Helicopter Ride over Rio de Janeiro

Ed and I would always settle for budget and mid-range activities whenever we travel. However, during our trip to Brazil, we decided to see Rio de Janeiro in a ritzy way. We felt that if a hot air balloon ride is a must in Cappadocia, flying above Cidade Maravilhosa should be another travel experience that we need to splurge on.

To see Rio from above, we had two options: hang glide or helicopter ride.

My husband, as adventurous as he is, has dreamt about having a birds-eye of the city on a hang glide. But since he couldn't convince me to do it and also don't have the heart to leave me behind, he compromised with a less-thrilling but equally rewarding Heli Ride. 

Booking a Helicopter Ride in Rio

There are plenty of tour companies offering aerial tours in Rio and there are so many helicopter experiences to choose from. 15 minutes? 30 minutes? 1 hour? Sunrise? Sunset? Regular heli? Doors off heli? Take your pick! 

For our budget and time availability, the best deal that we've seen online was the promotional flight of Rio2Fly. It's a 30-minute #RJ flight for 499 BRL per person, plus 150 BRL for video footage, plus tax charges. It seems like a steal, so we booked a 10 AM slot which they have to move at 10:30 because I think they have to pool us with two more passengers. 

Getting to the Helipad

Rio2Fly's helipad is located 30 km away from our accommodation in Copacabana. Travel time could be 40 minutes up to an hour by car depending on road traffic. Although it's quite far, getting there was a breeze. All thanks to Uber! 

We arrived 30 minutes before our scheduled flight, just as Rio2Fly requested. They have a lounge where guests can rest and prepare for the activity.   

Our ride in Rio de Janeiro

The Helicopter Ride Experience

Ed and I shared a 5-seater helicopter with another couple. We didn't know what to expect, so we just jumped inside without even thinking which position is the best for photographs! Ed took the seat behind the pilot while I sat in the middle, next to him. 

My gosh, for somebody who likes to take photos and documenting experiences, our seat positions are the worst! Hahah! Half of the journey, we were on the seaside and taking photos of the landscape was a struggle. Not trying to dwell on the negative here, just sharing so that you'll be wiser to fight for the front seat when it's your turn! :)

At one point, we had to let go of the thought of having perfect photos and rather focus on the experience itself.  We simply soaked everything all in and it's actually amazing to be up there regardless of where you're seated. It was our first time to be in a helicopter; hence flying above Rio definitely went down to our best of best travel memories!

Surprisingly, Ed still managed to bring home good photos. Scroll down!

Onboard a 5-seater helicopter

We started to get a good window view when we flew over Ipanema. 

Left: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Right: Praia de Ipanema

And then we came to the highlight of our aerial ride!

Cristo!

Two of Rio de Janeiro's most popular landmarks in one photo: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain

Christ the Redeemer sits at the top of Corcovado Mountain....

...seemingly looking over the city below. Goosebumps!

This art deco statue is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

Then, we got a good view of Pao de Acucar or Sugarloaf Mountain...

...and the Jockey Club.

aerial view of the beach life in RJ 

The beach. The mountains. The Christ!

Pedra do Aproador and Two Brothers Hill

the long stretch of white sand beach in Ipanema

Somewhere near Barra de Tijuca

So, is it worth it?

Yep! Worth every Reias! And I tell you, getting the front seat will be nothing but a huge bonus!

It was a quick 30-minute helicopter ride, but we saw what everyone who visits Rio de Janeiro needs to see. How beautiful, dynamic and marvelous it truly is! 

Back to where we started

Cheers to a lifetime of awesome experiences with this one!

Want to read more about our sweet escapes in Brazil?

• Sao Paulo: A 1-Day Lazy Travel Itinerary
• Iguazu: A Quick Travel Guide to Brazil's Iguazu Falls

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