Paragliding in Chicamocha Canyon, San Gil: 20-25 minute flight
Twenty to twenty-five minutes riding thermals above a canyon a kilometer deep.
Paragliding in the Chicamocha canyon near San Gil is a 20 to 25 minute tandem flight with a certified pilot, departing from Palo Blanco village and reaching altitudes of 500 to 2,400 meters above the takeoff slope. Round-trip transport from San Gil, medical insurance, a certified pilot, water and professional photos at takeoff and landing are included. The activity runs from 9 am to noon based on weather, with return to San Gil around 1:30 pm.
5h
Step-by-step itinerary
Paragliding flight in Chicamocha Canyon
- Travel from San Gil to Palo Blanco
- Prepare for paragliding flight
- Paragliding flight over Chicamocha Canyon
- Return to San Gil
The Experience
The flight launches from a 900-meter slope above the Chicamocha River in Palo Blanco, a village an hour from San Gil. You'll fly tandem with a certified, homologated pilot who reads the thermals rising off the canyon walls — the geography here creates some of the strongest lift in South America, which is why this flight is ranked number one for the activity on TripAdvisor. Conditions permitting, you'll climb to 500 to 2,400 meters above the takeoff point, suspended in the canyon's thermal corridors with the river and canyon walls below.
Transport leaves San Gil in the morning and returns by 1:30 pm. The flight window runs 9 am to noon depending on wind and weather — thermals build as the day warms, so timing shifts with the season. You'll wear comfortable closed shoes, pants and a jacket; sunscreen and sunglasses help. A professional camera captures your takeoff and landing, and you'll have water on hand throughout. Medical assistance insurance covers the activity.
The Palo Blanco launch sits five minutes from PANACHI park and an hour's drive from San Gil. A guide fluent in English, Spanish or French briefs you before the flight and handles the logistics of the day.
What’s included
- Round-trip transport from San Gil.
- certified pilot and homologated equipment.
- medical assistance insurance.
- bottled water.
- professional photographs at takeoff and landing.
Operated by Parapente San Gil
Is this one for you?Fly the strongest thermals in Chicamocha Canyon with everything arranged—transport, certified equipment, and a pilot who knows every updraft.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
How long is the actual paragliding flight?
The flight lasts 20 to 25 minutes, with altitude reaching 500 to 2,400 meters above the takeoff slope if thermal conditions permit.
What time does the paragliding activity start and end?
The activity runs from 9 am to noon based on weather, with return to San Gil around 1:30 pm — the full outing takes about five hours including transport.
What's included in the price?
Round-trip transport from San Gil, a certified pilot, medical assistance insurance, bottled water, and professional photographs at takeoff and landing are included; video during flight is available as an add-on.
Where exactly does the paragliding launch from?
The flight departs from Palo Blanco village in the municipality of Aratoca, which sits an hour from San Gil and five minutes from PANACHI park, on a 900-meter slope above the Chicamocha River.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable closed shoes, pants and a light jacket or coat; bring sunscreen, sunglasses if you have them, and your ID document — the operator provides water and handles the rest.
Who shouldn't do this flight?
The activity is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, heart problems or serious medical conditions, fear of heights with vertigo, or pregnant travelers.
Paragliding in Chicamocha Canyon, San Gil: 20-25 minute flight
5h · EN · FR +1 · at your hotel
from US$ 75 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.99140 reviews
