Colombia XC

Colombia offers a great combination of reliable, consistent and calm thermals, with a variety of flatland and mountain routes.

Trips in Jan / Feb 2026

Join us for an unforgettable 12-day paragliding adventure in Colombia’s Cauca Valley, one of the world’s premier destinations for cross-country (XC) flying. Colombia offers some of the most reliable flying conditions in the world, when most of Europe is still in midst of winter. With consistent thermals, breathtaking landscapes, and long-distance flight potential, this trip is perfect for pilots looking to improve their skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the thrill of extended XC flights.

Join us for an unforgettable paragliding experience, flying over rolling mountains, lush valleys, coffee plantations, and picturesque towns. Immerse yourself in Colombia’s rich culture, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and explore vibrant towns full of history.

World-Class XC Flying – Fly a mix of mountain and flatland routes, offering a variety of XC opportunities with flights typically ranging from 50 to 100 km and lasting 4-6 hours daily. Mornings begin with mountain launches, transitioning to flatland flying in the afternoons for optimal conditions.

Stunning Landscapes – Fly over rolling mountains, lush valleys, coffee plantations, and picturesque towns, offering a truly breathtaking flying experience.

Full Retrieve Service – Our team ensures a hassle-free experience, picking you up wherever you land, so you can focus on flying without worry.

Multiple Flying Sites – Experience several launch locations within the Cauca Valley, each offering unique flying conditions and opportunities for long XC flights.

Guidance & Coaching – Whether you want to refine your thermal techniques, improve flight planning, or set personal XC records, our expert guides will be there to help.

Our aim for our trips will be to maximise XC flying potential each day, either by out and returns, triangles or downwind dashes as far the conditions allow.  Book your place today and experience one of the best paragliding destinations in the world!

Itinerary Options - Choose Your Adventure !

XC1: January 12 - 23, 2026

🏡 Stay in Two Locations: Santa Elena (Piedechinche) & Roldanillo

Start with five days at Piedechinche, an excellent warm-up site with mellow thermals and open terrain. Then move to our La Union finca to fly from Roldaniilo, Colombia’s XC hotspot, for seven days of epic cross-country flying over the famous Cauca Valley.

XC2: January 26 - February 6, 2026

🏡 Stay in La Unión – Settle into our lovely farmhouse for your trip to be at the heart of the action. You’ll have easy access to Roldanillo and Ansermanuevo, two of the best XC sites in Colombia, with plenty of flying time and a deep dive into XC flights.

XC3: February 9 - 20, 2026

🏡 Stay in Piedechinche – A relaxed 12-day trip based in Piedechinche, staying in Santa Elena and flying from three different takeoffs. The westerly-facing launch sites allow later starts and flying into the evening, with little effect from the Pacific wind. This option is perfect for pilots who want to avoid the crowds of Roldanillo and enjoy big out-and-return triangles, often landing right by the bar or hotel. The gentle conditions also allow for restarts, making it an excellent choice for maximizing airtime.

Travel & Accommodation

For XC1, the plan is to fly into Cali on 11th Jan and out of Pereira Airport on 24th Jan.

For XC2, the plan is to fly in on 25th Jan and out on 7th Feb, using Periera Airport.

For XC3, the plan is to fly in on 8th Feb and out on 21st Feb, using Cali Airport.

Airport transfers available from Pereira or Cali at a shared cost.

Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast included. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Evenings can be spent dining at local restaurants or enjoying group meals at the accommodation. There are plenty of taxis and bikes for local evening transport around the town.

Fees & Dates

  • Fees : £1900
    includes XC guidance, daily mountain transport, site fees, b&b on twin sharing basis and a full retrieve service.
  • XC1 : Jan 12 - 23, 2026 (12 days)
    Piedechinche, Roldanillo & Ansermanuevo
    Team : Debu, Eddie, Foram
  • XC2 : Jan 26 - Feb 6, 2026 (12 days) 
    Roldanillo and Ansermanuevo
    Team : Chris, Pete, Foram 
  • XC3 : Feb 9 - 20, 2026 (12 days)
    Piedechinche 
    Team : Chris, Pete, Foram 
  • Secure your spot with a deposit of £300, balance payment by Sept 2025
  • Book Now >

Flying Sites

Roldanillo

Roldanillo is Colombia’s XC paragliding hotspot, offering consistent thermals, high cloud bases, and endless flatland transitions. With its smooth takeoff, reliable lift, and easy landings, it’s perfect for both experienced pilots and those looking to build XC confidence. The valley’s ideal weather and breathtaking landscapes make it a world-class flying destination.

Ansermanuevo
Ansermanuevo is a lovely site with a manicured boutique launch, consistent thermals and incredible XC potential. Unlike busier Roldanillo, it offers a quieter, less crowded flying experience, making it perfect for focused XC progression. The site extends the southern XC route by an additional 40 km, while also opening up the possibility of a stunning northern flight into the Viterbo Valley. Ansermanuevo is also less affected by the Pacifico winds, allowing for more flexible flight planning and even the chance to restart flights if needed. It’s an excellent choice for pilots looking to push their limits.

Piedechinche
Piedechinche has multiple westerly-facing takeoffs, known for its later starts and smooth, predictable conditions. Unlike other sites in the region, it is not typically affected by the Pacifico wind, allowing for consistent afternoon flying. Mornings start with gentle thermals, making it an ideal site for warm-up flights and XC training, while the stronger afternoon cycles provide great opportunities for longer flights into the valley. With an easy launch, reliable lift, and scenic routes, Piedechinche is a fantastic choice for pilots looking to build confidence and refine their XC skills.

Conditions & Weather

Colombia’s dry season from January to February offers some of the most reliable flying conditions in the world, with consistent thermals, high cloud bases, and light winds. The Cauca Valley enjoys over 300 flyable days per year, making it an XC pilot’s paradise.

During a normal season, pilots can expect gentle morning thermals, strengthening throughout the day to support long-distance flights. By mid-afternoon, conditions typically mellow out, providing smooth landings and safe retrieves.

Pilot Level & Suitability

With reliable January-February weather, warm air, and long flying days, Colombia is the ultimate winter escape for XC pilots. Whether you’re pushing personal bests or simply enjoying stress-free thermal flying, this region offers something for everyone.

Adventurous Pilots – If you love exploring new flying destinations, experiencing different cultures, and making the most of every flight, XC1 is the trip to join.

Advanced Pilots Looking to Improve XC Strategy – Learn how to read conditions, plan efficient routes, and fly farther with confidence, join us on XC2.

✅ Intermediate XC Pilots
– If you don't enjoy crowded sites, want to fly all day long with the option of two flights a day, can takeoff and fly independently, make safe landing choices, and want to master your thermal carving whilst pushing your XC flying skills, XC3 is for you!

Typical Routes

Our aim is to have everyone getting personal bests and making the most out of the conditions. To give you an idea, on our last trip we flew everyday and 50km was a common average, with the lead group often doing 90+ km flights and flying for 4-6 hours on most days.

Trip Checklist

01.

Flying Kit


We assume that you will arrive with a functional paraglider, harness and reserve parachute, vario/gps. 

We recommend you bring along your own Inreach trackers. We can also rent you a flymaster tracker for the trip.

The weather is nice and warm, good enough to fly in shorts and a thin flying jacket and gloves.

02.

Insurance


It is essential that you have travel insurance which covers you for all three points below (with our recommendations) : 
1. Medical Treatment (IMG Signature
2. Medical Repatriation (Global Rescue)
3. Search & Rescue (Garmin SAR High Risk Plan)

Need help on unscrambling paragliding insurance ? Check out Gavin McLurg's page which is regularly updated with top advice.

Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated with our upcoming trips and latest gear releases
We do not share your info with anyone