Seeing All of Rio de Janeiro by Helicopter

By Kimberly Murgatroyd


Rio de Janeiro has one of the most unique and beautiful topographies in the world. Just off the sea you'll find large, dark, oblong-shaped rocks surrounded by the lush, tropical green forests. Also, don't forget the miles of soft, sandy coastline boasting some of the most famous beaches in the world: Ipanema, Leblon and of course, Copacabana.

A helicopter ride is one of the most popular ways of being able to fully see the beauty that Rio has to offer. Helisight is the most recommended company that can take you on a helicopter ride over Rio. Their helicopter services per person are from R$150 (USD $60) to R$875 (USD $365), accepting both cash and credit cards, American Express included. Lagoa and Sugar Loaf are the two areas where you can find the company's heliports. We choose to recommend using the heliport in Lagoa if you're the kind who prefers to be in a much quieter place and also getting a glimpse of the famous Christ the Redeemer. Your choice of peace and quiet is found in Lagoa since it's traffic-free and no waiting in lines too. We generally don't recommend using their heliport in Sugar Loaf but if you actually like being in the midst of some bustle, then this is where you should head.

The kind of tour that Rob and I took actually started from the heliport in Lagoa, descending to Ipanema, curving around the popular Copacabana beach and finally circling around Christ the Redeemer, better known as the "new" wonder of the world. This was definitely one of my most treasured moments while in Rio.

Here are a few tips for your helicopter trip:

1. There are a minimum of three people for all flights. You will be required to wait for them to find someone to fill the seats if there's only the two of you. Nevertheless, you won't have to pay for the seats and you'd be allowed to fly if 30 minutes have lapsed and they still can't find another person to fill the vacant seats. You can also opt for paying the third seat if you want to have a private tour.

2. There is no limit as to how many photos and videos you're going to take so get those cameras and video cameras ready.

#3: Make sure it's a clear day. In Rio, there are often low hanging clouds. You want to get the most out of your helicopter ride and visibility is key especially when circling Christ the Redeemer.

4. That great feeling of being so near the statue of Christ the Redeemer that you can almost touch it is an experience of a lifetime. Remember to choose the tour package that contains a tour around the statue.

If you still prefer to fly from Sugar Loaf Heliport, here are some tips:

1. As early as you can, get yourself in line in order to be one of the first few passengers to take the cable car that is going to take you to the first rock station.

#2: The tickets for the cable car are not included in your helicopter price. They are about R$20 per person.

3. Traffic is common when going and leaving Sugar Loaf especially during the peak tourist seasons. Around these periods, be sure to be a few hours earlier.




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