Rio, a city that is beautiful at sea level, is rendered even more so seen from up above. But if you want to enjoy the city’s mountains, beaches, lagoons and urban landscape with an added dose of adrenaline and fear then how about doing so while practicing an extreme sport. A treat for those few courageous mortals who perhaps feel immortal, the rewards for your bravery are huge.
Pedra da Gávea, Dois Irmãos, Corcovado and Sugarloaf and Rocinha all make appearances during this aerial tour. Flights last somewhere between 8 and 30 minutes, depending on several variables, but are guaranteed to be breathtaking. The starting point is Pedra Bonita in São Conrado, in the middle of the Tijuca Forest National Park, with access via Estrada das Canoas, with your final destination will be a landing on Praia do Pepino. Flights are always dependent on the climatic conditions, so be sure not to pay before the day as your adventure may not even take off. Your pilot guides take photos and videos of your trip at your request.
Address
: Rampa de Vôo Livre da Pedra Bonita, , São Conrado
This immense mountain, neighbour to nearby Pedra Bonita stands at over 800m tall is also known as the “Cabeça do Imperator” (Head of the Emperor) due to its unique shape. It is the perfect platform to glimpse the city’s South and West Zones from up above. The itinerary begins at the entrance of Tijuca National Park at the end of the Caminho do Sorimã. From there it is some 2.5km of hike ahead. It may sound easy enough, but the course is very steep and eventually you’ll come across the point known as “Carrasqueiras” (the rock‐climb) called such for a reason. 30 challenging metres of climbing are best tackled with the help of climbing equipment. Once atop, the view is among the most beautiful in the city maybe even in the world, but beware, it is not accessible to amateurs.
Rio has over 400 different climbs with a wide range of difficulties and this comes as no surprise for a city surrounded by sinuous mountains. And with over 40 different routes up, Sugarloaf extends an invitation to a privileged few to appreciate Rio’s iconic landscape from a variety of different angles. The most famous among the climbing routes is the Via dos Italians (The Italian Path), really only for experienced climbers but offers the most beautiful view on the way up.
A few summers ago, Slackline, an activity that comprises balancing on top of a suspended length of tape to go from one point to the other, took Rio by storm. But there were those looking for more of a challenge and a way to hone their skills and decided to extend their slacklines at an altitude and thus highline was born. One of the favourite spots for highline enthusiasts in Rio is in Morro do Cantagalo, with the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon down below. This sport requires a good deal of training and appropriate equipment or in other words don’t try this without a guide or experience.
Not too long ago you could skydive from Jacarepaguá, but nowadays all jumps are done at the Aérodromo de Resende, 150km outside of Rio, which is the biggest skydiving area in the state. For tandem dives you have to book in advance as well as checking to see whether climatic conditions are favourable on your chosen day. This is for the real adrenaline junkies.
Address
: Estrada do Aeroporto, s/n, Elite
Phone
: +55 (24) 3354-2757
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