Tour Paragliding in Medellín. – The Medellin Guide

Tour Paragliding in Medellín.

REVIEW · MEDELLIN

Tour Paragliding in Medellín.

  • 5.0233 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $62.00
Book on Viator →

Operated by Parapente en Medellín OnlyFly. · Bookable on Viator

Medellín changes when you fly above it. Only Fly runs this paragliding day from the Estadero el voladero area, with an FAI-certified instructor fitting you with certified harness and helmet and walking you through a safe takeoff. From there, it’s all about using wind currents to get up, then returning to land in the same launch spot.

Two things I really like: the team’s professional, experienced pilots who keep the whole ride calm and fun, and the way the GoPro footage gets imported to your phone right after landing. It saves you from chasing extra photo packages when you just want to enjoy the moment.

One consideration: you may feel a little chilly up on the ramp and in the air, and the motion during takeoff and turns can make some people feel nauseous. If you’re sensitive, bring a jacket and plan for that possibility.

Key highlights (quick read)

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - Key highlights (quick read)

  • FAI-certified instruction with simple takeoff coaching and certified gear fitting
  • Wind-current flights designed to bring you back to the same landing area
  • GoPro delivered fast: footage is imported to your phone after the flight
  • Quiet ride or extreme stunts included, so you can match your comfort level
  • Small-ish group energy with a maximum of 40 travelers
  • Medical assistance card included, plus certified instructors throughout

San Félix views: what makes this Medellín paragliding run special

This is paragliding that’s built around one goal: get you up above Medellín with a guide who knows how to manage air, takeoff, and landing without making it stressful. You start at the Only Fly site near the Estadero el voladero area (Km 6 via Medellín, San Félix, San Pedro de los Milagros), which puts you close to the classic hillside launch zones used for flying.

What makes it feel extra worthwhile is the “back to the same place” approach. The pilot gains height using wind currents, then sets up the flight so you land where you launched. That removes a big unknown for first-timers, because you’re not wondering if you’ll drift somewhere far away.

And Medellín from above isn’t just pretty. It’s instructional for your brain. You’ll suddenly understand the shape of the neighborhoods, the way the river and valleys cut through the city, and why the weather and terrain matter for flying. It turns a city you might’ve only walked around into a real 3D map.

If you want a flying day that feels safe, organized, and genuinely fun, this one matches that vibe well.

Other paragliding flights we've reviewed in Medellin

From meeting point to harness: your first 20–40 minutes matter

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - From meeting point to harness: your first 20–40 minutes matter
Your tour begins at the Only Fly meeting point at Parapente en Medellín Only Fly, Estadero el voladero, Km 6 via Medellín, San Félix, San Pedro de los Milagros, Antioquia, Colombia. After you arrive, the team welcomes you and gets you set up right away.

You’ll be fitted with a harness and helmet certified for this activity. Then your instructor gives simple instructions for takeoff. The key word here is simple. You’re not being overloaded with a technical lecture, and the goal is to make you comfortable with what your role is during launch and early flight.

This is also where you’ll feel how organized the team is. In the experiences shared, the best flights came from pilots and staff who talked clearly, kept you calm if you had nervous moments, and explained what to expect during lift-off, turns, and landing.

You’ll also get to decide how the experience feels. The included options mention quiet flight or extreme stunts, which means you’re not locked into one style. If you want a more relaxed scenic run, you should be able to choose that. If you want a stronger thrill, you can often ask for stunts—your pilot will match what the air allows.

Getting to the ramp: steps, wind checks, and cold-feet reality

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - Getting to the ramp: steps, wind checks, and cold-feet reality
Once you’re geared up, the next phase is the climb toward the flight ramp. Expect some walking and steps. Several people described the journey up as a bit challenging, so if stairs are tough for you, factor that in.

This climb isn’t wasted time. It helps everyone get positioned, check equipment, and prepare for wind conditions. You’ll likely wait briefly while the team confirms that air is stable enough for safe takeoff. That wait can feel slow if you’re excited, but it’s exactly what you want when you’re strapping in.

Bring the right mindset: you might have cold feet right before takeoff, especially if you’re afraid of heights. The team is built for that moment. In past experiences, pilots reassured guests through the nervous phase and focused on making the launch smooth rather than dramatic.

Also, dress like someone going outdoors, not like someone going to a beach. Even when Medellín feels warm down in the city, higher and windier spots can feel cool. A jacket or sweater isn’t just for style; it’s for comfort.

In the air: what you’ll actually feel during the flight

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - In the air: what you’ll actually feel during the flight
Once you’re off, paragliding is a mix of quiet and adrenaline. You’ll rise using wind currents, and your pilot will manage the flight so you can enjoy the view without feeling like you’re fighting the air.

The flight experience has a few predictable sensations:

  • The lift-up phase can make you feel a little dizzy or unsettled for some people, especially as the glider gains altitude quickly.
  • Turns are normal. They can be smooth, but they still create motion. If you’re prone to nausea, this is where it can hit.
  • The view payoff is immediate. Medellín opens up fast—ridges, valleys, and the geometry of the city become obvious.

In the experiences shared, the pilots leaned into interaction. Many guests described pilots pointing out features below and explaining what they were doing in the air. That makes the flight more than just a thrill; it becomes a short lesson in local flying conditions.

There’s also a photography angle built in. Since you’re flying as a passenger, someone else is focused on control while you focus on breathing, looking, and enjoying the moment. If you’re the type who normally hates being “forced” to follow a schedule, this is one time where the rhythm feels natural: gear up, launch, fly, land, then review your footage.

Some guests reported the time in the air can be around 15 minutes. Even with that short duration, it’s long enough to feel the city from a totally different perspective.

Landing back at the launch point: the part you’ll remember most

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - Landing back at the launch point: the part you’ll remember most
The landing is where a lot of first-timer anxiety gets resolved. Here, the pilot’s job includes setting up the glider for a return landing in the same area where you started.

That matters because it reduces uncertainty. You’re not watching the horizon and wondering where the ground will appear. The pilot sets the approach, manages speed, and brings you down at the correct spot.

In the experiences shared, guests highlighted how professional landings felt—what you’d call calm and controlled rather than abrupt. That kind of precision is especially reassuring if you were nervous at takeoff.

Right after you land, the experience continues immediately. The team imports the photos and videos taken with the GoPro camera into your phone, and the process is described as keeping video quality. For people who worry about losing footage or getting it later through some complicated upload system, this “right away” moment is a big deal.

If you’re the kind of person who forgets to take photos because you’re busy looking, this is your setup. Someone else is capturing the flight while you enjoy it.

GoPro footage, optional add-ons, and what to plan for after you land

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - GoPro footage, optional add-ons, and what to plan for after you land
This tour includes GoPro capture as part of the experience, and then shares that content with you immediately after your flight. The key detail is timing: you get the media fast, right after landing, and it’s imported to your phone.

That means you don’t spend your next hour trying to figure out file formats, transfers, or delays. It also makes it easier to share while the experience is still fresh in your mind.

There’s also an option related to GoPro photography and video service: you can acquire it for 12 USD. The wording here suggests there may be an additional paid option for enhanced media beyond what you receive through the included GoPro capture and import step. If you care a lot about getting the “best-of” clips or want extra footage, it’s worth asking what exactly is included for your booking before you go up.

One more practical tip: bring a phone with enough battery and storage. Since the footage is being imported to your phone after landing, you’ll want the device ready to go.

Price and value: why $62 makes sense for what you get

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - Price and value: why $62 makes sense for what you get
At $62 per person for a flight experience that runs about 3 hours total, you’re paying for more than airtime. You’re paying for certified instructors, certified equipment, an organized ramp setup, and trained pilots who manage safety throughout.

Here’s what that “value” looks like in practical terms:

  • Certified instructors and equipment reduce guesswork for first-timers.
  • Medical assistance card is included, which adds confidence for anyone who likes having proper safety coverage.
  • The package includes ramp access and flight time guided by experienced pilots.
  • You also get the GoPro-based photos and videos shared quickly after landing, which saves you from buying separate media later unless you choose the add-on.

Transportation is the one common cost gap. Private transportation isn’t included. However, you can arrange a private car service door-to-door for 120000 for up to 4 people. If you’re traveling solo, that can cost more than a taxi. If you’re traveling with a group, it can become a reasonable “split the cost” move.

Given the overall experience format, the price feels strongest if you’re coming to Medellín for a short list of must-dos. This gives you a true “sky view” highlight without needing a bigger travel commitment.

Getting there from Medellín: transport choices that affect the whole day

Tour Paragliding in Medellín. - Getting there from Medellín: transport choices that affect the whole day
The meeting point is in the hills area around Km 6 on the Medellín–San Félix–San Pedro de los Milagros route. The tour is near public transportation, so you’re not forced into a private vehicle.

But many people prefer convenience. In the experiences shared, riders used a recommended driver service that picked them up, stayed with them during the flight, and brought them back safely afterward. That’s the smooth option when you don’t want to deal with local transit timing while also managing nerves, gear, and waiting for flight conditions.

The private door-to-door service is listed separately as 120000 for up to 4 people. If you want to travel in one vehicle and avoid coordination, that may be a better choice than piecing together public transit.

Also consider the ride itself. One guest described the drive as scenic, with views of the city and different neighborhoods along the way. In other words, you don’t just “get transferred.” You get a bonus view before you even strap in.

If you plan on using public transit, build in buffer time. The overall duration is about 3 hours, and you may need extra minutes for ramp access and waiting for air.

Safety, comfort, and weather: the real rules of flying

Paragliding depends on good weather. This experience requires stable conditions, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a big plus compared to “tour guarantees” that push ahead anyway.

From a safety standpoint, you’re not going solo. You’re with certified instructors, certified flight equipment, and a pilot who handles flight control and landing setup. Even if you’re nervous, you should expect reassurance and clear guidance for takeoff.

Comfort is the other part of the equation. Bring a jacket or sweater, especially if you get cold easily. And if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for that possibility during lift-off and turns. Some people suggested motion nausea can happen with the glider’s movements, so having a strategy (and asking the team for comfort tips) makes the flight more enjoyable.

Finally, know the group size. The max is 40 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it’s not a chaotic mega-tour either. It usually keeps the process organized and keeps attention on you instead of turning it into a conveyor belt.

Who should book Only Fly paragliding in Medellín?

Book this if you want a genuine thrill that still feels controlled. It’s especially good for:

  • First-timers who want simple instruction and certified gear
  • People who care about photo/video quality and fast delivery to their phone
  • Travelers who want to see Medellín in a way walking tours can’t offer

You might think twice or ask extra questions if:

  • You struggle with stairs and walking on uneven ramp paths
  • You get motion sickness easily during turns or fast altitude changes
  • You’re expecting a private, custom experience from start to finish. This runs with a group cap.

It’s also a good fit for many ages and experience levels, since the format says most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, which helps if you travel with a companion who needs to be with you.

Should you book this paragliding tour in Medellín?

I’d book it if you want one clear “wow” activity that’s safe, organized, and doesn’t eat your whole day. The $62 price stacks well against what’s included: certified instructors, certified equipment, ramp access, a guided flight with a return landing plan, and GoPro media delivered quickly.

If you’re nervous about heights, this is still a strong choice. The team’s approach (from how they explain takeoff and reassure people) is built for the cold-feet moment. Just show up prepared: jacket, comfortable shoes for the ramp, and a plan if motion nausea shows up.

And if weather is iffy, take it seriously. Let the team reschedule if needed rather than pushing for an unsafe flight. In flying, waiting for the right air is part of doing it right.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the paragliding experience?

The tour duration is about 3 hours (approx.), including the time to get set up and fly.

How much does it cost?

The price is $62.00 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

It includes certified instructors, certified flight equipment, a medical assistance card, the option for quiet flight or extreme stunts, and access to the flight ramp.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. Door-to-door private car service is listed separately for 120000 for up to 4 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Parapente en Medellín Only Fly, Estadero el voladero Km 6 via Medellín, San Felix, San Pedro de los Milagros, Antioquia, Colombia. It ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get photos and videos?

Yes. Photos and videos taken with a GoPro camera are imported to your phone after the flight.

Can I purchase extra GoPro photography or video service?

Yes. You can acquire the GoPro photography and video service for 12 USD.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

More tours in Medellin we've reviewed

Explore Medellin