Cali Hacienda El Paraíso: Paragliding & Wine Tasting Tour

Summary

Paragliding Above Valle del Cauca & Literary Legends

Start your day flying tandem over Cali’s green valleys before exploring historic Hacienda El Paraíso with a local guide. Taste regional wines, enjoy a traditional Cauca Valley lunch under shady trees, and wander dry forest trails — all with pickup included. These are moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left Colombia.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my day in Cali with my feet dangling off a hillside, heart thumping, waiting for the wind to lift us. The paragliding part — wow, it’s hard to explain. There’s this moment right before you take off where everything smells like grass and sunblock and you can hear nothing but the wind and your own nervous laugh. My pilot, Andrés, just grinned and said “Listo?” and suddenly we were floating above the patchwork fields of Valle del Cauca. I kept looking down at the tiny roads twisting through sugarcane — it’s quieter up there than I expected. You can see all the way to the mountains if the clouds behave.

After landing (legs still wobbly), we drove out to Hacienda El Paraíso. It’s one of those places that feels like it has stories in the walls — our guide, Camila, told us about “La María” and how Jorge Isaacs wrote it here. She pointed out a faded portrait in the hallway and I tried to imagine what life was like back then. The house smells faintly of old wood and flowers from the garden outside. There’s a swing called “malaca de los vientos” — I gave it a go, though I’m not sure I did it right; Camila laughed anyway.

Lunch was typical Cauca Valley food — lots of rice, beans, something sweet on the side that tasted like guava paste? We sat under a tree while someone poured us little glasses of artisanal wine (fruity, almost floral). Not gonna lie, I’m not usually a wine person but this stuff was easy to drink in the heat. Someone’s dog wandered over hoping for scraps. Afterward we walked through dry forest trails behind the hacienda — dusty paths with birds darting between branches. It felt good to just slow down after all that adrenaline earlier.

I keep thinking about that first rush of air lifting us off Cali’s hillsides, or maybe just how quiet everything got at the top. If you’re curious about paragliding near Cali or want to see where Colombian literature comes alive (plus eat really well), this day trip is worth it — even if you end up with grass stains on your jeans.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Hacienda El Paraíso

• Tour Hacienda El Paraíso

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included in Cali.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a typical Cauca Valley lunch is provided during the tour.

Can children join the paragliding activity?

Specialized infant seats are available but check individual suitability for paragliding with organizers.

Are photos provided from the paragliding flight?

Yes, GoPro photos of your tandem flight are included.

Is wine tasting part of this experience?

Yes, there is a small tasting of artisanal regional wines at Hacienda El Paraíso.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with spinal injuries?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle pickup in Cali, entry fees for both Hacienda El Paraíso and “malaca de los vientos,” a tandem paragliding flight with GoPro photos provided afterward, typical regional snacks and lunch from Cauca Valley cuisine, an artisanal wine tasting at the hacienda, plus time to walk through dry forest trails before heading back home.