Mendoza: Tandem Paragliding Flight & 4x4 Cerro Arco with HD Video

Summary

Fly over Mendoza’s mountains then toast with local wine

You’ll ride up Cerro Arco by 4x4 before taking off with an instructor for a tandem paragliding flight above Mendoza’s mountains. Feel the wind as you glide for about 25 minutes with panoramic views, then celebrate landing with local wine and your own HD flight video to keep. There’s something about floating over those vineyards that stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not wind, but the crunch of gravel as our 4x4 climbed up Cerro Arco. Our driver, Martín, kept one hand on the wheel and pointed out dust trails twisting up toward the sky. It felt like we were already halfway to flying before we even got out of the van. The air smelled sharp, kind of dry and herbal, like sage or something else I couldn’t name.

At the top, my instructor (I think his name was Pablo?) checked all the gear twice and grinned at my nerves. He said flying over Mendoza is “like drinking Malbec for your eyes.” Not sure what that means exactly, but it made me laugh. The harness felt snug but safe — not tight enough to panic me. We waited for a gust; Pablo told me to run when he said so. Suddenly we were just… off the ground. My shoes left dust behind and there was nothing but silence except for our voices and that weird fluttering noise from the wing overhead.

I could see vineyards way below us — tiny green squares against all that brown mountain. The city looked far away and sort of unreal. Pablo pointed out a condor circling nearby (he said they’re lucky), and I tried to wave but mostly just stared. I didn’t expect how calm it felt up there; I thought I’d be scared but mostly I wanted it to last longer. After about 25 minutes floating around (it could’ve been five or fifty), we landed soft in a field where some kids were playing soccer.

Back at base, someone handed me a glass of local wine while Pablo showed me my HD video on his phone — my hair looked wild, but honestly who cares? They gave me a flight certificate too, which made me laugh because it felt like being in school again. Anyway, if you’re thinking about doing this tandem paragliding flight in Mendoza… well, I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4x4 tour and tandem paragliding flight

• Take 4x4 tour to Cerro Arco
• Fly tandem paraglider with instructor
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Receive photos and HD video
• Stop for wifi, games, and food
• Receive flight certificate and wine

Top questions

How long does the tandem paragliding flight last?

The flight lasts about 25 minutes above Mendoza from Cerro Arco.

Is hotel pickup included for this activity?

The tour includes transfer in a 4x4 vehicle with air conditioning from a meeting point; public transportation options are also nearby.

Is this paragliding experience suitable for children?

Yes, children from 5 years old can fly accompanied by an instructor pilot.

Do I get photos or videos of my paragliding flight?

Yes, high-definition photos and GoPro video are included after your flight.

What do I receive after finishing the flight?

You’ll get a custom flight certificate and a complimentary glass of wine post-flight.

Where does the paragliding take place in Mendoza?

The tandem paragliding flight takes off from Cerro Arco at about 1650 meters elevation near Mendoza city.

What’s included

Your day includes transfer by 4x4 up Cerro Arco with air conditioning, all equipment and safety checks handled by your instructor pilot, a tandem paragliding flight lasting around 25 minutes above Mendoza’s mountains, high-definition photos and GoPro video footage of your adventure, plus a custom certificate and a complimentary glass of local wine once you land safely back on solid ground.