Home / Blog / How to get to San Félix · Updated August 2026

Paragliding in San Félix: How to Get There, What to Expect and Where to Fly

San Félix is the heart of paragliding in Medellín. This district in the mountains of the municipality of Bello, Antioquia, has become the must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of flying over the Aburrá Valley. With its famous Las Águilas launch site, a spectacular natural viewpoint and privileged flying conditions, San Félix welcomes thousands of local and international adventurers every year. In this guide we tell you everything you need to know to get there, what to expect and how to prepare for your flight.

San Félix Location

San Félix is a district belonging to the municipality of Bello, in the Medellín Metropolitan Area. It sits at an altitude of about 2,600 meters above sea level, which gives it a natural advantage as a paragliding takeoff point: the altitude difference with the valley floor (about 1,400 meters) provides the perfect drop for long, thrilling flights.

The exact takeoff point is the Las Águilas launch site, an open area on the mountainside facing west, which lets you take advantage of the thermal currents that form during the day as the sun heats the valley. From here you get a 180-degree panoramic view spanning all of Medellín, Bello, Copacabana and the mountains of western Antioquia.

3 options to get to San Félix

Option 1: VIP transport with your operator (recommended)

The most comfortable and safest way to get to San Félix is with the VIP transport included in your paragliding package. At Alas Madrid Colombia, this service is included in all our packages at no extra cost. The process is simple:

1. You book your flight on WhatsApp at +57 300 204 9090
2. We arrange a pickup point (your hotel, hostel or a central spot in Medellín)
3. Our VIP vehicle picks you up at the agreed time
4. The trip to San Félix takes about 40-50 minutes
5. After the flight, we take you back to the same point

Advantages: You don't need to worry about the route, traffic or the mountain road. You can relax and mentally prepare for your flight. Plus, our driver knows the best routes depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Option 2: Public transport

If you prefer to get there on your own using public transport, this is the most common route:

1. Medellín Metro: Take Line A (orange) northbound to Niquía station, the last station on the line in Bello.
2. Bus or minibus: From Niquía, look for the buses or minibuses that go up to San Félix. They leave from the public transport area near the station. The trip takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and stops.
3. Approximate price: Metro fare (~$3.000 COP) + bus to San Félix (~$3.500-$5.000 COP). Total one way: ~$7.000 COP per person.

Considerations: Bus frequency can be irregular, especially off-peak and on weekends. The road up is winding and the trip can be uncomfortable if you're prone to motion sickness. Also, you'll have to arrange the return transport on your own after the flight, since the landing zone doesn't always coincide with the nearest bus stop.

Option 3: Private vehicle or taxi/ride app

If you have your own vehicle or prefer to go by taxi or ride app (Uber, InDriver, DiDi):

• Route from Medellín: Head toward Bello on the Autopista Norte, take the exit toward downtown Bello and follow the signs to San Félix/Las Águilas. The road is fully paved but has sharp curves and steep grades.
• Estimated time: 40-60 minutes from downtown Medellín, depending on traffic.
• Taxi/ride-app cost: Between $40.000 and $70.000 COP one way. The return can be more expensive since the supply of taxis and ride apps in San Félix is limited.
• Parking: There are informal parking areas near the launch site, usually costing $5.000-$10.000 COP.

Important: If you use ride apps, keep in mind that internet coverage can be intermittent in the upper part of San Félix, making it hard to request a vehicle for the return.

What to expect when you arrive at San Félix?

San Félix is much more than a paragliding takeoff point. When you arrive you'll find:

• The San Félix Viewpoint: A panoramic spot where you can see the entire Aburrá Valley. Many visitors come just for the view, even without flying. It's a perfect place to take photos before or after your flight.
• Takeoff area: The Las Águilas launch site is an open grassy area where pilots prepare the gear. Here you'll receive your safety briefing and be fitted with the harness and helmet.
• Street vendors: Around the viewpoint you'll find food stalls with empanadas, arepas, juices and water. It's a good idea to hydrate before the flight, but avoid eating too much.
• Other paragliders: San Félix is an active flight point. It's common to see several paragliders in the air at once, which gives the place a festive, exciting atmosphere.
• Mountain weather: At 2,600 m, the temperature can be several degrees lower than in Medellín. Bring a jacket or windbreaker, especially if you fly early in the morning.

Flight schedule

Paragliding flights in San Félix generally take place between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., subject to weather conditions. The typical distribution of the day is:

• 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Early conditions, cooler and calmer air. Ideal for smooth, relaxed flights. Less turbulence.
• 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: The thermals begin to kick in. Flights can be longer since the rising currents allow you to gain altitude. It's the window preferred by most pilots.
• 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.: More active conditions. Possibility of strong thermals and exciting flights. Only for experienced tandem pilots.
• 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.: Conditions begin to calm down. The last flights of the day with golden light, perfect for photos and videos.

Important note: Flights depend 100% on the weather. If there's rain, strong winds or thunderstorms, flights are suspended for safety. That's why we always recommend having a backup day in case of a weather cancellation.

Practical tips for your visit to San Félix

1. Sunscreen: UV radiation at 2,600 meters is significantly higher. Apply it generously 30 minutes before arriving.
2. Hydration: Bring a bottle of water. The altitude and wind can dehydrate you quickly.
3. Cash: Street vendors and the parking area usually only accept cash. Bring small bills.
4. Charge your phone: You'll want to take photos and videos. Make sure you have enough battery.
5. Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your flight time for the briefing, gearing up and relaxing.
6. Appropriate clothing: Closed shoes, long pants and a jacket. Avoid loose clothing that could get tangled in the gear.
7. Enjoy the viewpoint: Before or after your flight, take a moment to enjoy the view from the viewpoint. It's one of the best panoramas in Medellín.

The landing zone

The landing takes place in a wide zone located at the lower part of the mountain, generally around Bello. The landing zone sits at a lower altitude than the takeoff point, which contributes to the flight duration. When you land, our VIP transport team will be waiting to take you back to Medellín or to the takeoff point if you wish.

The landing is smooth and controlled: the pilot gradually reduces speed and you both land running a few steps. It requires no special skill on your part, just following the instruction to "run" when the pilot says so.