Pedra Bonita Rio de Janeiro
Hike to a stunning viewpoint with hang-gliding launch, offering breathtaking panoramas of Rio de Janeiro.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Pedra Bonita Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to a stunning viewpoint with hang-gliding launch, offering breathtaking panoramas of Rio de Janeiro.
"The hike is short and relatively easy for a huge gain with astounding views."
Check the Weather First! ☀️
Clouds can ruin the view. Always check the forecast before heading up for clear skies.
Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟
Mosquitoes are thirsty here! Don't forget repellent for a comfortable hike. [^review]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Rio's coastline, Guanabara Bay, and iconic landmarks like Pedra da Gávea.
Hang Gliding Launch Point
Runway
Witness or experience the thrill of paragliding and hang gliding with incredible city backdrops.
The Hike Itself
Trailhead to Summit
A relatively short but rewarding hike through lush nature, offering a sense of accomplishment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting There & Hiking Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First! ☀️
Clouds can ruin the view. Always check the forecast before heading up for clear skies.
Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟
Mosquitoes are thirsty here! Don't forget repellent for a comfortable hike. [^review]
Uber Drop-off & Pick-up
Ubers can't go all the way. You'll hike from a bend in the road. No cell service at drop-off. [^review]
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The hike is short but steep and can be sweaty. Good footwear is essential.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First! ☀️
Clouds can ruin the view. Always check the forecast before heading up for clear skies.
Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟
Mosquitoes are thirsty here! Don't forget repellent for a comfortable hike. [^review]
Uber Drop-off & Pick-up
Ubers can't go all the way. You'll hike from a bend in the road. No cell service at drop-off. [^review]
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The hike is short but steep and can be sweaty. Good footwear is essential.
Hang Gliding Adventure! :paragliding:
Experience an unforgettable flight with stunning views. Weight limits apply. [^review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pedra Bonita for its absolutely stunning, free-to-access panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, making it a must-visit natural attraction. The relatively easy hike is a significant draw, though some note it can be a sweaty ascent. While the views are the main highlight, potential visitors should be aware of the need for bug spray and the limitations of Uber drop-offs.
"Sooooo beautiful! A free hike to the top with an incredible view. You’re able to take an Uber or taxi to the top if you don’t want to hike much. If you take your car it’s only a $2 dollar parking. From the furthest parking spot it’s about a 30 minute sweaty hike up. It’s so worth it and the view is as great or better than the view from sugarloaf. But I recommend bringing bug spray. The mosquitoes there are very thirsty, haha. There’s also an opportunity for just $160 dollars to go hang gliding but there’s a weight limit of about 90-100 kilos depending on the wind that day. It includes a video, pictures and the ride to the top. I did it and it was an amazing experience."
Peter Moni
"Breathtaking! Stunning! Muito legal!!
This place is truly amazing. Also it's a very easy hike to great views of pedra da gavea and all of Rio West and East! You can also walk up the parking lot past the trail entrance to a bar and the runway for the hang gliders! 😍😍
Recommend for families who want an amazing view of mother nature! You can take an Uber or taxi to the entrance and walk up the very steep driveway, but once at the trail it's fairly quick and simple."
Henry Montalto
"Would absolutely recommend the Pedra Bonita hike to anyone visiting Rio. The views are astounding - a short and relatively easy hike for a huge gain. There’s a cafe/bar with wifi at the start/finish too."
Nina Mason
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take an Uber or taxi to a certain point near the trailhead. Be aware that cars cannot go all the way to the parking lot, and you'll need to hike up from a bend in the road. Cell service can be unreliable at the drop-off point, so plan your return ride in advance. [^review]
Yes, there is parking available, and it's relatively inexpensive (around $2). However, you will still need to hike up from the parking area to the main trail and the hang gliding launch point. [^review]
Since cell service is spotty, it's best to arrange your pick-up in advance or walk a short distance downhill from the drop-off point to get a signal to call a ride. [^review]
Public transport options are limited and would likely involve multiple transfers and a significant walk. Taking an Uber or taxi is generally the most convenient option for reaching the trailhead.
The hike is considered relatively easy and short, but it is steep in parts. Those with mobility issues might find the ascent challenging. [^review]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the hike to Pedra Bonita is free! You only pay for parking if you drive your own car. [^review]
Pedra Bonita is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light for the hike and the views.
No advance booking is required for the hike itself, as it's a free natural attraction. [^review]
The main restriction is related to hang gliding, which has a weight limit of around 90-100 kilos depending on wind conditions. [^review]
It is not recommended to visit Pedra Bonita at night due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting on the trail.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The summit offers the most iconic panoramic views. The hang gliding launch area also provides dramatic backdrops for photos.
Absolutely! The sweeping views of Rio, Guanabara Bay, and Pedra da Gávea make it a photographer's paradise.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, ideal for photography. However, clear weather is the most critical factor. [^review]
While the best views are from the summit, the hang gliding launch area offers impressive photo opportunities with less strenuous effort. [^review]
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes. Be mindful of the sun's position and potential glare.
🎫 🪂 Adventure Activities
Yes, Pedra Bonita is a famous launch site for hang gliding and paragliding. It's an incredible way to experience the views. 
Hang gliding experiences typically cost around $160 and often include photos and videos of your flight. [^review]
Yes, there is a weight limit, usually around 90-100 kilos, which can vary depending on the wind conditions on the day of your flight. [^review]
No, tandem hang gliding flights are available for beginners, guided by experienced instructors. [^review]
The weather is generally good for hang gliding year-round, but drier months with consistent winds are often preferred.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Pack plenty of water and snacks. The hike can be tiring, especially on a warm day.
* Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes can be prevalent.
* Consider the timing. Early mornings are best to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds.
* Explain the hang gliding. Kids will be fascinated by the paragliders launching from the cliff.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers:
* Utilize ride-sharing apps like Uber for affordable transport to the trailhead. Be mindful of the drop-off point and plan your return. [^review]
* Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at the small cafe near the top.
* Focus on the hike and the views – these are the main attractions and they cost nothing!
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Romantic highlights:
* Catch a sunset or sunrise from the summit for a truly magical experience.
* Enjoy a picnic with a view after your hike.
* Consider a tandem hang gliding flight for an unforgettable shared thrill (if budget allows).
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pedra Bonita Hike: A Traveler's Perspective
Travelers often recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water, as the path can be steep in sections. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes from the furthest parking spot. Along the way, you might even encounter local wildlife, adding to the jungle-like atmosphere.
One of the unique aspects of the Pedra Bonita experience is the presence of a cafe/bar near the trailhead, offering a place to relax, grab a drink, and even use Wi-Fi before or after your hike. This amenity adds a touch of comfort to the adventure. [^review]
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Pedra Bonita
The best time for photography is often dictated by the weather. Clear skies are paramount, as clouds can significantly obscure the views. Many visitors opt for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the soft, golden hour light, which enhances the beauty of the scenery. [^review]
Beyond the summit, the hang gliding launch area itself presents fantastic photographic opportunities. The dramatic cliffs and the possibility of capturing paragliders in mid-flight add a dynamic element to your shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to truly do justice to the expansive scenery.
Adventure Awaits: Hang Gliding and Paragliding
[^review]The tandem flights are designed for beginners, meaning you don't need any prior experience. You'll be paired with a certified instructor who handles the controls, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking views and the sensation of flight. The cost typically includes a video and photos of your adventure, so you can relive the moment. [^review]
It's important to be aware of the weight restrictions for these activities, which usually range from 90 to 100 kilograms, depending on the wind conditions on the day. Despite this, the opportunity to experience flight over such a magnificent landscape makes it a highly recommended adventure for many visitors. [^review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit