Guide for Paragliding Tour in Cusco

Paragliding in Cusco provides unrivalled views of the Sacred Valley and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and adrenaline filled experiences you can have in the region.

But before you go ahead and book yourself on a paragliding tour, it is important that you understand some basics about adventures involving paragliding in Cusco.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you have a safe and enjoyable experience!

In this paragliding Travel Guide, we have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions so that you can make an informed decision as to whether this experience is for you, as well as establish which company you should make a booking with.

Paragliding Tour in Cusco FAQs

Is Paragliding in Cusco Dangerous?

It really depends on your definition of danger. Paragliding in general, regardless of where or when it is conducted, is a relatively dangerous activity when compared to the multitude of other adventure experiences you could undertake.

However, risks to your safety are significantly mitigated by the quality of the tour company you book with, the quality of gear used, and most importantly, the experience of the pilot.

When choosing a company, you should find out some key information first:

• Ask how long they have been running tours for.
• Establish how new and well maintained their equipment is.
• Get a brief history on your pilot’s experience.

At a minimum, your pilot should have the following credentials:

• A professional certification and commercial licence or membership from either FAI or the APVL.
• Hundreds of hours of flight time under their belt. A significant portion of this time should have been conducted whilst piloting tandem flights.

The Scared Valley is a mountainous area which makes the flight more technical than paragliding in Lima, for example. Make sure you only go with a reliable company and experienced pilot.

Do I need to have any technical skills or training to Paraglide in Cusco?

No, you don’t need any technical skills or training to go paragliding in Cusco. All paragliding tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley are tandem flights that should be operated by trained paragliders. You will be shown the basics of how to take off and land in a safe way, but once you’re airborne, the pilot will be in full control.

Where do Paragliding tours in Cusco fly and how long do they last?

There are two main spots where most operators run their paragliding tour in Cusco. The first and most popular is near Chinchero, which is about 1 hour north of Cusco in the Sacred Valley.

The other frequently used launch spot is near Pisac, which is about 45 minutes from Cusco. Both provide exquisite views of the Sacred Valley and have well profiled launch stations. Flights from these stations last between 10 – 20 minutes.

Some operators offer special tours which fly from the Sacred Valley all the way to the ancient Incan ruins at Sacsayhuaman near Cusco city. This option lasts about 45 minutes and provides more extensive views of the Sacred Valley and Cusco city.

How much does it cost to Paraglide in Cusco?

Costs vary from operator to operator to paraglide in Cusco, but are generally based on a 2 – person minimum booking. Each person pays between US$120-US$150. If you are a single person, expect to pay a US$20-US$30 premium. Hence, it’s worth joining up with a small group to save on expenses.

To Book a paragliding Tour in Cusco, you need to provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• Your nationality
• Your date of birth
• Your weight and height
• You need to pay a 50-60% deposit

Costs Usually Include	Costs Usually Exclude
Private Transport from Cusco to the launch site and return to Cusco	Food and Drinks
Rental of gear
Professional pilot

Some tour operators also offer additional services like short films of your flight. We recommend taking a GoPro on your trip so you can capture the experience in full.

What should I bring or wear?

For a paragliding Cusco tour, you should bring:

• Comfortable and good – fitting shoes. No sandals or flip flops.
• Sporty layered clothes. Convertible trousers and a warm jacket is recommended so that you can layer up or down depending on changes in the weather.
• Sunblock, sunglasses and a hat.
• Water (at least 1 litre).
• Snacks. You can end up waiting a few hours for the right weather conditions and thermals. Bring some food to snack on like fruit, sandwiches, crisps, nuts and sweets.
• A rain jacket or poncho, particularly during the raining season (October-April).
• A small backpack or bag to hold your belongings.
• A camera, video Camera or GoPro (with mounts).

I’m a little overweight, can I still go paragliding?

It really depends on your definition of a “little overweight.” Most companies require participants to weigh under 100kg (220 pounds or 15.5 stone).

I have a Heart Condition, am I allowed to Paraglide?

We recommend seeking medical advice and clearance if you want to paraglide in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. That being said, most tour operators will not allow you to paraglide if you have a pre-existing heart condition. If you have any heart problems, it is highly recommended giving this tour a miss!

Conclusion

If you have any questions or insights about Paragliding Cusco, leave us a comment below and we will respond within 24 hours (remember to check back).