Why Ecuador
Quito sits at 2,850m. Baños launches from the flanks of Tungurahua. The thermals are strong, the scenery is absurd, and the flight window runs almost year-round. Most international paragliding destinations have a season. Ecuador doesn't.
Where to Fly
Baños de Agua Santa
The top site in the country. Launches above the town, views of Tungurahua and the Pastaza gorge, reliable thermals from 10am–2pm. The infrastructure for tandem flights is the most developed in the country. Flights run 15–30 minutes tandem; XC pilots can extend significantly.
Quito
Specifically the valleys north and east of the city (Tumbaco, Cumbayá, Puembo corridor) offer technically interesting flying with the Pichincha massif as a backdrop. Urban thermals are stronger than expected. Several schools operate here for beginner instruction — including AeroPark, the dedicated landing zone in Lumbisí.
Mindo
Cloud forest flying, lower altitude, more humid. Unusual conditions compared to the high sierra. Less developed but genuinely spectacular.
Cuenca
An emerging site, especially for XC. Less crowd pressure than Baños, good valley systems.
New to paragliding? AeroPark's Nativa Camp runs guided tandem flights from Cerro Auqui and Cruz Loma, right into Quito's official landing zone. See flight prices and routes →
For Novices
Tandem flights are widely available in Baños and Quito. No experience required. Expect 15–30 minutes, GoPro footage included with most operators. Book in the morning — afternoon wind conditions vary.
For Experienced Pilots
Bring your own gear or rent locally in Baños. Conditions suit EN-B and EN-C wings comfortably. Altitude affects performance — allow extra margin on your familiar glide numbers. The Pastaza valley offers genuine XC potential. Check with local pilots on launch windows — the Tungurahua microclimate has its own rules.
For Competitive Pilots
Ecuador hosts national-level competitions, particularly in the Baños corridor. The altitude, consistent thermals, and undeveloped airspace make it attractive for task-setting. Contact the Federación Ecuatoriana de Deportes Aéreos for current calendar events.
Fly into AeroPark
Quito's dedicated paragliding landing zone in Lumbisí — routes from Cruz Loma and Cerro Auqui, plus Nativa Camp for camping, hiking and cinema under the stars.
Get Directions →