Tandem flight · no experience needed

Paragliding over the Chicamocha Canyon

You fly tandem: a pilot behind you does the flying, you get the view. The classic launch sits high on the Chicamocha Canyon, and the morning air is what makes it work. No experience needed — just closed shoes and a flexible morning.

Level: Getting bolder
Book through SamS
Air

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A tandem paragliding take-off: pilot and passenger run down a grassy slope under a red and pink wing, a helper alongside, storm clouds above. — Photo: SamS VIP Hostel (Instagram)

The best-known launch is Dos Ventanas, in vereda San Pedro, sector Chiflas, in Aratoca — a short detour off the San Gil–Bucaramanga highway, a few kilometres from the Panachi park. Parapente Chicamocha, flying since 2009, operates from there and describes a drop of about 1,200 metres to the Río Chicamocha below. Down there the river looks like a silver thread and the farms like stamps.

Flights come in flavours. The operator lists a calm discovery flight, an acrobatic one that plays with G-forces, one where you take the controls for a few minutes under supervision, and a longer all-in-one. Canyon flights are a morning thing: the operator recommends being there around 10 am, because afternoon wind usually closes the canyon. Lighter passengers tend to fly first and heavier ones later, when the wind picks up.

There is also a lower site at vereda Paloblanco Alto in Curití, flown in the afternoon. The flights are shorter and the operator is clear that it is not the canyon — no Chicamocha view, but a good option if your morning is already booked.

What to expect

01 A safety briefing, harness check and a few running steps at take-off
02 A 20–30 minute canyon flight (12–15 minutes in Curití), weather permitting
03 Landing usually back at the launch — but the wind can change that
04 Some waiting around while pilots read the wind
05 Optional photos or video, offered by the operator

Where: Chicamocha Canyon launch at Dos Ventanas (Aratoca), or a lower site in Curití
Getting there: Parapente Chicamocha places its Dos Ventanas launch at about km 35 of the San Gil–Bucaramanga road.
Time: Parapente Chicamocha lists canyon flights of 20–30 minutes and Curití flights of 12–15 minutes.
How it’s booked: SamS's listing names paragliding among the activities you can book with the hostel, and a 2026 guest review mentions flying after booking through SamS. Which operator, site and flight type — confirm when you enquire.

How hard is it?

Getting bolder. Physically easy: a pilot flies, you sit in a harness. The challenge is the take-off run, nerves and possible queasiness — and the weather, which decides whether you fly at all.

Low. A few running steps at take-off and landing. Some people feel queasy; the operator suggests a light meal about two hours before and says you can ask to land early.

Wear & bring

Closed shoes — trainers or boots (the operator says this is non-negotiable)
Long trousers
A light jacket for the flight
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and a cap for the wait
Water and a snack

Before you sign up

Ages differ by source: Parapente Chicamocha's FAQ says children from 6 and over 35 kg, its discovery-flight page says 12+, and the Panachi park page says 8+. Ask for the current rule.
Operators say they have flown passengers up to about 120 kg; heavier passengers may fly later in the day.
Not possible during pregnancy. The operator lists medical exclusions such as untreated diabetes, recent seizures and vertigo.
Minors need a parent's signed authorisation, according to the operator.

Weather, river & operator

Weather decides everything: canyon flights are morning flights and afternoon wind usually shuts the canyon.
The landing spot can change with conditions.
Curití flies in the afternoon and is lower — no canyon view.
If rain stops flying, the operator states it reschedules or refunds. Ask the terms for your booking.

Ask before you book

Which operator and which site (canyon or Curití)
Which flight type suits you
Pickup time and how the return works
Whether photos or video are included or extra
Current age and weight rules

No prices here on purpose: they depend on the operator, the date and the group. Ask us and we’ll confirm current terms.

A paraglider high above the hazy Chicamocha Canyon, the river a pale line below. — Flying over the Chicamocha. — Photo: Jukahogo, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The folded, dry slopes of the Chicamocha Canyon with the river winding along the bottom. — Chicamocha Canyon. — Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

FAQ

Canyon or Curití?

The canyon is higher, longer and the reason people come: morning flights of 20–30 minutes over the Chicamocha. Curití is lower, shorter (12–15 minutes) and flown in the afternoon — handy if your morning is taken.