Paragliding in Medellin: Best Spot, Tips & Operators

Have you ever seen someone gliding through the air with the biggest smile on their face and thought to yourself, “what the heck are they doing?” Well, my friend, they were most likely paragliding. Paragliding is an air-based adventure sport that has been steadily gaining popularity around the world. And there’s no better place to try it out than in Medellin, Colombia! 

In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about paragliding in Medellin – from the best spots to fly, to tips for first-time flyers, to which operators offer the best experience. So whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new flying spot or a complete beginner who’s never even heard of paragliding before, this post is for you! Let’s get started.

Soar Over Paradise: 5 Reasons for Paragliding in Medellin

Medellin is a lively and vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. Paragliding in Medellin offers an unforgettable experience that you simply can’t find anywhere else. From the stunning views of the surrounding Andes Mountains to the lush countryside below, there are several reasons why paragliding in Medellin should be at the top of your list when you visit Colombia.

Here are five great reasons for paragliding in Medellin:

1. Incredible Views: Paragliding in Medellín offers unparalleled views of some of Colombia’s most beautiful landscapes. The panoramic vistas make it a safe bet that you’ll almost certainly get a great photo of your experience.
2. Affordable Options for Paragliding: Paragliding in Medellín provides an accessible experience for all budgets. Both the operators and spots are competitively priced, delivering excellent value for money.
3. Tips from Experienced Paragliders: Paragliders who have been operating in Medellín provide a wealth of advice on paragliding safely and securely. From information on different sites to tips on choosing the right equipment, you can be sure that you will have a safe and enjoyable experience thanks to their expertise.
4. Paragliding Operators with Reputation: All of the Paragliding operators in Medellín are well-known and established, offering years of experience in providing quality Paragliding services. They provide sound advice, experienced instructors, and the latest in paragliding equipment to ensure that every paraglider has an enjoyable and safe experience.
5. Weather Conditions: Paragliding in Medellín is not only an exciting way to explore the city but also a great way to enjoy the weather conditions of the area. The temperature is comfortable throughout the year, with no extreme temperatures or strong winds. This allows Paragliders to enjoy their flight without worrying about any potential risks from weather-related issues.

Overall, Paragliding in Medellín is a great activity for those looking for adventure and stunning views of this vibrant city. With its excellent operators

San Felix – Best Spot for Paragliding in Medellin

Paragliding in Medellín is best enjoyed at the Parque San Felix. Parque San Felix is located on the east side of Medellín and makes a great takeoff point for experienced paragliders. The park offers ample space to take off with no obstructions or obstacles in your way – perfect for getting airborne quickly and easily.

Some items you’ll want to make sure to pack for your trip include sunscreen, a jacket (for the plane ride), a passport (as backup insurance), a camera with a strap (to avoid dropping it), water, and shoes that can handle getting dirty.

How to Get There

The hike to San Felix from the trailhead is difficult, but it’s worth it for the stunning views that await you at the top. The path is steep and winding, taking approximately two hours on foot (or one hour by bike).

You can take public transit between San Felix and Medellin by taking one of Medellin’s famous urban gondolas or through the Caribe metro station at Medellin’s north bus terminal. 

The hike to San Felix from the trailhead is difficult, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. Once you reach the summit and take in the breathtaking vistas of Medellin below, you’ll know why so many hikers make this journey every year. 

The Best Day to Come

The best day to come paragliding in San Felix is during the week because during weekends paragliding take-off area gets really busy. Paragliding in this spot is a popular activity, so it’s not uncommon to share the sky with other paragliders. Paragliding operators usually offer tandem flights during the week and on weekends, but they take extra precautions to ensure safety.

When You Finally Get On Top

If you reach the top of the hill, you will have an unobstructed view of the valley below. Many people take off from here. At the entrance, there is a park staff member who takes visitors’ names, ID numbers, and weights before giving them wristbands. Once the process is complete, you will be able to set it up. Just note that it can get a bit crowded at times, so you may need to wait for a while before getting started.

San Felix is a great place to paraglide, with plenty of people around so you can wait safely. The grass can get a little wet though, so it’s better to bring a small towel or blanket to sit on. If you don’t mind sitting at the bar, you can have a drink while you wait.

In the air

Once in flight, you will be treated to spectacular views of Medellín from up high and can even get some incredible aerial shots if you have a camera or GoPro mounted on your helmet. This park is considered one of the best places in Colombia to go paragliding due to its stable winds, open skies, and stunning views. 

There’s nowhere else quite like it – the perfect mix of urban and natural landscapes, all in one place to see soaring.

Landing 

Almost all flights that take off land back at the same location. Medellin’s heat makes it impossible to paraglide down to the bottom of the hill during the day. The sun bakes the streets and rooftops, sending hot air up and making it dangerous to land below. If you must fly during these times, you’ll have to stay in San Felix and take a bus back into town.

The best chance of landing below is to arrive at San Felix before 10:30 in the morning. Although you can come later on in the day, there is an increased risk of bad weather conditions that could prevent you from partaking in this activity.

The Cost of Trip

There is no charge to go on the hike, but you will pay for transportation here by bus or taxi anyway. A 15-minute paragliding flight will cost approximately $45 USD.

Professional Paragliding Operators

If you’re looking to enjoy paragliding in Medellín, you may want to consider booking your trip with a professional operator. There are several companies that offer paragliding tours, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and budget.

Parapente Zona De Vuelo

Location: km 5,6 via San Pedro de los Milagros, San Felix, Bello, Antioquia
Phone: +573192157349
Web: www.zonadevuelo.com

Check prices

Paragliding Medellin

Location: Restaurante EL VOLADERO, KM 6 VIA SAN FELIX, 200 M antes peaje Pajarito, Bello, Antioquia
Phone: +57 311 6165601
Web: paraglidingmedellin.com

Check prices

Tips & Safety Precautions

Before taking part in paragliding in Medellin it’s important to be aware of the safety risks and know what you should do in an emergency situation. Paragliding can be dangerous if the right precautions are not taken, so it’s important to follow all instructions provided and familiarize yourself with Parapente Colombia’s safety rules. Additionally, it’s wise to bring a friend or family member along with you when you go paragliding, as having someone there who is familiar with paragliding will help ensure that your trip is as safe as possible.

Tips for First-Time Flyers 

Relax

One of the best things about paragliding is that it’s actually a very relaxing experience! Once you’re all set up and ready to go, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the view! 

Don’t Worry About Crashing

The truth is that crashes are very rare in paragliding. In fact, most accidents happen on takeoff or landing when flyers are not following instructions or are not paying attention. So as long as you listen carefully to your instructor and pay attention to what you’re doing, you’ll be fine!

Go with a tandem flight

If you’re new to the sport, we recommend going with a tandem flight your first time around. This means you’ll be strapped in with an experienced paraglider who will handle all the heavy lifting (literally!). Tandem flights are generally more expensive than solo flights, but they’re well worth it if you want to enjoy the experience worry-free. 

Listen To Your Instructor

Your instructor will be with you every step of the way and will give you instructions on what to do before take-off and during your flight. It’s important that you listen carefully to everything they say so that you can have the best (and safest) experience possible. 

Don’t forget your camera!

Last but not least, don’t forget to bring along your camera or smartphone so you can capture those once-in-a-lifetime views. And if you’re really looking to impress your friends back home, sign up for a GoPro flight and get ready for some seriously amazing footage! 

FAQs About Paragliding in Medellin