Many of the paragliding companies in Cusco, Peru, take their paragliders to The Sacred Valley (about 30 minutes away from the city centre) to enjoy some fantastic views, excellent winds and lots of options for different routes and landings.
How Much Does a Day's Paragliding Cost in Cusco, Peru?
Prices for a day's worth of paragliding can vary quite a bit in Cusco, so it is worthwhile shopping around. Equally, the prices change depending on the season and on how good your Spanish is when making the deal.
Anything between the range of US$70 and US$100 can be expected, but the difference between what is offered to the learning paraglider doesn't differ very much at all. When paying at the top end of the range, the experience is no more enjoyable and neither is the instruction any better nor safer.
Most companies take their paragliders to The Sacred Valley too (a fantastically beautiful take off point) and therefore, the choice of company doesn't even change the scenery experienced. Having said that, make sure that the company provide more than one instructor if the group has more than two people in it.
Otherwise, there's lots of waiting around whilst the instructor goes up in the air with each paraglider in turn, lands with each paraglider and then has to make their way back to the rest of the group to do all the same again. This can take up and waste a lot of time without anything else to do and little shade from the blazing heat.
What Kinds of Courses are Available to Paragliders in Cusco, Peru?
It is possible to fly for one day in tandem with an instructor or to take a week's course to learn how to actually paraglide solo is also available. Instructors supply all the equipment and by the end of the course, a knowledge of how to read the winds and fly safely as well as enjoying the experience can be achieved with ease.
How Difficult is Paragliding?
If signing up for a day's worth of paragliding, difficulty doesn't even come into the equation. The paraglider is not expected to know or do anything. The only thing that is expected is from the paraglider is the ability to run at full speed off of the edge of the mountain. If this doesn't seem to daunting an idea, the rest is easy.
The flights are smooth and comfortable, sat in a seat infront of the instructor whilst in the air. Variety can be had by asking your instructor to do a few tricks or fly higher or even land a little earlier if feeling a little sick from the instant change in altitude. The experience is really custom-made by all companies and nothing but good, solid fun.
Why is Paragliding in Cusco, Peru, Such a Good Option?
Paragliding in Cusco is cheap. For this reason make the most of it.
How Much Experience is Necessary for Paragliding?
None. Pay the fee, get in the jeep, head on out to The Sacred Valley and have an experience of a lifetime.
What Other Destinations are Recommended for Learning to Paraglide?
As an alternative, paragliding in Mérida, Venezuela, is a really good option. Again, paragliding in Venezuela, like paragliding in Peru, is very cheap, the views are amazing (many tour operators offering flights across the Sierra Nevada 30 minutes outside of the city of Mérida) and the instruction is of a really high standard.
If travels in South America are going to be based nearer the northern end of the continent, Venezuela and the city of Mérida is by far one of the best options for paragliding that is available. Colibrí tours, based in the town centre (Avenida 2, Calle 18) are a very reputable tour company with a posada, Posada Alemania, attached.
The posada is an excellent place to stay and the owner, Ricardo, has a European bank account and offers excellent rates of exchange for travellers wishing to transfer money into his account to pay for rooms, tours or simply to get some Venezuela currency for general use. The system is efficient and offers some of the best exchange rates in the whole city.
Summary of Main Points About Paragliding in South America
Paragliding in South America is one of the best ways in which to start or to continue enjoying paragliding for the following:
- Peru is an inexpensive place in which to paraglide.
- Most companies in Cusco offer the same services, the same views and the same skilled instructors, so the only thing to worry about is finding the cheapest company.
- Venezuela is an alternative option when travelling in the north of the continent.
- Anyone, regardless of experience, can paraglide.
Tracey Chandler - Tracey Chandler currently writes a weekly column for non-profit organisation South American Explorers in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She also ...
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