Medellin: Paragliding Flight Over Aburrá Valley & City Views

Summary

Soar above Medellin’s valley with a certified guide for city & mountain views

You’ll meet your certified pilot on a hillside above Medellín before soaring tandem over the Aburrá valley with city and mountain views below. Feel the wind on your face as your guide points out local spots or lets you try piloting yourself. Choose a gentle glide or ask for acrobatics if you want extra thrills — either way, you’ll land grinning.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is how Juan, our instructor, grinned as he handed me this slightly scuffed helmet — he said it was lucky. I laughed but honestly my hands were sweating so much I almost dropped it. We were on a hillside just outside Medellín, the city stretching below us like a mosaic of orange roofs and tangled roads. The air smelled faintly sweet, like cut grass and something floral I couldn’t place. There were kids running around chasing a stray dog while their parents watched the paragliders drift down in slow spirals.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm once we were clipped in together, but Juan kept chatting about his favorite empanada spot and pointing out neighborhoods as we lifted off. The wind was cool against my face — not cold, but enough to make my eyes water a bit (or maybe that was nerves). Flying over the Aburrá valley didn’t feel scary at all; it felt kind of quiet up there, just the harness creaking now and then and Juan’s voice crackling through his radio. He let me take the handles for a minute — I probably looked ridiculous but he cheered anyway.

If you want more adrenaline, you can ask for acrobatics. I tried one spin (my stomach did not love it) and then we went back to gliding slow circles over the green slopes. The whole flight lasted maybe 15 minutes? Hard to say — time gets weird when you’re floating above everything. When we landed, my legs wobbled but I couldn’t stop smiling. Juan fist-bumped me and said “bien hecho” — well done — which felt good coming from someone who literally flies every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paragliding flight over Medellín

• Meet certified tandem instructor
• Receive flight instructions
• Take off for paragliding flight
• Enjoy views of Aburrá valley
• Option to pilot or do maneuvers
• Land safely after flight

Top questions

Is prior experience required for paragliding in Medellin?

No experience is needed; flights are tandem with certified instructors who handle everything.

How long does the paragliding flight last?

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

Are safety measures included in this Medellin paragliding tour?

Yes, all equipment is certified and an insurance policy is included for every participant.

Can I request acrobatic maneuvers during the flight?

Yes, you can ask your pilot for more extreme maneuvers if you want extra adrenaline.

Is this activity suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The site and equipment are wheelchair accessible; specialized infant seats are also available.

Are children allowed on the paragliding flight?

Infants and small children can join using prams or strollers; specialized seats are available.

What should I wear for paragliding in Medellin?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes; bring a light jacket since it can get breezy up high.

Is transportation provided to the launch site?

The site is accessible by public transportation; pickup isn’t specifically mentioned in this tour.

What’s included

Your flight includes hydration before or after flying, full use of certified safety equipment, coverage by an insurance policy throughout your experience, plus guidance from experienced certified instructors who stay with you from takeoff to landing.