If you want to see Colombia’s wild side from above—and feel that rush of flying—this private paragliding trip near Guatape is hard to beat. You’ll get real local insight from experienced guides and views you just can’t find anywhere else.
The drive out of Guatape felt like a slow reveal—one bend after another, the road climbing through green hills with that faint earthy smell you only get after a night of rain. Our guide, Juan, chatted about the weather (he’s obsessed with clouds), and pointed out a tiny roadside stand selling fresh arepas. The air got cooler as we neared the launch site, and I could hear birds calling somewhere deep in the trees.
At the top, there’s this wide patch of grass where you gear up. The helmet felt snug, but honestly, my hands were sweating more than my head. The crew moved fast—checking straps, cracking jokes in Spanish. When it was my turn, I barely had time to overthink it. One step forward and suddenly I was floating above the canyon, legs swinging free. Below me: thick jungle, sharp ridges, and every now and then a flash of blue where the lake peeked through gaps in the trees.
The flight lasted maybe 12 minutes (could’ve been less; wind was a bit chilly that day). Juan said sometimes you get longer if the breeze is right. Still, those few minutes felt stretched out—just sky and silence except for the wind rushing past my ears. On clear days you can spot San Rafael tucked between mountains; today it was just misty outlines and a patchwork of green.
If conditions aren’t safe to fly, you’ll get $70 USD refunded per person for the flight part.
Plan for about 3–4 hours total including pick-up, driving (30–40 min each way), prep time, and your flight.
Yes—the maximum weight allowed is 120kg (265lb) for safety reasons.
No problem! Most guests are first-timers. The guides handle everything and explain what to do before takeoff.
Your trip covers private transportation from your hotel or meeting point in Guatape, all paragliding equipment (helmet and harness), insurance during your flight, plus about 12–15 minutes soaring over Guacaica Canyon with an expert pilot guiding you every step of the way.
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