How to get to Parque da Cidade, Niterói (the paragliding ramp)

Parque da Cidade sits on top of Morro da Viração, in the São Francisco neighbourhood of Niterói, with access from Estrada da Viração. It is the city's most famous lookout — and the launch point for tandem paragliding flights.

By car or taxi

• Coming from Rio: cross the Rio–Niterói Bridge and follow signs for São Francisco / Parque da Cidade. After the bridge the route runs along the bay before climbing the hill.
• Coming from central Niterói or nearby districts: head towards São Francisco along the bay and take the park road up.
• Coming from the ocean region or São Gonçalo: use GPS to São Francisco and then take the climb; it is usually a calmer drive.

The road up is paved all the way to the launch area, with curves through the forest and viewpoints along the way.

By ferry from Rio

Take the ferry from Praça XV to Charitas — the closest terminal — and continue by taxi or ride-hailing car up to the park. The crossing has the finest view of the trip, with Sugarloaf in front of you. Details from each neighbourhood in from Rio's South Zone to Niterói.

How long it takes from Rio

By car, outside peak hours, allow around an hour from the South Zone or the centre. With traffic on the bridge, up to two. Combining metro, ferry and a short ride takes a similar amount of time and is far more predictable.

Public transport

Buses and ferries reach central Niterói, and from there the practical final leg is a taxi or ride-hailing car up the hill. There is no direct route to the top by bus, so plan that last stretch.

Parking

There is a parking area near the ramp and the lookout. On sunny weekends and holidays it fills up, so arriving early helps — and morning conditions are often better for flying anyway.

Weekends and holidays

• Bridge traffic builds on Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons and the eve of public holidays.
• Arrive early: easier parking and usually more favourable wind.
• Confirm your time with the school, because the flight depends on the weather.
• Bring the essentials: sunscreen, water, closed shoes and a light jacket — it feels cooler at the top.

Walking, cycling and families

Plenty of people climb Estrada da Viração on foot or by bike as exercise, finishing at the lookout. The park is open to the public, with viewing decks a few steps from the parking area, which makes it comfortable for families and for anyone who comes along without flying. What else to do there is in what to do at Parque da Cidade.

📚 References (Wikipedia): Niterói