with a GoPro camera.

Is filming included, and how do I get the footage?

Yes. The flight is filmed from take-off to landing, and photos/videos are downloaded to your phone after. The info says you should have at least 6 GB free for standard images, plus another 8 GB if you choose the optional 360° camera.

What should I know about weather and cancellation?

This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.