Baños: Paragliding Tandem Flight with Pickup & Local Guide

Summary

Paragliding from Baños to Niton Mountain with local pilots

You’ll ride from Baños to Niton Mountain with a local guide and get all set up for your tandem paragliding flight — no experience needed. After a safety briefing and some nervous laughs, you’ll soar over valleys with views of Tungurahua Volcano before heading back to town. It’s an adventure you’ll feel in your bones long after you land.

What’s the experience like?

"You ready?" our guide Marco grinned, holding out a helmet that still smelled faintly of sunblock and grass. We’d just rattled up from Baños in this van that felt like it had seen a thousand nervous flyers before us — the windows open, wind carrying hints of eucalyptus and something smoky from the roadside grills outside Pelileo. I kept glancing at the sky, half-hoping for perfect clouds, half-wishing for an excuse to back out. The drive took about thirty minutes but my stomach was already doing its own acrobatics.

At Niton Mountain, everything felt sharper — the Andes air colder than I expected, even though it was only afternoon. Marco walked us through the safety briefing in this calm way that made me trust him instantly (he’s flown here for years, apparently). He pointed out Tungurahua Volcano in the distance — you could see its outline through a haze that smelled faintly of earth and woodsmoke. Waiting my turn was honestly the hardest part; I tried to joke with another traveler but my mouth was dry. When it was finally time to fly tandem, I barely remember running forward — just the sudden lift and Marco’s voice behind me: “Just sit back.”

The world dropped away so fast. For a few minutes we were just floating above patchwork fields and tiny houses, wind tugging at my sleeves. It wasn’t quiet — there’s this rushing sound in your ears — but it felt peaceful somehow. I caught myself laughing out loud when we circled near a hawk (or maybe it was just a big bird, who knows). The landing came sooner than I wanted; feet hitting soft grass again felt unreal. On the ride back to Baños everyone was quieter, like we’d all left something up there in the sky. Still get goosebumps thinking about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience

• Pickup at 2pm in Baños
• Drive to Niton Mountain near Pelileo
• Safety and instruction briefing
• Tandem paragliding flight
• Return to Baños by 6pm

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the paragliding tour from Baños?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip from Baños.

How long does the paragliding experience last?

The whole trip takes about four hours including transport; actual flight time is shorter.

Where does the paragliding take place?

The tandem flight happens at Niton Mountain near Pelileo, about 30 minutes from Baños.

Do I need any experience to do tandem paragliding?

No experience is needed; a certified pilot controls everything during your flight.

What happens if weather conditions aren’t good for flying?

If weather isn’t suitable, flights may be canceled last minute for safety reasons.

Is transportation back to Baños included after flying?

Yes, return transport to Baños is included after your flight or attempted flight.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Will I see Tungurahua Volcano during the flight?

If visibility is good, you can catch views of Tungurahua Volcano while flying.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Baños, round-trip transportation to Niton Mountain near Pelileo, all necessary paragliding equipment checked regularly for safety, and a certified local guide who handles both instruction and piloting during your tandem flight before bringing you back to town.