Soar above the dramatic cliffs of Chicamocha Canyon on a 20–25 minute tandem paragliding flight from Palo Blanco. This quick but unforgettable aerial tour includes private transport from San Gil, certified pilots, and photos.
Soar above the dramatic cliffs of Chicamocha Canyon on a 20–25 minute tandem paragliding flight from Palo Blanco. This quick but unforgettable aerial tour includes private transport from San Gil, certified pilots, and photos.
Wind picks you up above Palo Blanco and the canyon opens like a raw wound of red rock and scrub. The pilot runs, the wing fills, and for the next 20–25 minutes the Chicamocha River and its serrated ridgelines pull the view into long horizontal panels — terraced farmland, steep walls, and the cable car ribbon to PANACHI below. Thermals here can push flights from a few hundred meters to more than 2,000 m above takeoff when conditions allow.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Parapente San Gil · Aratoca, Santander
Wind picks you up above Palo Blanco and the canyon opens like a raw wound of red rock and scrub. The pilot runs, the wing fills, and for the next 20–25 minutes the Chicamocha River and its serrated ridgelines pull the view into long horizontal panels — terraced farmland, steep walls, and the cable car ribbon to PANACHI below. Thermals here can push flights from a few hundred meters to more than 2,000 m above takeoff when conditions allow.
Geologically the canyon is carved by the Chicamocha River through uplifted sedimentary beds; the exposed sandstone and conglomerates reveal millions of years of erosion. Culturally the region is tied to Santander’s small towns — Aratoca and Palo Blanco — historically inhabited by Guane people before Spanish colonization and today shaped by ranching and tourism.
Practical details matter: the full experience is about five hours door-to-door from San Gil, including private transport, safety briefing, and photos. Flights are scheduled mid-morning when thermals develop; operators use certified tandem equipment and insured pilots. Wear closed shoes, long pants, sun protection and a light windproof layer. Expect a short walk to the takeoff slope and a firm but manageable landing. People with spine, heart, or pregnancy restrictions should not fly.
This is an efficient way to see one of South America’s largest canyon systems — dramatic, accessible, and dependent on weather. Book with clear weight and ID info, arrive hydrated, and leave a little altitude sickness worry at home: the real rush is the canyon’s scale and the quiet of flying above it.
Tandem flights typically last 20–25 minutes in the air; the full activity including transport and briefing is about five hours.
No—this is a tandem flight with a certified pilot and requires no technical skill; you must follow the pilot’s instructions at takeoff and landing.
Not recommended for people with serious spinal, heart, or pregnancy conditions; operators require accurate weight and may set limits for safety.
Operators monitor morning thermals; if flights are canceled for safety you can typically reschedule or receive a refund depending on provider policy.
Parapente San Gil operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Wind picks you up above Palo Blanco and the canyon opens like a raw wound of red rock and scrub. The pilot runs, the wing fills, and for the next 20–25 minutes the Chicamocha River and its serrated ridgelines pull the view into long horizontal panels — terraced farmland, steep walls, and the cable car ribbon to PANACHI below. Thermals here can push flights from a few hundred meters to more than 2,000 m above takeoff when conditions allow.
Wind picks you up above Palo Blanco and the canyon opens like a raw wound of red rock and scrub. The pilot runs, the wing fills, and for the next 20–25 minutes the Chicamocha River and its serrated ridgelines pull the view into long horizontal panels — terraced farmland, steep walls, and the cable car ribbon to PANACHI below. Thermals here can push flights from a few hundred meters to more than 2,000 m above takeoff when conditions allow.
Geologically the canyon is carved by the Chicamocha River through uplifted sedimentary beds; the exposed sandstone and conglomerates reveal millions of years of erosion. Culturally the region is tied to Santander’s small towns — Aratoca and Palo Blanco — historically inhabited by Guane people before Spanish colonization and today shaped by ranching and tourism.
Practical details matter: the full experience is about five hours door-to-door from San Gil, including private transport, safety briefing, and photos. Flights are scheduled mid-morning when thermals develop; operators use certified tandem equipment and insured pilots. Wear closed shoes, long pants, sun protection and a light windproof layer. Expect a short walk to the takeoff slope and a firm but manageable landing. People with spine, heart, or pregnancy restrictions should not fly.
This is an efficient way to see one of South America’s largest canyon systems — dramatic, accessible, and dependent on weather. Book with clear weight and ID info, arrive hydrated, and leave a little altitude sickness worry at home: the real rush is the canyon’s scale and the quiet of flying above it.