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Paragliding at Pico da Ibituruna | Adrenaline in Governador Valadares

Pico da Ibituruna is one of the best paragliding spots in Brazil. Learn how to get there, what to expect and how to make the most of this unique experience.

Why Pilots Travel the World to Fly Here

A sky made for flying. Few places on Earth offer the kind of conditions that turn casual flyers into lifelong devotees — but Ibituruna, in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, is exactly that kind of place. Known around the globe as the “Hawaii of Free Flight,” this mountain has earned its legendary status one perfect flight at a time.

Rising 1,120 meters above sea level, Pico da Ibituruna features spacious, grassy take-off ramps and warm, reliable thermals that let pilots soar for hours and chase spectacular cross-country routes. It’s no exaggeration to call this one of the top Free Flight destinations on the planet — paragliding and hang-gliding pilots from Brazil and abroad make the pilgrimage here specifically for what the mountain offers in the sky.

Governador Valadares itself feels like a playground built for flight. Takeoff happens from two grassy launch areas on the mountain, set up to give pilots an easy, scenic start to their journey skyward.

Light Winds, Long Flights

Most days bring very light wind conditions — which sounds counterintuitive for flying, but it’s actually part of the magic. While light winds make long open-distance flights trickier, the calm air combined with the surrounding hilly terrain produces large, smooth thermals that stay active for hours. Pilots regularly stay airborne well into the late afternoon, often riding the thermals until sunset. It’s an ideal setup for flying triangles and sharpening thermalling technique, making Valadares a favorite training ground as much as a competition venue.

And then there’s the landing — refreshingly simple. The main landing field sits right in the city center, just a short walk from cafés, restaurants, and everyday city life. After hours in the air, there’s something special about touching down minutes from a cold drink and a place to relax with fellow pilots.

The Capital of Free Flight

Pico da Ibituruna isn’t just a beautiful place to fly — it’s globally recognized as the capital of free flight, regularly hosting elite international competitions. The mountain has welcomed events like the Paragliding World Cup and the Brazilian Paragliding Championship (Downhill MG’s high-flying cousin in the world of Ibituruna sport tourism), drawing the best pilots on the planet.

These competitions typically run during the prime flying season, between March and September, with pilots racing across technical flatlands and dramatic mountain ranges. A typical event spans seven to eight days, with daily race routes set around noon according to local weather — often guided by FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) and CIVL standards. During competition days, the grassy takeoffs at 1,120 meters are generally reserved for pilots and accredited media, but the main landing fields in the city center turn into excellent spectator zones, perfect for soaking in the Ecotourism spirit of the event alongside the local crowd.

March 2026: The Skies Belonged to the Best

Between March 7th and 14th, 2026, Valadares hosted the first stage of the Brazilian Paragliding Championship, bringing together the country’s top pilots alongside international competitors. Held at Pico da Ibituruna — a true landmark of the city and an international reference point for the sport — the week filled the skies with breathtaking flights, technical mastery, and pure emotion for residents and visitors alike.

The event was promoted by the Brazilian Free Flight Confederation (CBVL) and the Ibituruna Free Flight Association (AVLI), with support from the Municipal Secretariat of Culture, Sport, Leisure and Tourism. The official event headquarters was set up at Hausmalte Esplanada Brewery (Rua Afonso Pena, 2150), serving as a hub for organizers, a meeting point for pilots, and a gathering space for public viewing.

Registration welcomed 120 pilots in total — 90 spots reserved for the national ranking and 30 for international competitors, with any remaining spots passed along to the next-ranked participants. The championship featured both General and Serial categories, drawing competitors and fans deep into the heart of Brazilian free flight culture.

Plan Your Visit

Governador Valadares invites everyone — pilots, spectators, and curious travelers alike — to experience this extraordinary sporting tradition firsthand. Whether you’re soaring above the GV Trails , exploring routes through the slopes or watching from the landing field below, Pico da Ibituruna offers a front-row seat to one of the most thrilling chapters in the world of free flight — boosting tourism, the local economy, and Governador Valadares’ standing as a global leader in the sport.