Medellin: Paragliding Over Waterfalls & Cocorna Day Trip

Summary

Soaring over cocorna’s waterfalls then lunch in the clouds

You’ll ride out from Medellin to Cocorna with local guides, then take off for a paragliding flight above massive waterfalls and green canyons. Feel the wind, spot hidden rivers below, then share a traditional lunch atop Antioquia’s mountains before heading home — heart still racing from those views.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not scared?” That’s what Juan asked me as he checked my harness, and honestly — I was, just a bit. We’d driven out from Medellin early, winding through Antioquia’s green hills until the air felt different, cooler. Cocorna is only about an hour away but it feels like another world. The local guys at the flying zone joked about my nervous hands (I laughed too, but maybe too loud). There was this smell of wet grass and something sweet drifting up from the valley. It’s funny how you notice small things when your heart’s pounding.

The actual paragliding part — wow, it’s hard to explain unless you’ve done it. My pilot (Andrés? I think I got his name right) pointed out the waterfalls as we caught a good breeze. They really are huge, just pouring down these cliffs that look almost fake from above. You can hear them even up there, mixed with wind in your ears and Andrés shouting little facts about Cocorna canyon over my shoulder. Sometimes you float quiet for a second and all you see is green below, water shimmering off rocks — I still think about that view when I close my eyes.

After landing (legs shaky but grinning), we stopped at this restaurant on top of the mountains for lunch — totally optional but honestly, don’t skip it. The food was simple: beans, rice, grilled chicken, some arepas that tasted smoky. But sitting outside with that 360-degree view over Antioquia…well, I took way too many photos and probably annoyed my tablemates asking if anyone else could smell coffee on the breeze (maybe just me?). The weather can be unpredictable here; our guide said flights sometimes get cut short if the wind shifts or rain rolls in fast — so yeah, they’re careful about safety.

I didn’t expect to feel so light after — not just from flying but from talking with people who live for this stuff. On the drive back to Medellin everyone was quieter than before. Maybe thinking about what we’d just seen or maybe just tired in a good way. Either way, if you’re looking for a day trip from Medellin that feels big and real…this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paragliding flight and mountain lunch

• Drive 1.5 hours to Cocorna
• Paraglide 10-25 minutes over waterfalls
• Return to Medellin
• Optional stop for traditional lunch
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the paragliding flight last?

The flight usually lasts 10-15 minutes depending on weather conditions; sometimes longer if winds are good.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Medellin is included.

What happens if bad weather prevents flying?

If you can’t fly due to weather in Cocorna, you’ll get a 50% refund for this tour.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

No, lunch at the mountain-top restaurant is optional and not included in the price.

What should I wear for paragliding near Medellin?

Avoid sandals or flip flops; wear sturdy shoes and bring cash in Colombian pesos.

Can children join this paragliding day trip?

Children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.

Is there a weight limit for paragliding?

The maximum weight allowed is 286lb (130kg) per person.

How far is Cocorna from Medellin by car?

The drive takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Medellin, all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle to Cocorna’s flying zone with professional pilots guiding your paragliding flight (medical insurance included), plus an optional stop for traditional lunch at a mountain-top restaurant before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.