Riding Thermals Above Medellín: Paragliding the Mirador de San Félix
A short-flight, high-reward aerial experience over the Aburrá Valley — 15 minutes of flight, a lifetime of views.
You step out of the shuttle at a narrow ridge where the air smells like earth and citrus — Medellín’s valley below is a living mosaic of brick, green roofs and the slow ribbon of the Medellín River. The morning sun warms the hills and a handful of local pilots already have their canopies fanned like giant, expectant flowers. When the instructor clips you into the harness and the world slips from foot to sky, the city changes: neighborhoods become tessellated tiles, the Aburrá Valley folds like origami, and the mountains push and pull at the horizon like a set of weathered bookends. That first surge of lift is tactile and immediate; thermals grin up from the pavement and the pilot laughs in Spanish, “Ahora sí — vamos a volar.” You hang there for fifteen minutes, a private view of a city that turned hard edges into terraces, and the experience is both gentle and electric. This is Medellín from the angle most postcards don’t capture.
Trail Wisdom
Bring Your Passport
You must present your passport at check-in for medical documentation — leave it in your daypack, not the hotel safe.
Wear Grippy Shoes
Launch and landing areas can be uneven or dusty; low-profile hiking shoes or trail runners improve stability.
Plan for Weather Flexibility
Flights are weather-dependent and may be canceled for safety; keep a buffer day in your itinerary.
Protect Your Camera
If you plan to record, secure mounts or ask the pilot — loose gear is a hazard during takeoff and landing.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Take a short post-flight coffee in Envigado or Laureles for calmer streets and excellent local cafés
- •Walk the cable car routes in San Javier to see community art projects and elevated public spaces
Wildlife
Hummingbirds at lower-altitude gardens, Occasional kites and vultures riding thermals over the valley
Conservation Note
Flyers should stick to designated launch/landing zones to avoid disturbing hillside vegetation; operators often coordinate with local communities to minimize impact.
Medellín evolved from a 19th-century textile town into a diversified urban center; since the turn of the 21st century it has invested heavily in public transit and cultural infrastructure that reshaped its neighborhoods.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Lush valley views, Stable morning thermals, Fewer tourists
Challenges: Afternoon showers later in season, Variable wind windows
March–May can bring intermittent rain; mornings often offer the best flying conditions before clouds build.
summer
Best for: Reliable lift, Longer daylight, Clear valley views
Challenges: Occasional storm cells, Popular booking period
June–August tends to present steady thermals and a high chance of flying, but book early during peak travel weeks.
fall
Best for: Dramatic clouds, Fewer international visitors, Colorful vegetation
Challenges: Increased rainfall, Shorter dry spells
September–November sees frequent wet afternoons; mornings may still be flyable but expect cancellations.
winter
Best for: Crisp air, Clear visibility, Cooler temperatures
Challenges: Cooler mornings, Variable winds
December–February are part of Medellín’s drier months; mornings are often excellent for stable flights.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Secure Trail ShoesEssential
Good grip for uneven launch and landing zones.
Sunglasses with RetainerEssential
Protects eyes from glare and wind; retainer prevents loss during launch.
Light Windproof JacketEssential
Temperature drops at altitude and wind can be cool; a light layer adds comfort.
Action Camera or Phone with Mount
To capture the flight — confirm secure mounting with the operator beforehand.
Common Questions
How long is the paragliding flight?
The tandem flight is approximately 15 minutes; the full activity including transport and briefing takes about four hours.
Are there weight or age restrictions?
Operators typically set weight and health limits and may require a medical screening; disclose any medical conditions during booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Instructors assess safety and can cancel or reschedule flights; book early in your trip for flexibility.
Do I need prior experience?
No — this is a tandem flight with a certified pilot and is suitable for first-time flyers.
Is a passport required?
Yes — you must present a passport on-site for medical documentation and check-in.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, but check with the operator about secure mounting; loose items are not allowed during takeoff and landing.
What to Pack
Passport for check-in; grippy trail shoes for launch/landing; sunglasses or goggles to protect eyes; light windproof jacket for comfort at elevation
Did You Know
Medellín sits in the Aburrá Valley at about 1,500 meters (4,920 ft) above sea level and is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild, year-round climate.
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book early in your trip to allow for weather reschedules; 2) Bring cash for small tips or souvenirs; 3) Confirm pickup location/time with the operator the evening before; 4) Wear layers for cool mornings and warmer valley temps later.
Local Flavor
After landing, head to Laureles or El Poblado for a late lunch — try bandeja paisa or a fritanga with a local craft beer; for a sweeter finish, sample an arequipe dessert at a neighborhood bakery.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) — approx. 45–60 min drive depending on traffic; Driving distance from central Medellín: 20–40 minutes to northern launch areas; Cell service: generally good in the valley, but intermittent near some ridgelines; Permits: none typically required for tandem flights — operator handles permissions.
Sustainability Note
Stick to marked launch and landing sites, avoid littering, and support operators who work with local communities to minimize environmental impact.