Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour

Outty Ranking 48 4.1 · 41 traveler reviews0.2 hoursFrom $350
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Outty Ranking

48/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour worth booking?

Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour is a 0.2-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $350 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
48 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (41)
Duration
0.2 hours
From
$350 per person

What could be better than a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro from the air? From the vantage point of a helicopter, you'll have unforgettable views of this beautiful city, nestled against a backdrop of granite peaks like Sugar Loaf Mountain rising from Guanabara Bay. On this 9-10 minute helicopter tour with a professional pilot, you’ll take some of the most spectacular photos of Rio imaginable, including Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, overlooking Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon Beaches and the Atlantic Ocean.

What you get

    About this experience

    What could be better than a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro from the air? From the vantage point of a helicopter, you'll have unforgettable views of this beautiful city, nestled against a backdrop of granite peaks like Sugar Loaf Mountain rising from Guanabara Bay. On this 9-10 minute helicopter tour with a professional pilot, you’ll take some of the most spectacular photos of Rio imaginable, including Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, overlooking Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon Beaches and the Atlantic Ocean.

    What's included

    Included

    • 9-10 minute helicopter flight
    • Roundtrip Shared Transfer to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana.
    • Professional Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

      Fly from the Lagoon above Rio’s best green and blue areas

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Praia do Leblon

      Fly over Leblon beach, with a privileged view of Allah's Garden and Dois Irmãos Hill

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Ipanema Beach

      See the famous Ipanema Beach

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Pedra do Arpoador

      You will also fly over the Arpoador Rock while contemplating the traditional Copacabana beach.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Santuario Cristo Redentor

      See the Tijuca Rainforest and take a lap around the Christ Redeemer Statue, before flying back down to the Lagoon.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Botanical Garden

      You’ll see the threes from the charming Botanical Garden, founded by Former King João VI (then Regent Prince)

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Sugarloaf Mountain

      See one Rio's postcards and enjoy it from a great perspective

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Gray Line Brazil

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • NOTE: a window seat is not guaranteed
    • This tour requires a minimum number of 03 (three) passengers to operate. There is a possibility that the tour may be canceled after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be provided the option to take the tour on an alternative date, be refunded in full or buy a second ticket.
    • The flight is first come first served.
    • It is recommended you call us to check if weather conditions are preventing the helicopter from flying
    • Infants up to 02 years usually do not pay. However, if the pilot determines that for security reasons the child should occupy the seat, then the value for this seat will be charged.
    • The specific departure time for this tour will be determined upon reconfirmation.

    Photos

    Rio de Janeiro Helicopter, Rio de Janeiro Helicopter TourRio by day, Rio de Janeiro Helicopter TourRio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour, photo 4Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour, photo 5Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour, photo 6Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    41 verified traveler reviews for Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    21
    4 star
    11
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    Craig_B · January 2023

    Awful experience

    Choose another tour. We were forced to pay for 3 people even though we paid as a couple. We were given the option to wait for a third person (with no guarantee one would show up). Clearly as tourists we couldn’t wait for a 3rd person and paid for an extra ride. I am a laid back professional and have never written a bad review but this was about as fraudulent as it comes. Please choose another tour company. Note Viator never provided a reason as to why there was a minimum charge for 3 and told me that it was for safety reasons even though the couples present all flew with only two people and paid this extra charge.

    via Viator

    richj65 · June 2021

    Amazing views

    I would recommend this to anyone traveling to Rio de Janeiro. This was not my first helicopter tour but because there is so much to see here it was the best. The flight is between 30 or 40 minutes with stunning views so make sure your phone is fully charged. If the weather is clear this is a must do.

    Response from the operator: Dear Rich. thank you for your feedback! We are glad that you had a great tour and took fantastic pictures! You can count with us in your future travels. kind regards

    via Tripadvisor

    Elizabeth_W · December 2018

    Amazing!!!

    This trip was amazing! The view from the helicopter of monte Christo as well as the city was more than we could have imagined! Didn’t have to fight any crowds and we were treated like royalty the whole time! I highly recommend!!!

    via Viator

    j_close · March 2017

    This tour was an amazing experience...

    <p>This tour was an amazing experience, would definitely recommend it</p>

    via Viator

    Brian M · January 2017

    The magnificence of Rio is well...

    <p>The magnificence of Rio is well worth seeing from the air and we were looking forward to the flight but this was a disappointment from the beginning to end. We would certainly recommend using another helicopter provider because the choppers used by the flying company do not have intercom facilities or headphones so that the pilot cannot communicate with the passengers. This meant that we had to rely on our eyes and because there is so much to see, I missed half the flight around Christ, the Redeemer. Moreover, the flight was scheduled for 11 minutes but we landed after 8 minutes and 30 seconds my wife filmed the entire flight on her iPhone, missing almost a quarter of the scheduled flight. This can be considered to be almost a rip-off by the chopper company. We complained to the person who picked us up at the hotel but he shrugged his shoulders and suggested that we should complain to Viator. We insisted that he should complain to the helicopter company before leaving the airstrip because by the time Viator made a decision we would be back in the UK and it was highly unlikely that they would compensate us by flying us back to Rio for another 11 minute fight. As we informed the person who took us to the airstrip, we did not have a chance of a second bite of the cherry so whatever compensation we receive was of little comfort for not doing a proper helicopter flight around Rio. The guy did not complain to the helicopter company and instead just kept walking towards the massive coach that brought us to the airstrip in order to take us back to our hotel. This flight was going to be one of the highlights of our trip around Brazil but instead it turned out to be our biggest disappointment.</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    0.2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $350 to $1,716
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    14
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Gray Line Brazil, who run 56 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.4.

    See everything Gray Line Brazil runs

    Why this scores 48

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)49
    Review evidence (18% weight)57
    Booking momentum (14% weight)49
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)1
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.

    How much does Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $350 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 0.2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.

    Is Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 41 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 0.2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Included: 9-10 minute helicopter flight; Roundtrip Shared Transfer to Most Hotels in São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana; and Professional Tour Guide. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 80 listed pickup locations in and around Rio de Janeiro. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants up to 02 years usually do not pay. However, if the pilot determines that for secur. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Rio de Janeiro Helicopter Tour?

    +

    Across 41 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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