Pedra Bonita sits inside Tijuca National Park, on the border between São Conrado and Alto da Boa Vista, and gives you two solid reasons to leave the house: the easy one-kilometer-plus hike to a jaw-dropping viewpoint, and the hang-gliding ramp that launches you soaring over São Conrado. Both are open to the public—the trail is free and rated easy, while tandem flights are done with certified pilots and require zero experience.
Visiting costs nothing if you just want to hike to the top. The flight has a price tag (book ahead), but the ride itself averages 10 to 15 minutes of gliding over the coastline. Lots of people combine both in the same morning and still have time for lunch in São Conrado.
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In this guide, you’ll find how to get there by car and bus, when to go to avoid the crowds, how much time to set aside, what you’ll see from the viewpoint, and how to book your paragliding session without any hassle.
- How to Get to Pedra Bonita
- Best Time and Season to Visit
- How Much Time to Set Aside
- The Trail: What to Expect Along the Way
- The Viewpoint and the View
- Paragliding and Hang Gliding
- Practical Tips
- Is It Worth the Visit?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get to Pedra Bonita
The GPS address is Estrada da Pedra Bonita, 1338 — Alto da Boa Vista neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro. If you’re using a navigation app, search for “Rampa de Voo Livre Pedra Bonita” so the pin drops right at the entrance. Heads up: the entrance is on a sharp curve on the opposite side of the road if you’re coming from São Conrado, so slow down early or you’ll blow right past it.
By car: The official parking lot has 24 spots and is the most convenient option. On weekends, it’s usually full by 9 a.m. If you arrive later, you’ll end up parking along the shoulder of Estrada das Canoas—it’s common and works fine, but check the signs so you don’t get a ticket.
By bus: The closest stop is on Estrada das Canoas in São Conrado. From the stop to the trailhead, it’s about 800 meters on foot along the roadside—no sidewalk, so walk on the opposite side of traffic. Bus lines that pass through São Conrado include the 553 and 554, departing from Ipanema and Leblon.
By ride-share: Uber and 99 can drop you right at the entrance without any issues. For the return trip, cell signal inside the forest can be spotty—walk out to Estrada das Canoas before calling a car.
Coming from Centro or the North Zone, the fastest route is via Linha Amarela to Barra, then Autoestrada Lagoa-Barra and Estrada das Canoas.
Best Time and Season to Visit
Pedra Bonita opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.—during some summer periods, hours extend to 6 p.m. The last entry to start the trail is at 4 p.m. Confirm with ICMBio or on the Tijuca National Park website before you go, as hours can change on special dates.
Best time of day: Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. On weekends, arriving at 8 a.m. still guarantees parking and a peaceful trail. After 10 a.m., both the parking lot and the paragliding line get significantly busier.
Best season: The trail works well year-round, but the months from April to August tend to have less heavy rain and more pleasant temperatures for hiking. From December to March, summer rains are frequent and quick—and rain grounds the flight ramp. If paragliding is your main reason for visiting, check the specific forecast for the South Zone the day before.
One important detail: the flight ramp closes in unfavorable wind conditions, even on rain-free days. If you’re coming specifically for the flight, you need to confirm with the school the day before via WhatsApp—all schools require this contact before confirming your time slot.
How Much Time to Set Aside
Planning your time well avoids frustration, especially if you want to combine the trail and a flight on the same day.
If you’re doing just the trail to the viewpoint: set aside 1.5 to 2 hours total. The climb takes 30 to 40 minutes at a comfortable pace; the descent, 20 to 25 minutes. That still leaves time to hang out at the top, take photos, and watch the launches.
If you’re doing trail + tandem flight: set aside at least 3 to 4 hours. The wait at the ramp can reach 1 hour on peak-season weekends. Booking your flight in advance with the school gives you priority on timing and cuts the wait considerably.
A solid itinerary: arrive at 8 a.m., hike up and enjoy the viewpoint, return to the starting point by 10:30 a.m., do the flight between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. (you’ll land at Pepino Beach in São Conrado), and grab lunch in São Conrado before the afternoon heat kicks in.
The Trail: What to Expect Along the Way
The route is just over 1.2 km long—about 2.5 km round trip—and the climb takes between 30 and 40 minutes at a normal pace. The trail starts at the parking lot, follows packed dirt with slightly inclined sections, and near the top, you’ll hit a rocky stretch where you’ll use your hands and the rocks for support.
This final section isn’t technically difficult, but if you’re afraid of heights, you might feel uneasy in the last few meters before reaching the viewpoint. There are no railings at every edge point—the rule is simply not to get too close to the more exposed edges.
The vegetation in the first 700 meters is dense Atlantic Forest, staying cool even in summer. Near the top, the forest opens up, and the landscape starts to reveal itself before you reach the highest point.
Footwear: regular sneakers work fine on dry days. After rain, the wet granite gets slippery—go with non-slip soles if you’re coming right after a downpour.
Kids: the trail is easy enough for children from about age 5. The rocky section at the end requires adults to hold onto the little ones. Pets: allowed on a leash. Accessibility: the trail is not adapted for wheelchairs or very limited mobility, due to the rocky section at the end.
The Viewpoint and the View
From the top of Pedra Bonita, the view opens directly onto São Conrado below—the sandy strip of Pepino Beach, the houses scattered across the hillside, and the horizon where the ocean disappears. To the right, Pedra da Gávea rises imposingly; to the left, Barra da Tijuca stretches along the coast.
On clearer days, you can even spot Sugarloaf Mountain to the north. The altitude at the top is 696 meters, giving enough perspective for the landscape to impress even those who already know Rio from other viewpoints.
This is where paragliding launches happen—the ramps sit just below the highest point of the viewpoint. Watching pilots take off and spiral down over São Conrado is already worth the climb for those who aren’t flying.
There’s no snack bar or bathroom at the viewpoint. Bring water—the sun at the top after 10 a.m. is intense. The descent takes 20 to 25 minutes.
Pedra da Gávea, just a few kilometers from here, also has a trail—but it requires more effort and technique than Pedra Bonita. If you want to compare the two before deciding which to do first, check out our complete guide to Pedra da Gávea.
Paragliding and Hang Gliding
The hang-gliding ramp at Pedra Bonita is one of the busiest in Brazil. There are two ramps stacked on the slope: the upper one is used for hang gliding and the lower one for paragliding. The ramps sit at an altitude of approximately 517 meters. Flights are always tandem—you’re strapped to a certified pilot, no flying experience needed.
Who can do it: minimum age of 14; weight limit up to 90–100 kg for hang gliding and up to 140 kg for paragliding. No restrictions for beginners—the tandem flight is handled entirely by the pilot.
How it works: you’re fitted with the harness right at the ramp, take a few running steps with the pilot, and the paraglider lifts you off. The flight lasts an average of 10 to 15 minutes, with a spiral descent over São Conrado until you land on Pepino Beach. From the beach, a transfer takes you back to the starting point or wherever you arrange.
How to book: reserve with accredited schools at least 1 to 3 days in advance on weekdays, and 3 to 5 days on weekends. Confirmation happens via WhatsApp the day before, when pilots assess wind conditions. If the weather isn’t favorable, the flight is rescheduled at no extra cost.
Prices (2026 reference): rates vary between schools and seasons, generally between R$ 400 and R$ 600 for a tandem flight. Check directly with accredited schools—Rio Centro de Voo Livre is one of the local references with pilots certified by CBVL (Brazilian Hang Gliding and Paragliding Confederation).
For those who just want to watch the launches: the viewpoint sits above the ramps, and you can follow the action for free—it’s fascinating even without flying.
Practical Tips
Water and snacks: bring at least 500 ml of water per person. There’s no place to buy anything inside the park—not at the trailhead, not at the viewpoint.
Parking: the 24 official spots fill up before 8:30 a.m. on weekends. If you’re driving on a peak day, plan to arrive by 8 a.m. or use a ride-share app.
Camera on the flight: many schools have GoPro mounts—ask before booking. Photo documentation of the flight usually costs extra. You can bring your own action camera if the school allows it.
Cell signal: inside the Atlantic Forest, the signal can be weak. Download an offline map on Google Maps or Maps.me before you leave home, with the location “Trilha Pedra Bonita” saved.
Cloudy weather: the trail stays open with light fog or high clouds, but the view is compromised. The flight is grounded. Checking the specific forecast for São Conrado the day before saves you a wasted trip.
Sunscreen: the rocky section at the end is 100% exposed to the sun. Apply before you leave and reapply before reaching the top.
Is It Worth the Visit?
Absolutely worth it for: anyone wanting an easy hike in Rio with no entry fee and a view that wows. The viewpoint delivers São Conrado from above, Pedra da Gávea right next door, and the ocean ahead—all without needing special fitness. For anyone who’s never flown a paraglider, this is probably the best bang-for-your-buck thrill in the city: a 12-minute flight over the coastline that most people remember for years.
Maybe not worth it if: you traveled specifically for the paragliding and didn’t check the weather the day before. The flight gets grounded fairly often on rainy or windy days, and there’s no guarantee it’ll open. If the flight is your only goal and the weather doesn’t cooperate, the visit boils down to a short hike—which is nice, but might fall short of very high expectations.
The most common mistake: arriving after 10 a.m. on weekends without having booked a flight. Afternoon slots are usually filled, and the parking lot is packed. The trail is still worth it, but the wait at the ramp can turn the experience stressful.
What to confirm before you leave: the park’s operating hours for that day and flight availability with the school—both via WhatsApp, the day before. Five minutes of checking saves you from unpleasant surprises.
What to combine on the same day: in the morning, trail and flight. In the afternoon, São Conrado (Pepino Beach, where you land, is calm and popular with surfers) or Barra da Tijuca via Autoestrada Lagoa-Barra. If you want to keep hiking, head to Pedra da Gávea the next day—but set aside a full day for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pedra Bonita trail charge an entrance fee?
No. The trail is part of Tijuca National Park and access is free. There may be a parking fee at the official lot. Paragliding or hang gliding flights are priced by accredited schools, but entry to the park itself is free.
Do I need to book the paragliding flight in advance?
Yes. Reserve at least 1 to 3 days in advance on weekdays and 3 to 5 days on weekends. Final confirmation is done via WhatsApp the day before, when pilots assess wind conditions. If the weather isn’t favorable, the flight is rescheduled at no extra cost.
What is the weight limit for the paragliding flight?
For tandem paragliding, the limit is around 140 kg. For hang gliding, the limit is usually 90 to 100 kg. Confirm with the school before booking, as limits can vary by pilot and equipment.
Can I visit Pedra Bonita without a car?
Yes. Take a bus or metro to São Conrado, get off at the Estrada das Canoas stop, and walk about 800 meters to the trailhead—there’s no sidewalk, so walk on the opposite side of traffic. Ride-share apps like Uber and 99 also drop you right at the entrance.
What time does the trail open and close?
The trail opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., with seasonal variations that may extend to 6 p.m. in summer. The last entry to start the climb is at 4 p.m. Check the updated hours on the Tijuca National Park website or with ICMBio before your visit.
Pedra Bonita has that rare profile of an attraction that works for almost every type of traveler: an easy trail, a view that justifies the effort, free access, and—for those who want it—a flight that takes little time and leaves a lasting memory. Confirm hours and flight conditions the day before with the school, and enjoy one of the best mornings Rio’s South Zone has to offer.
