Adventure Sports in Peru - Paragliding Over Lima

While nearly all visitors to Peru pass through Lima, very few spend more than a day or two in the city; most pass through on their way to other destinations. While people are often hurrying on their way to sites like Cuzco, Machu Picchu or the jungle in Iquitos, and don't know that Lima itself has many fun activities for all kinds of tourists. Even adventure travelers who usually head off for mountain trekking or white water rafting will be pleased to find that there is something for them in Lima - paragliding off the cliffs high over the Pacific Ocean.

Lima's coast is lined with cliffs that give an excellent updraft to the wind coming from the west off the ocean. These strong updrafts allow paragliders to routinely fly around 700 feet high, and good days make it possible to get as high as 1,500 feet. One of the thrills of paragliding in Lima is the ability to soar very close to tall buildings - something that's not often available to paragliders. But Lima has many apartment buildings built right up against the cliffs, allowing paragliders the fun of waving to residents sitting on their balconies.

For those interested in a dual flight with an instructor, catching a ride is as easy as walking or taking a taxi to the Parque del Amor in Miraflores. Just down from the park, you'll find the unofficial 'parapuerto', where paragliding enthusiasts wait for the right winds and customers. It's as simple as finding someone and asking them if they do tandem flights. Once you're hooked into the harness, you'll head to the cliff - and with a running start and a leap of faith, will find yourself airborne. You're flight will take you out over the beach of the Costa Verde and along the buildings lining the coast. Expect to pay around $40 USD for a 10-15 minute flight.

If you aren't comfortable with walking up to a stranger and asking for a ride, you can contact one of various companies that provide tandem paragliding over the Costa Verde, such as AeroXtreme. It's also possible to take a one day course and have a solo paragliding experience over the sand dunes south of Lima. Longer course of 6-8 classes are also available, which end with new paragliders making a solo flight off the cliffs over the ocean. Whichever way you choose, whether a tandem ride or a course that allows you to make your own solo flight, paragliding in Lima, Peru offers an exciting thrill matched by no other.