Paragliding in Cali

General questions

Who is paraheinz?
My full name is Heinz Müller, I am from Switzerland, and I am a paraglider pilot since 1996. I used to live in Cali from 1999 through 2004, and have come back to settle down here again in June 2009.

What clothes to wear for paragliding?
Firm shoes (hiking boots are best, but sneakers will do as well.)
Robust trousers (jeans are perfect)
Any top with long sleeves

How long will I be in the air?
Standard flight durations are from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions (except Option 3: Cross-Country flight). Experience shows that most people who make their first paragliding flight are best off with a duration in this range.

We are two (or more) who want to do it – can we fly simultaneously?
Yes, you can. I will invite a friend of mine, an experienced local pilot, to join.

How do I get in touch with paraheinz?
By phone: 300 643 51 64
By mail: paraheinz@hotmail.com


Option 1: City flight

Where do we meet?
In front of the restaurant ’El Corral’, Av. 6A and Calle 28

When do we meet?
Either 8:15 am or 9:45 am, depending on weather conditions.

Where do we fly?
After launching in Golondrinas, a village situated in the mountain range a couple of kilometers north of ’las Tres Cruces’, we fly over the northern tip of Cali and enjoy great views of Cali and the Valle del Cauca.

Where do we land?
Next to the restaurant ’Simón Parrilla’, Av. 6 and Calle 52.

When will I be back?
You will usually leave the landing site (Av. 6 and Calle 52) between 11:00 am and noon. You can get to Iguana by taxi within 10 minutes.

What does it cost?
100'000.- Pesos


Option 2: Wilderness flight

Where do we meet?
In general I will pick you up in Iguana.

When do we meet?
Usually between 9:00 am and 10:00 am.

Where do we fly?
Some 40 km from Cali, next to (and above!) the famous ’Hacienda El Paraíso’, the scene of the Colombian version of ’Romeo and Juliet’. This is a lush, green area, a nice environment to spend a day out. Don’t forget to have your swimming suit with you -- there are a couple of rivers for bathing!

Where do we land?
On the official landing site, next to the village Los Ceibos.

When will I be back?
On weekdays:
We will return to Cali immediately after flying. Arrival in Cali in the afternoon hours, between 3 pm and 5 pm approximately, depending on weather conditions and number of clients.
On weekends and public holidays:
Typically between 7 pm and 8 pm. However, if you don’t feel like taking it as a complete day-trip, you do have the option to return to Cali by public transport immediately after your flight.

What does it cost?
100'000.- Pesos plus admission fee (launch site) 10'000.- plus transport costs 20'000.- (Cali – El Paraíso – Cali, El Paraíso – launch site)

On weekdays, a minimum of three people need to book in order to make the trip viable.

Option 3: Cross-Country flight

Where do we meet?
In front of the restaurant ’El Corral’, Av. 6A and Calle 28

When do we meet?
Between 8:15 am and 9:45am, depending on weather conditions.

Where do we fly?
We will launch in Golondrinas (see ’Option 1: City Flight’). We will then try to climb to cloud base, in order to start our way towards Yumbo, the next town north of Cali. Be aware that the reaching of our goal cannot be guaranteed, since it largely depends on weather conditions (thermal lift). If we manage to reach our goal, we will usually spend about one hour in the air.

Where do we land?
In Yumbo, if we manage to reach our goal, or anywhere on the way there.

When will I be back?
Most probably by 1:00 pm.

What does it cost?
180'000.- Pesos