How long is the actual flight?
On a standard booking you spend about 15 minutes in the air; reviewers report anything from 8 to 15 minutes. A few operators sell 20 or 30 minute options. The duration on the listing is the whole outing: between one hour for a booking that starts at the launch and about four hours for a trip with hotel pickup.
Where do the flights take off?
Almost all of them start from San Félix in the municipality of Bello, on the hills north-west of Medellín, at about 2,400 to 2,450 metres. The take-off area faces east over the Aburrá Valley. Combination tours with Guatapé use other launches, for example near Cocorná.
Is the video included?
It depends on the booking. Some packages include GoPro photos and video; with others the video is an extra paid on the day. A few listings name video under the inclusions while reviews describe a separate charge, and this site marks those as conflicting. Ask your pilot before take-off.
Do I need a hotel pickup?
Not necessarily, but it makes the return easier. Flight-only bookings meet you at the launch. A taxi up is simple to arrange; finding a ride back down can take time, and one reviewer waited about two hours for a ride-share.
Is there a weight limit or a minimum age?
There is no single legal limit; each operator sets its own. The listings compared here range from 115 to 140 kg, and minimum ages from 3 to 12 years where they are stated at all. Where an operator gives two different limits, we point that out. If you are close to a limit, confirm it with the operator before you book.
Is paragliding in Medellín safe?
Tandem pilots in Colombia need a tandem licence from Fedeaereos, and tourism operators fall under the adventure tourism standard NTS-AV 013. That reduces the risk but does not remove it: on 17 September 2026 a passenger died in a tandem flight at San Félix, and the investigation is ongoing. Ask about the pilot’s licence and your insurance before you fly.
When is the best time to fly?
Flights run all year. Mornings are usually calmer, because thermals build from around 10 o’clock. From October to July the wind at San Félix stays mostly light; in August and September it gets stronger, so an early slot is the better choice in those months. Medellín has rain in every month, with the driest spells from December to February.
What should I wear?
It is cooler at the launch than in the city and colder still in the air, so bring a jacket and wear long trousers and closed shoes; sandals are not allowed. Take your passport or a copy of it. If you get motion sick easily, ask the pilot to skip the acrobatic turns.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Fog and wind can delay or cancel flights. Several listings promise a full refund if the weather stops the flight, and most flights compared on this site can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before. Check the weather rule on the product page if your dates are tight.
