Chicamocha Canyon: Paragliding Adventure & River Views

Summary

Soaring above Chicamocha’s canyon cliffs with real pilots and wild air

You’ll stand at Chicamocha Canyon’s edge, harness up with an experienced local pilot, and run straight into open sky — floating high above the river and mountain ridges. Expect wild views, quick laughs with your guide, bottled water after landing, and a feeling that sticks around long after your sneakers hit ground again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the wind smelled — kind of sharp, like dry grass and sun-warmed rock. Standing at the edge of Chicamocha Canyon, I kept trying to look down but my knees didn’t want to cooperate. Our pilot, Andrés, just grinned and tightened the straps on my harness. He’d been flying here for over a decade, he said, and promised not to do any acrobatics unless I asked (I didn’t). The whole launch felt weirdly casual — a few steps forward, then suddenly my feet weren’t touching anything anymore.

I don’t know how long we floated — maybe fifteen minutes? Time goes strange up there. The river below looked like a silver thread winding through that huge green-and-brown canyon. You could see the Table of the Saints off in the haze; Andrés pointed it out in Spanish, then switched to English for me when I just blinked at him. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the wind in my ears and his voice explaining how paragliding over Chicamocha is different from anywhere else in Colombia because of these crazy thermals coming off the rocks.

Landing was almost as odd as taking off — one minute you’re a bird, next your sneakers are scraping gravel again. My hands were shaking a little but it wasn’t fear, more like leftover adrenaline or maybe disbelief that I’d actually done it. Someone handed me bottled water and I realized my mouth was dry from grinning so much. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Bucaramanga or San Gil, this paragliding thing is worth every awkward helmet photo. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear wind outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paragliding over Chicamocha Canyon

• Meet experienced paragliding instructors
• Prepare equipment for flight
• Fly over Chicamocha Canyon
• Enjoy views of the table of the saints
• Observe Chicamocha River and Andes mountains
• Complete paragliding session safely

Top questions

How long does the paragliding flight over Chicamocha Canyon last?

The flight typically lasts around 15 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Is bottled water included in the paragliding tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided as part of your experience.

Are there restrictions for travelers with health conditions?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants or small children join this paragliding activity?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller at the site but cannot paraglide themselves.

Are service animals allowed during this activity?

Service animals are allowed at the site but cannot participate in paragliding flights.

Is public transportation available to reach Chicamocha Canyon?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for reaching the canyon area.

What’s included

Your day includes all technical equipment needed for paragliding plus bottled water after your flight; you’ll be paired with an experienced local pilot who handles takeoff and landing so you can focus on those wild canyon views instead of logistics.