Paragliding in Cusco: tandem flights over the Sacred Valley

Paragliding over the Sacred Valley is one of the most spectacular experiences in Cusco. From the air, fields look like a mosaic, the Urubamba River snakes between mountains past villages, and on clear days the Urubamba range's snow peaks appear. No experience needed: you fly tandem, harnessed to a professional pilot who handles everything. This guide explains the activity and how to do it safely.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Where you fly

The usual flying site is on the Chinchero plateau, at the edge that drops into the Sacred Valley. Take-off is from a slope at roughly 3,700 m, overlooking the Urubamba valley and the range. Landing is usually in a field on the valley floor near Urubamba. From Cusco, the drive to take-off is about 1 hour.

• Chinchero: weaving, Inca ruins and market between Cusco and the Sacred Valley
• Urubamba: the central base of the Sacred Valley (things to do, getting there and where to stay)
• Sacred Valley of the Incas: what to see and how to visit

What the tandem flight is like

1. Pick-up from your Cusco or Sacred Valley accommodation and drive to take-off.
2. Safety talk: the pilot explains how to run at take-off, sit in the harness and land.
3. Gear-up: harness, helmet and connection to the pilot and wing.
4. Take off by running a few steps downhill until the wing lifts you.
5. A flight of roughly 15–30 minutes, depending on wind and thermals. If you like, the pilot can add some dynamic manoeuvres; otherwise it's a smooth ride.
6. A gentle landing in the valley and return by vehicle.

Many pilots carry cameras to film the flight, usually as an extra.

Best season and time

• Season: the dry season, roughly April to November, offers the best conditions. In the rainy season more days are unflyable due to cloud, rain or storms.
• Time: flights are scheduled according to the wind, often mid-morning or midday, when thermals keep you aloft.
• Flexibility: flights always depend on the weather. Book early in your stay so there's room to reschedule.

• Best time to visit Cusco and what to pack

Weight and health requirements

• Weight: operators usually set minimum and maximum passenger weights. Confirm when booking.
• Age: minors usually need parental consent, and some operators set a minimum age.
• Health: not advisable if you're pregnant or have heart or back problems, epilepsy or recent leg or knee injuries.
• Mobility: you need to run a few steps at take-off and landing.

If you get motion sick easily, tell your pilot to avoid sharp manoeuvres.

Safety: choosing an operator

• Licensed pilots experienced in tandem flying, ideally with recognised certifications.
• Equipment in good condition: wing, harness, helmet and a reserve parachute for the tandem.
• Insurance covering the passenger; check whether your travel insurance covers air sports.
• The operator should cancel if conditions aren't safe: be wary of anyone who flies in any weather.
• Recent reviews and a clear explanation of what the price includes.

• How to choose a tour agency in Cusco: a checklist to get it right

Price and inclusions

The price usually includes transfer from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, the tandem flight with pilot, equipment and the operator's insurance. Photos and videos are usually extra. Compare what each offer includes; prices vary by season.

How to combine it

• Paragliding + Chinchero: visit the weavers and Inca site before or after.
• Paragliding + Moray and Maras: very close to the flying site.
• Paragliding + a night in the Sacred Valley: from Urubamba, the transfer is short.

• Moray and the Maras salt mines: how to visit from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Where to stay in the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and more

What to bring

• Comfortable clothes and a windbreaker: it's colder in the air.
• Closed shoes with good soles for running at take-off.
• Sunglasses on a strap.
• Sunscreen.
• Nothing loose in your pockets.

Altitude

Take-off is a bit higher than Cusco. Fly after at least a couple of days of acclimatisation and don't schedule it right after an exhausting trek.

• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

Photos and video

Many operators offer to film your flight with an action camera on a pole or the pilot's helmet, usually as an extra. If you want to use your own camera or phone, ask before take-off: some pilots prefer your hands free for safety. Secure any item with a strap, as anything dropped mid-flight is gone for good.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).