Landing on Rio’s Beaches
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One minute you’re standing there like any normal person, both feet on the ground, and the next you’re running off the side of a tall cliff, like any abnormal person. Then, without a word, you’re suddenly floating, quietly, aloft like a bird hovering over the majestic cliffs and beaches of Rio de Janeiro. There’s nothing between you and the lovely statue of Christ the Redeemer, the spires of Sugarloaf Mountain, and the sparkling sapphire Atlantic except a balmy tropical breeze. This, you realize, is the closest you’ll ever come to realizing that age-old dream of mankind: flying.

There’s a lot to see and do in Rio, so it’s easy to forget that this is one of the pre-eminent places on the planet for hang gliding. The ocean breezes that lift up over the Sierra do Mar mountains create near-perfect conditions for liftoff. Most full-service hotels can put visitors in touch with a reputable hang-gliding operator, and in most cases, operators can provide hotel pickup and drop-off—just ask at the front desk of your accommodations for recommended tours or contact those listed below. It’s also a good idea to check the weather before booking a flight, and wear athletic shoes—sandals and bare feet are not recommended.

Your flight will probably begin on a tall ridge in Tijuca National Park, one of the largest urban rainforest parks in the world, where toucans and monkeys are common sights. No experience is needed for many hang-gliding tours, because tandem flights allow the instructor to operate the control on the hang glider—all you need to do is, well, hang. Though there is usually a minimum age (around 7), there’s no upper age limit. The flights can last up to 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions, after which time you touch down gently on one of Rio de Janeiro’s soft, sandy beaches—which, when you think about it, is not a bad way to land.

Riotur ( 021/ 2217-7575; www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br).
Tours: Just Fly Rio ( 021/9985-7540; www.justfly.com.br). Hang Gliding Tour ( 5521/9343-3380; www.hanglidingtour.com.br).

When to Go: Apr–Nov.
Rio de Janeiro.
$$$ Pestana Rio Atlântica, Av. Atlântica 2964 ( 021/2548-6332; www.pestana.com). $$ Copacabana Sol Hotel, Rua Santa Clara 141 ( 0800/254-447; www.copacabanasolhotel.com.br).