REVIEW · SOUTH BRAZIL
Group Balloon Flight
Book on Viator →Operated by Canyons & Balões Group · Bookable on Viator
A quiet balloon rises and Southern Brazil opens up. This flight in southern Brazil mixes big canyon scenery, ocean sunrise light, and a crew that runs the whole morning with calm precision. I love that it’s built around a classic balloon rhythm: meet, shuttle, photos by the balloons, safety briefing, then you drift for nearly an hour over canyon country.
What I really like is the value in the basics: transportation from check-in plus coffee/tea and a light brunch keep you comfortable before launch. I also appreciate the attention to feel—people repeatedly highlight smooth, steady flying and landings, plus lots of photos and recordings shared afterward.
One consideration: this experience depends on good weather, so plans can shift if skies aren’t right. And if you’re over 110 kg, there’s an extra overweight fee.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why a sunrise balloon over southern canyons feels different
- From the agency to takeoff: how the morning is organized
- The flight route: what those named canyons and coastline stops mean
- Fortaleza Canyon
- Itaimbezinho Canyon
- Indios Coroados Canyon
- Malacara Canyon
- Torres Beach and Torres
- Litoral Catarinense
- Cambara do Sul
- Trilha Do Rio Do Boi
- Safety and pilot calm: what you should watch for in the briefing
- The included extras that make the day feel complete
- Coffee, tea, and brunch before you lift off
- Photos at the launch field
- Post-landing celebration with a toast
- Souvenir store discount on the way back
- Price and value: why $127.33 can make sense here
- Practical tips to help your flight go smoothly
- Dress for early light and mountain air
- Use secure footwear
- Don’t ignore the weight rule
- Plan your expectations: quiet, not thrill-ride
- Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
- Should you book the Canyons & Balões balloon flight?
- FAQ
- How long is the balloon flight?
- What’s included in the price?
- What’s the group size limit?
- Is there an overweight fee?
- What kind of views should I expect?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go

- 45–60 minutes in the air: the core flight time is long enough to enjoy the views, not just “a quick taste.”
- Sunrise over canyons and the sea: you’re flying for that early-light look, not midday haze.
- Altitude can exceed 1,000 meters in optimal conditions, which usually means better sightlines.
- Group size is capped at 40 for a more personal feel during check-in and briefing.
- Included coffee and brunch keeps the morning from feeling rushed.
- Overweight fee applies above 110 kg (150.00 reais), so check your numbers early.
Why a sunrise balloon over southern canyons feels different

Ballooning isn’t about speed. It’s about perspective.
Here, that perspective comes from flying over the largest chain of canyon formations in Latin America, with sunrise light over the sea and canyon rims laid out like a giant 3D map. The shift is what makes it memorable: you go from “driving through scenery” to floating above it, slow enough that you can actually take it in.
And because this is timed for early conditions, you’ll usually get a cleaner, calmer sky. The description also notes that in optimal weather you can exceed 1,000 meters. That matters. Higher altitude doesn’t just add distance—it reduces how much everything looks crowded and gives you more room to see the full sweep from ridge to ridge.
If you like photos, this is a smart choice too, because sunrise angles are doing the work for you. Even if you don’t consider yourself a photographer, that light helps the colors pop from the air—especially when the ocean shows up on the horizon.
From the agency to takeoff: how the morning is organized

Your morning starts at the agency in the city center, at R. Mario Bordignon, 605 – centro, Praia Grande – SC. After check-in, you’re not left to figure out transportation on your own. The tour includes a free shuttle from the agency to the takeoff field.
From there, the flow is simple and practical:
- you arrive at the takeoff area
- there’s time to get photos with the giant balloon and the canyons in the background
- pilots start inflating the balloon
- your team explains flight procedures and how boarding works
- then you lift off and settle into that quiet glide
I like this kind of structure because it reduces the mental load. Balloon flights can feel intimidating if you’re picturing chaos. Here, the plan is to keep you informed and moving step by step.
Also, the included morning extras help you feel human before the flight: coffee/tea and a brunch with biscuits and accompaniments. It’s not a full meal, but it’s enough to take the edge off an early start.
The flight route: what those named canyons and coastline stops mean
You’ll follow a loop-style route that gives you multiple “wow” angles instead of staring at one view the whole time. The stops are named after the features you’ll fly over, and the value is that you’re seeing variety within one smooth flight window.
Here’s how to think about what each named stop adds:
Fortaleza Canyon
This is the opening act. You’ll get your first strong aerial look at the canyon terrain, with those dramatic walls coming into view as the balloon rises and drifts.
Why it’s worth it: the first sight usually locks in the “I’m really up here” feeling. It sets the baseline for everything else you’ll see.
Itaimbezinho Canyon
Canyon country can look similar from the ground, but from the air you start noticing patterns—bends, ridges, and how the land breaks apart.
Possible drawback: if the sky is hazy, details can soften. That’s weather-dependent, and it’s the main reason you’ll hear the crew emphasize conditions.
Indios Coroados Canyon
By this point, you’re not just seeing “canyons.” You’re tracing their shape across the terrain.
Why you’ll like it: flying over a second canyon system helps you compare textures—what looks steep and jagged from one angle can look gentler from another.
Malacara Canyon
More canyon. More geometry. More time to watch how the light lands on the rock.
What to expect: this section is where you’ll likely slow down mentally and just take it in. The flight is long enough to stop worrying about what’s next.
Torres Beach and Torres
This is where the coastline enters the story. If you came for the ocean sunrise component, this part is the payoff.
Why it matters: seeing sea and land in the same frame is what makes this more than “just canyon views.” It turns the horizon into a real destination line.
Litoral Catarinense
This is your broader coastal region sweep. Instead of one single point view, you get a wider look at how the coast stretches.
Tip: keep your eyes moving. Ballooning is slow, so you can actually scan the edges of the scene rather than missing it while you’re distracted.
Cambara do Sul
This adds more inland variation during the loop. It’s another reminder that the flight isn’t a single straight shot; you’re gliding over changing terrain.
Why it’s good: variety in scenery helps you feel like you covered real ground, even though you’re floating.
Trilha Do Rio Do Boi
Finally, you get a named “track” element tied to the area’s features. By the time you reach this, the whole experience starts to feel like a guided aerial tour.
Why it works: the flight ends with enough interest that you don’t feel like it fades before landing.
Safety and pilot calm: what you should watch for in the briefing
Ballooning is safe when it’s run like ballooning—procedure-first, calm always.
The crew here is repeatedly described as professional and attentive, and pilots like Erick Mattos and Murilo come up in the feedback for being calm, kind, and precise. That tone matters to your experience. A pilot who communicates clearly helps you stop imagining worst-case scenarios.
Look for signs of good operations during the briefing:
- clear flight procedures and boarding instructions
- a smooth, organized launch and takeoff
- calm handling when it’s time to land
One detail worth calling out: landing quality. Multiple people describe super smooth landings, including a landing that didn’t swing much. That’s not something you can control, but it’s a sign the team is used to the day’s wind patterns and landing field setup.
Also, adventure insurance is included, which is part of why you can relax more easily. You’re still responsible for normal safety sense—follow crew instructions, wear secure shoes—but it’s comforting to know insurance coverage is in the package.
The included extras that make the day feel complete
It’s easy to think ballooning is just the flight. Here, the day is built like a small event, and the details help.
Coffee, tea, and brunch before you lift off
You get espresso coffee/tea plus brunch biscuits and accompaniments. It’s not a heavy breakfast, but it does two things:
1) keeps you comfortable while you wait for launch timing
2) makes the morning feel like an organized outing, not a scramble
Photos at the launch field
Before you go up, there’s time to take photos with the balloon setup and canyons in the background. This is a good moment if you want “real” scenery shots, not just flight-from-a-seat pictures.
Post-landing celebration with a toast
After the flight, the balloon lands in a place of private ownership according to the flight plan. Then the commander celebrates the successful flight with passengers using a traditional toast of sparkling.
It’s a small ritual, but it changes the vibe from “task complete” to “we did this together.” You’ll also get memorial photos and a bit of ballooning history from the team.
Souvenir store discount on the way back
On return, the group passes a souvenir store with a special discount for passengers. I’m not saying you need to buy anything—just be aware this is part of the experience flow, so don’t plan to have your day fully booked right after landing.
Price and value: why $127.33 can make sense here

At $127.33 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes total (with 45–60 minutes in the air), the price can feel like a lot until you map what’s included.
You’re not paying only for the lift. The package includes:
- adventure insurance
- transportation from check-in to the activity
- coffee/tea
- brunch biscuits and accompaniments
And the operation is capped at 40 travelers, which can reduce the feeling of being herded.
The reviews also emphasize smoothness, competence, and photo/video quality shared through channels like WhatsApp. While the listing doesn’t spell out photo logistics, the overall pattern suggests you’ll come away with more than just memories in your head.
Where value can drop for some people: if you’re expecting a long sit-down meal, or if you need a guaranteed schedule that never changes. Balloon flights depend on weather, so you’re paying for a high-impact experience that can shift timing when conditions aren’t ideal.
Practical tips to help your flight go smoothly
Ballooning is gentle. Still, it pays to prepare.
Dress for early light and mountain air
This is a sunrise flight. Even if the daytime looks warm on the coast, early hours can feel cooler. Wear layers you can adjust. Bring something light for warmth and keep a weather-ready mindset—your entire schedule depends on conditions.
Use secure footwear
You’ll be around the balloon and crew during boarding and landing setup. Good shoes help you stay steady without thinking too hard about it.
Don’t ignore the weight rule
If you’re over 110 kg, there’s an additional fee of 150.00 reais for people over that limit. If you’re close to it, check carefully. It’s one of the few money-related “gotchas” listed, and it’s better handled before you arrive.
Plan your expectations: quiet, not thrill-ride
Some people worry ballooning will feel bumpy. Based on the way landings and flights are described—smooth, silent, and peaceful—this is typically a very calm experience. You’ll feel the motion, but it shouldn’t feel out of control.
Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
This balloon flight is a strong match if you want:
- sunrise views with canyon and sea in one trip
- a calm, guided morning with safety-first crews
- a bucket-list activity with a full “day experience,” including toast and photos
It’s also ideal for couples and small groups who like slow travel and big scenery.
Who might think twice:
- people who need a perfectly predictable schedule regardless of wind/sky conditions
- anyone who dislikes early mornings (sunrise flights are early by design)
- those uncomfortable with basic weight/boarding procedures
Should you book the Canyons & Balões balloon flight?
I’d book this if you’re after one thing: the feeling of floating above real canyon scale at sunrise. The combination of canyon chain views, ocean horizon light, and a crew described as competent and calm makes it a compelling choice.
I’d hold off or ask more questions if you’re:
- very weather-sensitive
- unsure about the over-110 kg fee rule
- looking for a long guided hike or hands-on activity (this is an airy, observational experience)
If you want an organized balloon morning that’s built around the scenery—without turning it into a stressful production—this is the right kind of tour to plan for in southern Brazil.
FAQ
How long is the balloon flight?
The total experience runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, and the time floating in the sky is approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
What’s included in the price?
The package includes adventure insurance, transportation from check-in to the activity, coffee and/or tea, and a brunch with biscuits and accompaniments.
What’s the group size limit?
The balloon activity has a maximum of 40 travelers.
Is there an overweight fee?
Yes. An additional 150.00 reais fee applies for people over 110 kg.
What kind of views should I expect?
You’ll fly over major canyon areas and coastline spots, and the experience is timed for sunrise, including views with the sea on the horizon.
What happens if weather is bad?
This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.




