Tandem Paragliding, Sacred Valley

Fly over the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a tandem paragliding adventure from Cusco, accompanied by specialised instructors. The outing runs for 7 hours.

Overview

This tour puts you in a tandem paragliding harness at Cerro Sacro, a launch point in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and sends you flying above the Andean highlands with a professional instructor. The whole outing runs about 7 hours door to door, though the flight itself lasts roughly 15 to 20 minutes depending on conditions. A video of your flight is included, so you leave with footage to share.

The day starts with pickup from your hotel, either in Cusco's Historic Center or in the Sacred Valley depending on the option selected. You travel to the flight point, where the team runs through safety instructions, hands over a harness and helmet, and explains the takeoff procedure. Cerro Sacro sits at 3,880 meters with a slope of 70 degrees or more and a vertical drop of 600 meters, and the listing describes it as one of the safest mountains in its topography for this kind of flight. If conditions at Cerro Sacro are poor, the team may relocate to another mountain.

It suits travellers who want a single big adventure from Cusco without organising transport or gear themselves. Several reviewers described it as the highlight of their entire Peru trip, including some flying for the first time. Children can fly only if they weigh over 40 kilograms, with a parent's or guardian's permission. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a jacket and gloves; food and drinks are not included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupThe operator collects you from your hotel in Cusco's Historic Center or the Sacred Valley, depending on the option selected.
2. Transfer to the flight pointYou travel to Cerro Sacro in the Sacred Valley, northeast of Cusco, where the team is waiting.
3. Safety briefing and gearThe team passes on flight instructions and safety recommendations, then fits you with a harness and helmet and explains the takeoff procedure.
4. Tandem flightYou fly tandem with a professional instructor above the Sacred Valley for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, depending on wind conditions. A video of the flight is recorded.
5. Landing and drop-offAfter landing you are returned to central Cusco, at Plaza de Armas or Plaza del Recorrido, or to your Sacred Valley hotel depending on the option selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day and set expectations for flying at altitude.

• What to bring. The listing recommends a hat, sunscreen, a jacket and gloves.
• Weather patience. The listing warns that it is sometimes necessary to wait for the right conditions before taking off. One reviewer had two cancellations before finding a workable day, and said the team stayed in communication throughout.
• No experience needed. You fly tandem with a professional instructor who handles the flight. Multiple reviewers said the clear explanations before takeoff, during the flight and at landing made them feel safe, including several flying for the first time.
• Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included. Eat before pickup or bring something for the ride, since the full outing lasts about 7 hours.
• Photos and video. A video of your flight is included in the price. The listing also suggests taking photos of the landscape from the air.
• Who can fly. Only children weighing over 40 kilograms (88 pounds) may fly, with a parent's or guardian's permission. Reviewers have flown this tour with friends and with their own children.

Common issues. The main risk is weather. High winds, turbulence or rain can delay or cancel the flight at the pilot's discretion, and one reviewer reported two cancellations before a successful day. If the flight is cancelled before pickup, you receive a full refund; if you have already been transported to the site, the refund covers the flight but not the transport cost. Food and drinks are not included, and the total duration of about 7 hours is much longer than the flight itself, so plan for waiting time at the launch point.

Common Questions