Medellín is surrounded by mountains, and this topography is not only beautiful but also creates the perfect conditions for extreme sports. None is as accessible and visually rewarding as paragliding. The sensation of taking off from a hillside and floating silently over the valley is, for many, the highlight of their trip to Colombia.
The village of San Félix is the place to go for this activity. Located north of the Aburrá Valley, its altitude and wind direction make it an almost perfect launch pad.
For Hotel Sloh guests looking for that “wow” factor in their trip, this is an adventure that combines the thrill of the extreme with the peace of floating, and offers the most impressive view of the city.
1. Logistics: Getting to the Flying Mountain
San Félix is located about 45 minutes to an hour from Medellín. The road is uphill and can be winding, but it is in good condition.
Option 1: Organized Tour (Recommended)
The Plan: Most paragliding companies offer a package that includes round-trip transportation from a central point in Medellín (such as the Caribe station, or even from El Poblado).
Advantage: This is the most comfortable and safest option, as the drivers are familiar with the road and the conditions at the takeoff site.
Option 2: On Your Own
Taxi/Uber: It is possible to go directly by taxi or Uber. You should search for Mirador San Félix or Parapente San Félix. The trip can cost between $60,000 and $80,000 COP each way from El Poblado.
Bus: You can take a public bus from the Coonorte company at the North Terminal (Metro Caribe) that goes to San Félix. It is the cheapest option, but the slowest.
2. Tandem Flight: From Adrenaline to Peace
The vast majority of tourists take a tandem flight, where you are hooked up to a certified pilot who is in charge of all the handling of the wing and safety.
Duration: An average flight lasts between 15 and 20 minutes in the air, depending on wind conditions and thermals (warm air currents that allow you to rise).
Takeoff: This is the most exciting part. You don't jump off a cliff, but rather run a few meters down a gentle slope until the wing lifts you up. You just have to run when the instructor tells you to, and the air does the rest!
The aerial experience: Once in the air, the adrenaline calms down and turns into a silent float. It's an opportunity to see the Aburrá Valley as if it were a map. You can see the Medellín River, Cerro Nutibara, the city center, and the El Poblado skyline.
Photos and Videos: Almost all companies offer (at an additional cost) to record your experience with a GoPro camera. It's an incredible souvenir and well worth the extra cost (approx. $40,000 - $60,000 COP).
3. Conditions and Price
Paragliding is a sport that depends 100% on the weather and atmospheric conditions.
Best Time: Mornings (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and early afternoons (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) are usually the best. Avoid midday, when excessive heat can cause turbulence, and rainy hours.
Cost (2025 Estimate): The price of a standard tandem flight (without photos or videos) ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 COP. With the photo and video package, the cost rises to $200,000 - $280,000 COP.
The Wait: Be prepared to wait. If wind conditions are not perfect, safety is the priority. Be patient and enjoy the atmosphere at the viewpoint.
4. El Mirador de San Félix: The Ground Plan
Even if you decide not to fly, visiting San Félix is a great plan because of its viewpoints and local atmosphere.
The View: It is one of the best spots for taking panoramic photos of Medellín. The view of the city is spectacular.
The Atmosphere: There are several restaurants and cafes with terraces where you can sit down to eat a picada (fried meats and sausages) or drink hot chocolate while watching the paragliders take off. It is a “cold weather” plan that contrasts with that of Medellín.
Tip: Being at a higher altitude, the weather is noticeably cooler than in the valley. Bring a jacket.
5. Safety: The absolute priority
Safety in paragliding is the sum of the quality of the equipment and the pilot's experience.
Certification: Make sure you only fly with companies that use pilots certified by the Colombian Air Sports Federation (FEDA).
Equipment: Check that the harness (the seat) and helmet are comfortable and secure. If something doesn't feel right, ask.
The Flight: Follow the pilot's instructions to the letter, especially during takeoff and landing.
From the clouds to comfort at Sloh
Paragliding is emotionally liberating, but it's also physically and mentally exhausting (due to the adrenaline). After a day in the mountains and the return trip, you'll need a luxurious landing.
Returning to Hotel Sloh in the quiet Manila neighborhood is the perfect sanctuary. Our beds, with their soft sheets and slow living atmosphere, are designed for muscle and nerve recovery. You can request a massage or simply enjoy the hot high-pressure shower.
At Sloh, we celebrate your courage to fly, and we guarantee you peace on the ground so you can tell the tale.