Guatemala is home to some of the most awesome adventure experiences in Central America. From climbing volcanoes to exploring Mayan ruins. But what about flying? Paragliding in Panajachel is probably the closest you will get to flying in Guatemala. Offering a unique way to observe the natural landscapes, as well as providing an exhilarating activity to get the adrenaline pumping!
So if you are thinking about paragliding in Panajachel, this guide is for you! I will take an in-depth look at what paragliding in Lake Atitlan is like; I’ll share my personal experiences of doing it as well as some information and tips you should know before you go.
Where to go paragliding in Guatemala?
The best place to paraglide in Guatemala is at Lake Atitlan in the western highlands. More specifically, the town of Panajachel.
Panajachel (or ‘Pana’), is the largest lakeside town and main transport hub of Lake Atitlan. This makes taking to the skies easily accessible from Antigua; northern Guatemala; or anywhere else in the country!
But why is Panajachel good for paragliding?
Firstly, Lake Atitlan offers magical views over both the lake and its surrounding volcanoes. From the skies, you will be able to see Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro volcanoes as well as the lake and nearby villages.
Secondly, the weather around Lake Atitlan regularly provides ideal conditions for paragliding. Warm days and cool nights in this region of Guatemala are relatively consistent, and the winds generally aren’t too strong. Plus, it rains rarely which reduces the chance of cancellation!
Lastly, the town of Panajachel has several reputable paragliding companies. This healthy competition between companies pushes them to offer the best (and safest experience) possible!
When to go paragliding in Panajachel?
While there is no official ‘paragliding season’ in Guatemala, the best time of year to paraglide is during the dry season (November-May). During this time there is less chance of rain, meaning less chance of cancellation. Plus clearer days with better views are more frequent!
If you are in Guatemala outside of the dry season, you should still be able to paraglide as long as there’s no rain and there are thermals to provide lift.
The best time of day to book your paragliding in Panajachel is late-morning or early afternoon. This gives the land sufficient time to warm up and create the necessary thermals required to glide. More thermals usually means longer flights and better value for money.
However, earlier in the morning or later in the day may provide other benefits such as more beautiful light or less-turbulent flights.
Is Paragliding in Panajachel Safe?
For the most part, paragliding in Guatemala is safe.
I’m not trying to convince you that soaring several hundred meters in the sky is normal, but paragliding in Panajachel is no more dangerous than anywhere else in the world.
Like any extreme sport, paragliding carries its risks (ground collision, faulty equipment, mid-air collision, changeable weather). However, as long as you book with a reputable company, such as Real World Paragliding, you should have nothing to worry about.
Credited companies will provide experienced pilots; reliable equipment; and prioritise your comfort as well as your safety throughout the experience. They also won’t risk flying if conditions are questionable.
The flight in Panajachel doesn’t involve jumping off cliff edges nor does it involve freefalls. Instead, I experienced controlled landings and smooth gliding through the air!
NOTE: If you request, some tandem fliers can take you on more of a thrill ride.
What to expect?
How much does paragliding in Panajachel cost?
A standard tandem flight over Lake Atitlan costs 750GTQ, which equates to around £75 or $95 USD.
This includes your guide, equipment, transport from the office to the take-off point, and the flight itself.
This doesn’t include the price for photos which was an additional 150GTQ with Real World Paragliding.
How long will you be in the air?
Most flights over Lake Atitlan last between 25-45 minutes. Often companies are open to negotiating longer flights if you are willing to pay more.
If it’s your first time paragliding, the time will fly by (excuse the pun)! But 30+ minutes is plenty of time to get a taster, enjoy the views, and take plenty of photos.
Do you need training or experience to fly?
If you are doing a tandem flight, you do not need any training or experience to paraglide. Your experienced pilot will handle everything so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views!
Can you take a camera paragliding?
Yes, you can bring a camera paragliding.
If you are doing a tandem flight over Lake Atitlan, you will have both your hands free to take photos, hold on, or pretend you’re flying (depending on which category you fall into!).
GoPros are perfect for this, particularly the 360 cameras. You can clip on with a chest harness or use a handheld selfie stick.
If you don’t want to bring your own camera, most companies will offer their footage captured during the flight for around 150GTQ.
My personal experience of paragliding in Panajachel
During my 3 weeks backpacking in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan was high on my list of places to explore.
Since I was transiting through Panajachel anyway, I wanted to make the most of my time there. Paragliding sounded like the most adventurous thing I could do, and Panajachel looked like a stunning location to try it for the first time!
I enquired online about the availability of tandem paragliding flights with Real World Paragliding. There were multiple slots available for the following day, so I opted for the 12:30 slot.
Pre-Flight
On the day, I rocked up at their small office, signed a few consent forms and paid in cash. We met the pilots (Andres and Christian) who were friendly and extremely enthusiastic about the day ahead!
Once everyone had arrived (there were only three of us), the team loaded up the gear into the minibus and we headed up towards the launch point at an altitude of 2020m. It was around a 30-minute drive from the Real World Paragliding office up into the hills overlooking Panajachel.
We were paired up with our respective pilots. They then prepared all of the equipment and explained to us individually what we would need to do.
It sounded simple. Just a case of moving forward, backward, and then gliding off. I had visions of sprinting towards the edge of a cliff but there was none of that thankfully!
I was given my helmet and then we geared up one by one! I went second to scope out what it was like!
Then we were up in the air.
Paragliding over Lake Atitlan
The first few airborne moments involved the pilot making sure we were comfortable and in the correct position. I was able to sit back with my feet out in front of me.
Then we went in search of the thermoclines to gain some elevation! Birds acted as a helpful indicator of where the thermoclines were which helped us navigate. Swooping over the hills we circled higher and higher, moving further away from our starting point.
We had incredible views across Lake Atitlan, looking out towards the volcanoes. But also, the birdseye views of smaller, nearby towns such as Santa Catarina Palopo and Panajachel were awesome.
Once we had enough altitude, Andres directed us over the lake and away from the warmer winds. As we flew across the lake and towards Pana, we took some epic photos and my pilot explained the landing procedure.
After gliding down over the town of Panajachel, we lined up for landing by the Panajachel River (1560m). I shuffled forward, straightened my legs, and got ready to start walking forward.
I’d seen videos online of paragliders landing at high speeds or on the bums, but this was as smooth as anything! We landed upright and on our feet.
My pilot helped me de-kit and we packed the gear back up again and jumped into a tuk-tuk to take us back to the office. Fitting paragliding gear and two people in the back of a tuk-tuk is an extremely tight squeeze!
Tips for paragliding at Lake Atitlan
What to wear paragliding in Panajachel?
To paraglide in Panajachel you should wear:
- Comfortable clothes
- Sunglasses: Protection from the sun is needed as it gets very bright when it’s sunny, particularly with any reflections from the lake.
- Sturdy shoes: Anything that won’t come off during take-off or landing
- Helmet: Provided by the tour company.
You should dress slightly warmer than you would on the ground as it is cooler and breezier when paragliding up high. Shorts, trousers or leggings are all fine, but a fleece or hoodie is a good idea.
Anything with zip pockets is helpful for safely securing your belongings during the flight.
You won’t be paragliding in the rain, so there’s no need to bring a raincoat, though a windbreaker could be good on a cooler day.
I went in January and wore shorts, my trainers, a T-shirt with a fleece over the top and my sunglasses. In hindsight, I probably didn’t need the fleece, but I also didn’t overheat wearing it so it was good to have. I also packed a cap but decided to leave it in their office in case of wind.
What else to bring paragliding in Panajachel?
Besides the clothes you are wearing, you may need a few other things for the day:
- Suncream: To protect you when you’re in the sun.
- Wallet: Pay for the paragliding and any additional photos.
- Water (snacks optional): As long as you are hydrated pre-beforehand, you shouldn’t need to take water up to the launch point.
- Camera: GoPro or 360 camera is recommended but you can always use your phone.
- Phone string: An easy way to ensure you don’t drop your phone.
- Anti-nausea tablets: Helps avoid motion sickness.
I brought a small rucksack with my belongings and left the non-essentials at their office. I kept my trusty bumbag on me containing my phone, wallet, and some Oreos. My guide tucked away my empty water bottle into a compartment in the equipment.
I am chronically over-prepared, so you could simply turn up with just the cash required and be ready to go!
How to avoid motion sickness when paragliding?
Not everyone will experience motion sickness when paragliding, but it is common (particularly with beginners).
It occurs because the movement your eyes see (i.e. the glider moving forward) differs from what your body feels (i.e. a stationary sensation).
Here are some tips to help avoid motion sickness:
- Avoid alcohol pre-flight
- Eat light before your flight
- Take anti-nausea or travel-sickness pills
- Focus on the horizon or any fixed point (any of the volcanoes will do)
- Take deep breaths
You should tell your tandem pilot if you start to feel any symptoms of motion sickness. These include nausea, headaches, dizziness, or excessive sweating. Your pilot should be able to adapt their flying style to something more gentle.
Which Panajachel Paragliding Company to Choose?
The main paragliding companies in Lake Atitlan are Real World Paragliding; Eagles in Flight; and Xocomil Tours. There are also smaller operators that don’t have websites and operate more locally in Panajachel to tourists on foot. Several hostels also offer paragliding, but it is cheaper to book directly with the paragliding company.
I opted for Real World Paragliding, which is the most popular tour operator in the area. I can’t speak for the other companies, but I highly recommend Real World Paragliding. Their customer service was good, with quick and clear responses while booking and friendly staff in person, all speaking good English. Their office is well located in the heart of Panajachel meaning it’s easy to pop in and ask questions in person.
Most importantly, the pilots were experienced and made me feel comfortable and safe throughout. This is more than can be said for some other companies, having seen the chaos on the landing strip! While we landed smoothly and packed away efficiently, I saw other gliders coming in fast and dangerously.
Whichever company you choose to paraglide in Lake Atitlan with, the views are amazing!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide to paragliding in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy paragliding!
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