Exploring Medellin from the air: Paragliding

​I was born and raised in Medellin, but today I experienced the city on a way I had never done before; from the sky. I am love extreme adventures. I had been skydiving and bungee jumping before, but paragliding was a new experience. I am very happy I was able to share this experience with my son. We both loved it.

Just around 1 hour north from Medellin, up in the mountains, in a small community named San Felix, you will find several companies that offer the service. It is a very low rate compared to the US. (Around $35 dollars)
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Once you get to the place you get to meet your instructor. They walk you over your flight site and then strap you to a small seat that attaches to the harness. Once you are buckled up, they put a helmet on you and all you can hear is your instructor shouting: run, run! 

​You try to run towards the take off area, when all of a sudden your legs are on the air and just like that you are jumping off a cliff 7000 feet in the air and yes, you are flying. You read that right, you are flying over the beautiful city.

​Once you are on the air, the thermal winds lift you higher and you get to enjoy the view as you relax on your chair. Since your instructor hands are busy gliding through the sky, you are in charge of your gopro to take pictures and videos. (you can take your own or rent it from them for a nominal fee)

​Tips to make your trip more enjoyable:

• Wear long pants
• Wear closed toe shoes
• Bring a jacket (it can get chilly up there)
• Use the potty before you go on your flight
• Remember to apply sunscreen
• Relax and enjoy your flight. It is an amazing experience
• Kids as young as 10 years can do this activity

I can cross off another thing from my 50 before 50 list. Have you ever been paragliding?