Can I try it with no experience?

Yes. A tandem flight puts you in a harness in front of a qualified pilot who does the flying, so you just enjoy the ride.

With proper training, good equipment and careful weather judgement, it has a solid safety record. Flights only go in suitable conditions.

How fit do I need to be?

Tandem flying needs very little, beyond a short run on take-off and landing. Learning solo is a bit more physical.

What is take-off like?

A few running steps down a slope, then the harness takes your weight and your feet leave the ground. Gentler than it sounds.

Does it depend on the weather?

Yes. Paragliding needs the right wind and conditions, so flights can move with the forecast.

Paragliding in Chile

Chile runs from the Atacama desert to Patagonian icefields and sub-Antarctic fjords. Trek Torres del Paine, ski volcanoes, surf and kitesurf the Pacific, raft Andean rivers and mountain bike the desert. A long ribbon of adventure with guides and centres on Adventuro for mountain, desert and water trips.

Paragliding is foot-launched flight at its most accessible. You run a few steps off a slope, the wing inflates above you, and suddenly you are airborne, hanging in a comfy harness and steering with a gentle pull on the brakes. Find rising air and you can stay up for ages, with nothing but the wind for company.

A tandem flight with an experienced pilot needs no experience at all, and is the usual first taste. If it hooks you, courses take you towards flying solo in careful, well-supervised stages.

The schools on adventuro run tandem flights and lessons with qualified pilots. The take-off is over in seconds, and then the view does the talking.