Are you wondering if a helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro is worth it? In this post, we’ll go over why it’s the BEST way to get the most mesmerizing views of Rio and why you’ll regret it if you don’t!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission on products if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Most people have never ridden on a helicopter before and Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place to try it for the first time. I mean panoramic views of the harbor from a birdseye view? It doesn’t get better than that!
There are many ways to enjoy Rio de Janeiro. You can relax on some of the most pristine beaches, dance the night away to Samba, or even enjoy the traditional Brazilian cuisine. But out of all these things, a helicopter ride was the highlight of my trip.
Whether you want to see the sunset over the harbor or get the best view of Christ the Redeemer, I’ve got you covered. Here are 5 great reasons to convince you why a helicopter tour is one of the best things you can do in Rio de Janeiro!
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Leave Rio de Janeiro Without Doing A Helicopter Tour
1 Mesmerizing Panoramic Views of Guanabara Bay
The harbor of Rio de Janeiro, known as Guanabara Bay, is famous for being the world’s largest natural bay. Because of its size, the bay is also considered one of the original 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
While the bay is impressive, what is most captivating are the granite mountains popping up all around the city. Rio de Janeiro quickly became one of the most picturesque sceneries I’ve gotten to witness.
Mostly because I got to experience the bay from a thousand feet off the ground. Seeing this incredible city from a birdseye view in a helicopter gives you a different appreciation for its immense beauty.
2 Most Impressive & Unforgettable View of Christ the Redeemer
The main reason I decided to book a helicopter tour was to see Christ the Redeemer up close and personal. Guys, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done!
Let me guide you through my experience… Christ the Redeemer was the final 7th Wonder of the New World on my list so I wanted to do something special for it. Perhaps that’s why it’s more meaningful for me but nonetheless, it’s still breathtaking.
I chose to do a helicopter tour during sunset and it was incredible for more reasons than one. The helicopter circles the statue a few times to ensure everyone can view it out of their window.
This is the best way to see and experience Christ the Redeemer, as it towers over all of Rio looking down and ‘protecting’ the city. That was my favorite part and the memory that will live on in my mind. Getting to see the incredible bay and mountains below during sunset was absolutely stunning.
Visiting the statue from below, like most people do, is not nearly as impressive. Plus it is so crowded that you hardly can get a good photo. While yes, you can still appreciate how massive the statue is, I guarantee you that seeing it from a helicopter is 100% better.
I even shed a few tears from gratitude and joy at how beautiful the world is while we flew back over the city watching the sunset fall into the ocean.
3 The Price is Well Worth This Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Okay, so I had second thoughts even after I booked the tour because it did seem pricey to me. I paid about $160 for a 30-minute ride.
While it may seem expensive, I later found out that it’s quite a reasonable price for a helicopter ride. But trust me, it was the best $160 I’ve ever spent.
It may seem like a lot of money for such a short ride but helicopter rides can cost up to hundreds of dollars depending on where you are flying.
For example, a 30-minute helicopter tour in NYC runs about $380. I believe that’s on the higher end of rides. It seems most helicopter rides cost $300 on average for an hour of flight time. So it seemed reasonable to me.
I booked my flight with Rio2Fly. They offer flights anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes, ranging from $110 to $325 per person. They even have multiple flight paths you can choose from depending on what you want to see most.
4 Helicopter Rides are Thrilling & Awesome
I had never flown in a helicopter before as I suspect the average person hasn’t either. This is another reason to do it so you can try something new – not to mention it’s a thrilling ride!
From the second you get in and they hand you protective ear muffs, the adventure begins. Taking off and slowly getting higher and higher as the panoramic views around you change and get more stunning by the second is unmatched.
It was quite a surreal feeling getting to fly over such beautiful views. The water in Rio is so clear and blue and the mountains are layered to create their unique landscape. I was more than happy to have had my first helicopter tour in this dazzling city.
5 You’ll Get to Experience Rio de Janeiro From a Special & Unique Perspective
There is so much depth in Rio’s landscape that it is better experienced by flying over it. While on the ground, the beaches and mountains seem impressive. However, flying above and around them gives you a new perspective to admire.
As I’ve mentioned before, flying around the Christ the Redeemer statue and getting to see it looking down on all of Rio was the most magical and memorable part. In my opinion, you get to see the statue the way it was intended amongst the dramatic landscape.
Not very many people get to experience Rio de Janeiro from an unforgettable helicopter tour! Which is exactly why it’s completely worth the price. If you weren’t already in love with this vibrant city, you will be after this ride.
I hope I was able to convince you to book a tour because it truly was one of the most stunning experiences I could have had. It might even be the highlight of your trip and give you a new appreciation for the city that most people miss out on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Helicopter Tours Worth It?
Absolutely! Depending on where you choose to fly, it can be one of the most thrilling, memorable, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s a great way to see the landscape from a unique perspective offering panoramic views of the area. A helicopter ride is completely worth it!
What Time of Day is Best for a Helicopter Tour in Rio?
I would recommend taking a tour around sunset so you can experience the golden hour glow. However, if you’d prefer to have a little less glare for photos, perhaps earlier is better.
Aiming for noon would be a great time to make sure you have good lighting and it’s the optimal time for good weather. While you can’t predict the weather, it tends to get cloudy early in the morning, especially around the Christ the Redeemer statue.
How Much Does a Helicopter Tour Cost in Rio de Janeiro?
The average cost of a 30-minute helicopter tour in Rio de Janeiro costs between $150 to $180. The price depends on the length of time, the flight path, and the company. On the low end, you can find rides for about $110 ranging to $350 on the high end.
For more helpful posts on Brazil, you may also like:
- 5 Simple Reasons Rio de Janeiro is Safe Despite What You Hear
- The BEST Hostel in Rio: Jo&Joe Largo do Boticario
- Uber in Rio de Janeiro: Everything You Need To Know + Why It’s Safe
