Colombia is a paradise for paragliding enthusiasts. The many mountains that criss-cross the country offer endless playgrounds, and paragliding is flourishing in many Colombian destinations.
In the Andes mountain range, the scenery is always sublime with all its shades of green, but if there’s one paragliding spot that’s well worth the detour, it’s surely San Gil and the Chicamocha Canyon: a unique place that we strongly recommend you discover by taking to the air!
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Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
How to paraglide in San Gil
Paragliding in the Chicamocha Canyon
The take-off site is located near Chicamocha Park, at an altitude of 1.200 m above Chicamocha Canyon on an area reserved for the agency. It’s the only agency with a take-off area at the top of the canyon!
During the flight, the maximum altitude will be 3000 m in optimal conditions. Landing may vary according to flight conditions: if the currents are rising and you gain height during the flight, the landing will be at the same point as the take-off.
If this is not the case, and if you descend during the flight, the pilot will land in one of the pre-established locations on the banks of the Chicamocha River. Once you’ve landed, the agency’s transport will take you back to the original meeting point.
BOOK A PARAGLIDING FLIGHT IN CHICAMOCHA CANYON
Flight conditions
Each flight depends on the weather and air conditions, so the pilot decides when to take off, or not to take off at all if conditions don’t allow it.
The pilot chooses the passenger with whom to fly, according to weight. The order of arrival at the take-off site is therefore irrelevant. It’s the weather conditions and the weight of the participants that determine the take-off order.
Transport to the paragliding site
Paragliding in Chicamocha Canyon
Our partner agency’s launch site is located at the top of the Chicamocha Canyon, near the village of San Gil in the Santander department. To get there, you can either take the agency’s transport service, or make your own way.
Agency transport service
The agency offers a transport service to and from the take-off site, included in the price of the paragliding flight . Transport is available from San Gil or Panachi.
ATTENTION: Please note that if, once on site, the activity cannot take place due to weather conditions or your own decision, you will still be asked to pay a fixed transportation fee of $10.000 per person.
Getting to the paragliding departure point on your own
If you wish to make your own way there, you’ll then be free to continue on your way or visit the theme park.
BUS | San Gil > Chicamocha paragliding flight departures (1h30)
- Price: approx. $15.000
- Companies: Cotrasangil, Cotrasaravita, Trasander..
- Departures: every 1/2 h
- Ask the bus driver to stop at the Chifflas restaurant, and a bus from the agency will pick you up at the restaurant.
BUS | Bucaramanga > Departure for Chicamocha paragliding flights (1h30)
- Price: approx. $15.000
- Companies: Cotrasangil, Cotrasaravita, Trasander..
- Departures: every 1/2 h
- Ask the bus driver to stop at the Chifflas restaurant, and a bus from the agency will come to you
Recommendations before paragliding
Paragliding in San Gil
Paragliding is an activity open to all, but you need to be in good physical and psychological condition… we don’t want to see you panic mid-flight and unclip your harness!
Restrictions
- Activity forbidden to children under 6.
- For minors aged between 6 and 18, a responsible adult must complete an authorization form.
The agency limits access to this activity to people in good physical condition. If you have any physical or mental problems, please let the agency know, and we’ll be happy to help.
There are also cases where decisions not to fly are taken according to the conditions of the day and the weight of the persons: under 40 kg unless the wind is light, over 110 kg unless the wind conditions are a little strong.
Recommendations
It’s also important to follow a few recommendations before flying a paraglider:
- Eat a light meal before the flight
- Bring a coat, long pants and shoes
- Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water bottle
Book a paragliding flight
How to get to San Gil
Getting to San Gil from a major city
BUS | BUCARAMANGA > SAN GIL (3h)
- Fares: between $15.000 and $25.000 COP
- Companies: Copetran, Cotrasangil, Cotrasaravita, Trasander..
- Departures: every hour from 00:30am to 23:30pm
BUS | BOGOTA > SAN GIL (6h)
- Fares: between $50.000 and $70.000 COP
- Companies: Copetran, Berlinas del fonce, Expreso Brasilia, Omega
- Departures: approximately every hour from 00:30am to 23:30pm
Getting to San Gil from surrounding villages
BUS | OIBA > SAN GIL (approx. 1h30)
- Fare: approx. $12.000 COP
- Company: Transsander
- Departures: frequent all day
BUS | BARICHARA > SAN GIL (45 min)
- Fare : about $5.000 COP
- Departures : Every 30 min from 5:00am to 6:45pm
Where to stay in San Gil
San Gil
Hotel
Meraki Boutique Hotel
Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
The Meraki boutique hotel is located 5 minutes from the town center, a little way up in San Gil, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. It’s a beautiful colonial house, beautifully decorated and full of color! You’ll feel right at home here, thanks in no small part to the warm welcome from Felipe and his family.
San Gil
Hostal
La Provincia Lodging House
Dormitory : $0 to $25.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
La Provincia in San Gil is one of the least expensive hostels. Nevertheless, many budget travelers will find it to their liking: well located in the center of San Gil in a beautiful, bright house, with friendly staff… Although the rooms are basic and the decor classic, it’s still excellent value for money.
San Gil
Hostal
Traveler Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
The Traveler hosterl in San Gil has been recommended to us by blog readers. But we’ve noticed that it’s also been recommended by the Traveler community! Large rooms, a great atmosphere, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the city, all located right in the center of San Gil.
