Tour Paragliding in Medellín.

Take Medellín to the sky. This paragliding flight from San Félix gives you a clear, thrilling look at the city, with certified pilots, simple takeoff instructions, and the option of quiet cruising or sharper stunts. I especially like the professional pilot team and the immediate GoPro photo delivery. The main catch is the hilltop meeting point, which sits well outside central Medellín and requires you to arrange your own transport.

At $62 per person, the flight offers good value for a three-hour outing, particularly if you want an active experience rather than another city viewpoint. I also like that the pilot returns to the same flight area by using rising air currents, so the experience feels like a complete loop instead of a one-way launch and complicated pickup.

The actual time in the air can be short, with one review describing about 15 minutes, so set your expectations correctly. This is a concentrated burst of flight surrounded by transport, preparation, and waiting for suitable conditions. Bring a sweater, and consider motion-sickness medicine if turning and climbing tend to upset your stomach.

Key points before you book

• San Félix gives you Medellín from above: The launch site is at Estadero El Voladero, Km 6 on the Medellín to San Félix road, outside the city center.
• Certified pilots handle the important work: You receive a certified helmet and harness, then a short briefing before takeoff.
• You can choose your flying style: Ask for a quiet flight or more extreme stunts, depending on your comfort level.
• GoPro media costs extra: Photos and video can be purchased for $12, with files transferred to your phone without losing quality.
• The drive is part of the outing: Private door-to-door transport costs 120,000 for up to four people and can wait while you fly.
• Weather controls the schedule: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

San Félix, where the flight begins

The experience starts at Parapente en Medellín Only Fly, located at Estadero El Voladero, Km 6 via Medellín, San Félix, San Pedro de los Milagros, Antioquia. This is not a quick walk from the main tourist districts. You need to make your own way there, use nearby public transportation, or arrange the private car service.

That location is also part of the appeal. As you travel uphill, the city views open up. Several riders enjoyed the changing scenery on the road, including views of different Medellín neighborhoods before reaching the launch area. The trip gives you time to settle your nerves and see how quickly the urban valley gives way to open hills.

The private car service costs 120,000 for as many as four people. For a group of four, that works out to 30,000 per person, making it a practical choice. It is also useful because the driver can wait during the flight and take you back afterward. Sebastian and Mauricio were praised for being punctual, friendly, and helpful, while one driver took a scenic route and stayed with the group through the entire outing.

If you use your own transport, remember that the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That makes a return trip simple in theory, but you still need to plan it. I would confirm your transport arrangements before leaving Medellín, rather than hoping a taxi will appear when you land.

Getting ready with Only Fly

Once you arrive, the Only Fly team prepares you for the flight. A pilot certified by the FAI equips you with a harness and helmet certified for paragliding. You then receive basic instructions for takeoff and safe flight.

The preparation sounds simple because it is meant to be simple. Your main job is to follow the pilot’s instructions closely. If you feel nervous, tell the pilot before you run toward the launch point. Several pilots have helped people who nearly backed out, including people afraid of heights and first-time flyers who felt uneasy at the start.

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Pilots such as Carlos, Sebastián, Daniel, Esteban, Santiago, and José received praise for calm instructions, friendly conversation, and careful control. Daniel was described as having 13 years of experience, while Carlos and Sebastián were praised for more than a decade in the air. Those details matter when you are about to leave a hillside with a stranger holding the controls.

The medical assistance card is included. That does not remove every risk from an aerial activity, but it shows that basic protection has been considered. The flight equipment is also certified, which is an important inclusion at this price.

The takeoff: brief, active, and nerve-racking

The takeoff is the moment most likely to make you question your decision. The instructions are simple, but you still need to move with the pilot as the paraglider catches the air. One review noted that the steps to the launch area can be challenging, so wear shoes and clothing that let you move comfortably.

The first seconds may feel more active than the rest of the flight. Once the canopy catches the wind and you rise, the sensation changes. Instead of sitting in a noisy aircraft, you are suspended beneath the wing with open air around you. Several people described the feeling as flying rather than simply being carried through the sky.

You do not need previous paragliding experience. The activity is designed for first-time participants, and the pilot controls the flight. Most people can participate, according to the activity information, though you should still disclose any concerns before departure.

Above Medellín: city views and air currents

The main reward is the view. From the San Félix hills, you look down toward Medellín and its surrounding valleys, neighborhoods, waterfalls, and landmarks. Pilots often point out features during the flight, and one pilot even returned toward sights people wanted to inspect more closely, including birds and thermal columns.

The paraglider gains height by using wind currents. The aim is to return to the same flight area for landing, rather than simply glide away from the launch point. That makes the flight feel more controlled and gives the pilot room to work with the air.

You can request a quiet flight if you want to enjoy the view without extra movement. You can also ask for extreme stunts if you want a stronger thrill. The choice is valuable because people arrive with very different ideas of fun. A cautious first-time flyer can keep the ride gentle, while an adrenaline seeker can ask for more action.

There is one practical warning: turning and climbing can cause nausea. One person compared the feeling to seasickness and suggested Dramamine for anyone prone to motion sickness. That is not a requirement, but it is sensible preparation if winding movement usually bothers you.

The air can also feel cool. Bring a jacket, sweater, or hoodie, particularly if you are sensitive to wind or plan to fly at a cooler time of day. Several people found the temperature chilly even though Medellín itself may feel warm.

How long you are actually airborne

The full activity takes about three hours, but that does not mean three hours in the air. The schedule includes arrival, equipment fitting, instructions, launch preparations, the flight, landing, and transferring media to your phone if you purchase the GoPro option.

One person described the actual flight as about 15 minutes. That is a useful guide for your expectations, although flight time can depend on wind and local conditions. A short flight can still feel substantial because the view changes quickly and the experience is intense.

I would not book this expecting a long, slow afternoon in the sky. Book it for the sense of lift, the city views, and the novelty of flying under a canopy. The three-hour window also means you should not place a tight restaurant booking or airport transfer immediately afterward.

GoPro photos and video: a worthwhile extra

The GoPro service costs $12. The camera records during the flight, and the files can be transferred to your phone after landing without losing quality. Many people considered the photos and videos sharp, plentiful, and worth keeping.

This is an important detail because you cannot easily photograph yourself while holding onto the experience. The pilot can concentrate on flying while the camera captures the views, your takeoff, and the moments above the city. Several pilots also made an effort to position the paraglider for better images.

Some bookings have included the media, but the stated terms list the GoPro service as an additional $12. Do not assume it is free. Ask when you arrive, and confirm how the files will be delivered. The price is modest compared with the value of having a record of an activity that is difficult to repeat with your own phone.

If you do not want photos or video, you can skip the extra charge. The flight itself does not depend on buying the media package.

The people make the difference

A paragliding company can provide good equipment and still offer a cold, rushed experience. Only Fly earns strong marks for the human side of the outing. Communication before the activity was helpful, with Liz handling questions through WhatsApp and making the transport arrangements easier.

The pilots also add context instead of sitting silently beneath the canopy. Santiago pointed out scenery during the flight. Esteban was described as clearly enjoying his work. Daniel helped a solo flyer feel safe, and Carlos made the flight more playful and memorable.

English-language support is available from some pilots, including Danielle and Santiago, who were described as easy to understand. Spanish-speaking staff are also part of the team. If language is important to you, ask in advance for an English-speaking pilot.

The strongest pattern is confidence without pressure. People who were frightened of heights or nearly changed their minds were reassured rather than pushed. That is exactly what you want before takeoff.

What the $62 price really buys

At $62 per person, the price includes:

• A certified instructor
• Certified flight equipment
• A medical assistance card
• Access to the flight ramp
• Your choice of a quieter flight or extreme stunts

It does not include private transportation or the $12 GoPro service. The private car option adds 120,000 for up to four people.

The base price is fair for a specialized aerial activity with certified equipment and a trained pilot. The value improves if you already have a way to reach San Félix. If you are a solo participant and need private transport, the total cost rises sharply. For a group of four, the car service is much easier to justify.

I would also budget for the camera service if this is a special occasion. The extra $12 is small compared with the total cost of the day, and you may regret having no visual record afterward. Still, it should remain an option, not an unexpected add-on.

Who should book this flight

This is a strong pick for first-time flyers, solo visitors, couples, and small groups who want a memorable break from city sightseeing. It also suits people who are nervous but curious, because the pilots have experience helping hesitant participants feel calm.

It is less suitable if you need a fixed schedule. The activity requires good weather, and poor conditions can force a change of date. It may also disappoint you if you expect a long flight or dislike heights, turning, or cool air.

Groups can be large, with a maximum of 40 participants, but the flight itself is conducted with your pilot. If you want a more personal day, private transportation helps reduce the logistical fuss. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Plan to book ahead. The experience is booked about 12 days in advance on average, so leaving it until your final day in Medellín is not wise. Keep an open morning or afternoon in case weather requires a change.

Cancellation and weather rules

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Weather is the main exception to ordinary planning. If Only Fly cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. I would avoid scheduling this right before a flight, long-distance bus, or other nonrefundable plan.

Should you book Only Fly?

I would book this if you want a high-impact Medellín experience and can accept a short flight within a three-hour outing. The best reasons are the city views, certified equipment, calm pilots, flexible flight style, and low-cost GoPro option.

Arrange the private car if you value convenience, especially for a group. Bring a warm layer, prepare for some motion, and leave your schedule loose around the activity. If those conditions suit you, Only Fly offers a well-priced way to see Medellín from a completely different angle.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience meet?

It meets at Parapente en Medellín Only Fly, Estadero El Voladero, Km 6 via Medellín, San Félix, San Pedro de los Milagros, Antioquia, Colombia.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately three hours. The actual time in the air may be much shorter, with one account describing a flight of about 15 minutes.

How much does the flight cost?

The listed price is $62 per person.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included. A private door-to-door car costs 120,000 for up to four people.

Are photos and videos included?

The GoPro photo and video service costs an additional $12. Files can be transferred to your phone after the flight without losing quality.

What equipment and safety items are included?

Certified instructors, certified flight equipment, a certified helmet and harness, a medical assistance card, and access to the flight ramp are included.

Can I choose a calm flight or stunts?

Yes. You can choose a quiet flight or request extreme stunts.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.