Paragliding in La Paz, Bolivia: What to Expect Guide (2026)
- Apr 20
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The instructor says run and suddenly the mountain disappears beneath your feet. You're not falling. You're flying. With Andean peaks eye-level around you, it's one of the most surreal moments of our lives.
Paragliding in La Paz is one of the most unique adventure experiences in South America. Sitting at over 3,600m, it offers incredible flying conditions with views across the Andes and surrounding valleys.
For us Bolivia became the adventure capital of South America. From paragliding over the Andes to summiting 6,000m+ peaks, trekking remote valleys, and mountain biking legendary descents, Bolivia adventure travel definitely surprised us. Here we share our paragliding adventure after spending a couple of weeks falling in love with the city!
The experience that surprised us most was paragliding in Bolivia, something neither of us had ever tried before, and one that now has us completely hooked. There's nothing quite like that weightless feeling as you soar high above the ground.
Travel is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, and in La Paz after trying Paragliding ourselves we've put together this guide covering what to expect including our experience with AndesXtremo.
Here’s our experience of paragliding in La Paz and why we think you need to add it to your Bolivia bucket list!
Logistics of Paragliding in La Paz
Where? There's three main take off sites all about 40 minutes away from La Paz. Our guides, Miguel and Diego picked us up in the morning and we headed to the third site high up in the mountains.
When? Most flights take place in the morning, of course weather dependent. Interestingly, in the wet season you can only fly in the morning as the weather rolls in, but in the dry season it's possible to fly in the afternoon as well.
Duration? The flight lasts between 20-40 minutes and trust us you'll love every second!
Landing? Each site has its own dedicated landing area, from there you'll be picked back up by the mini bus (meaning you can leave your bag during the flight.)
Cost? Paragliding costs around ~$75 with AndesXtermo
Book? Head over to andesxtremo.com to book, contact them on WhatsApp at: +591 70193392
What is Paragliding? And Why You Should Do It In La Paz
Time slows down as you wait at the top of the mountain, your heart rate quickens and you’re instructed to run off the end of a mountain…
As you run you feel your weight being lifted by the wing, and that’s it you’re soaring high above the ground staring 6000m peaks in the face.
Paragliding is a flying sport, harnessed beneath a big fabric wing, your guides will use the air currents to glide and soar through the air.
Our experienced guides, Miguel and Diego expertly controlled the glider catching pockets of rising air to go higher and higher. This is truly flying!
From a gentle flight we then gave some acrobatics a go! This is the best rollercoaster of your life, your stomach drops and you’re left swooping left and right as you plummet down, before being expertly caught.
One thing we loved about Paragliding with AndesXtremo was how they took our feelings into consideration. If you’re nervous or get motion sick they can cater the flight to you, Mike of course wanted the most extreme tricks… while Kate went with a more gentle flight, this was possible due to the amazing guides.
Our Experience of Paragliding in Bolivia
Now getting out of our comfort zones was the goal when we left to travel, and this successfully plonked us right outside.
As we wound up the incredibly steep mountain road in our passenger van, thinking I should have put my seatbelt on, we climbed higher and higher each corner narrower than the last before we summited the top to be confronted with the most beautiful mountain range, sprinkled with a layer of snow.
This was one of three launch sites used and wow was it beautiful, the view temporarily distracting from all the nerves about the flight.
It wasn’t long before we were strapped in and given our briefing on how to take off! Face forward (incredibly important), walk and then when instructed, run… and do not stop running until told!
Although the take off may look chaotic it’s controlled and you can feel the pull of the wing way before you step off the mountain edge, then you sit back in your seat and enjoy the flight which is incredibly relaxing. You soar, glide and feel the pull of wind as around you the scenery floats past.
Honestly, it’s hard to capture the feeling of paragliding, that’s why you have to try it for yourself, but I’ll give it a go.
You're weightless, flying high on the pull of the currents before swooping down, for us it was even better flying next to each other, the feeling of freedom washes over you and you can only think of the exact moment you're in.
Kate’s flight calmer and steady, Mike's full of extreme acrobatic tricks that would make anyone's stomach turn!
The landing was effortless, feet touching down on the grass. It was then hard to wipe the smiles off our faces, the mix of adrenaline and pure joy doing its job.
Looking for other unique experiences in Bolivia? Check out Chuchini Lodge, the great alternative to Rurrenabaque!
Where Is Paragliding in La Paz?
Located in the heart of the city, AndesXtremo is perfect for both the backpacker and overlander who want to explore La Paz or further!
Although, their office is in the city but the Paragliding flights take place 30-40 minutes drive away (all transport sorted by the tour company) in the mountains. What is so great about Miguel and his team though is that they can cater to you. If you already know how to fly they can offer unique expeditions to the best launch sites across the country!
AndesXtremo - The Company
The La Paz branch was founded by local Bolivian and adventure junkie, Miguel, AndesXtremo was originally created in Cochabamba 23 years ago and offers exactly what they say, extreme adventure tours. From Paragliding, mountaineering and biking we were drawn to their tagline: Extreme Adventure in Bolivia.
We were also drawn in by the good reviews and the certifications their pilots hold, considering Bolivia’s Paragliding flights are not all regulated, it’s nice to know you’re flying with a professional.
After meeting Miguel we knew we made the right choice with AndesXtremo, his professionalism and passion made us feel in safe hands. This is a company who specialises in unique tours, not just the classics of death road and Huayna Potosí, in fact they want to show you the hidden side of Bolivia that is untouched and magical.
Not only do they offer tandem flights, perfect for beginners, they also offer training courses for students who want to fly for themselves… something Mike now wants to look into for the future.
What Else Does AndesXtremo Offer For Your Bolivian Adventure?
AndesXtremo specialise in mountain biking, trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering as well as paragliding, but they also go beyond La Paz to Uyuni, Cochabamba, the Amazon and deep into the Andes, wanting to share the entire country with you!
What we love is their ability to adapt to what you want to do, whether that's a focus on mountain biking, a tour of the whole country or learning to Paraglide, they’re ready to help you experience Bolivia’s adventurous side!
Learn to Paraglide in Bolivia
Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills with an advances piloting course La Paz is the place to learn.
The popular initiation course takes place over 8 days, allowing you to experience 10 solo flights all guided and monitored by radio. AndesXtremo are the only pilots in La Paz that are APPI certified, meaning they have international standard, allowing you to continue with progression in more than hundred countries around the world.
Head over to andesxtremo.com to see the full range of tours and start planning your trip to Bolivia.
Common Questions About Paragliding in La Paz
Is Paragliding in La Paz Safe?
Of course all extreme sports come with risk but Paragliding is generally considered safe when flying with a certified professional. As Bolivia doesn’t regulate flights and pilots (crazy!) we chose to go with AndesXtremo to be sure!
Do I Need Experience?
No, you will be flying in tandem with a certified pilot, meaning all you need to do is listen to the instructions and enjoy the flight! In fact, Kate’s not keen on heights and she loved it… so no experience needed.
What If I get Motion Sickness or Nervous?
Despite living in a car, Kate does get motion sickness, Diego was amazing taking her flight easy, checking she was okay and remember you can always ask to land if you don’t feel good. That said, don’t let any worries stop you from this incredible experience.
What Should I Wear?
As you’re flying it will be cold, remember you’re nearly 4000m high, plus the wind chill. Wear a warm jumper and suitable shoes that you can run in for take off.
How Do I Book With AndesXtremo?
Head over to andesxtremo.com to book, contact them on WhatsApp at: +591 70193392 or book directly Online Here.
Is Paragliding in La Paz Worth It?
Yes! Paragliding is absolutely worth it, especially if you're looking for a unique adventure in South America. La Paz has a way of pushing you further than you planned. We came to this city not knowing what to expect and left with new memories, experiences and a long list of reasons to come back. Paragliding was just the beginning, if this is what stepping outside your comfort zone feels like then let’s keep going!
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
These are some of the travel tools we love and use daily, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your Bolivian adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
.png)
Comments