Few cities let you launch from a clifftop park and float above the ocean, but Lima does. The sea breeze rises up the cliffs of the Costa Verde and keeps tandem paragliders aloft almost every day, tracing the coastline above Miraflores and Barranco. A tandem flight pairs you with an experienced pilot who handles the launch, the flying and the landing, so you only need to run a few steps and enjoy the ride. The experience is quiet and surprisingly gentle: you sit in a harness, look down at surfers, beach clubs and the grid of the city, and watch the long cliff line stretch away to the south. Flights are short but memorable, and photos taken from above show a side of Lima that most visitors never see.
Why it matters
Lima is a city built along a cliff edge, and the best way to understand its geography is from above. You can see how the clifftop parks, the modern towers and the coastal highway fit together, and how close the desert comes to the sea. For many visitors it is the standout activity of a city stay, because it requires no previous experience and turns a short trip into a vivid memory.
How to do it
Flights depend on the wind and the light, so most operators fly in the late morning or afternoon when the breeze is steady. Wear closed shoes with good grip, comfortable layers and sunglasses with a strap, and tie back long hair. The pilot gives a briefing before take-off, explaining how to run, when to sit back and how to land. Ask about weight limits, age limits and health restrictions when you book, and be honest about them, because they are there for safety.
Good to know
This is a weather-dependent activity, and flights can be postponed if the wind is too strong, too weak or the mist too thick. The grey season, roughly June to October, can mean low cloud and fewer flights, while summer usually offers clearer skies. Check the weather policy, and keep your schedule flexible so you can move the flight to another day. If you are nervous about heights, tell the pilot, who can adjust the pace of the flight.
Making the most of it
Book early in your stay so that a weather delay does not push you past your departure date. Bring a small bag for belongings that you leave on the ground, and ask whether photos or video are included. Pair the flight with a stroll on the Malecón afterwards to see the spot where you launched, and have a relaxed meal nearby. Travellers who prefer something calmer can enjoy the same views from the clifftop parks and the Love Park, which cost nothing.
What to expect
The experience
A tandem paraglider flight with a pilot, launching from the Miraflores clifftop and flying along the coast before landing near the beach.
Best time
Late morning or afternoon on a clear day, when the sea breeze is steady.
How long
1 to 2 hours
Tips
Wear closed shoes and layers, secure your sunglasses, follow the pilot briefing and keep your schedule flexible for wind delays.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous visitors who want the best view of the coast without any experience.
- Families
- Check age and weight limits first; best for older children and teenagers.
- Couples
- A memorable shared experience, ideal before a sunset dinner.
- Pair with
- The Parque del Amor, the Malecón and dinner in Miraflores.
- Time needed
- Allow around two hours including the briefing and wind checks.
Good questions
Do I need experience?+
No. Flights are tandem, and the pilot handles the launch, flight and landing.
Is it safe?+
Flights are run by experienced pilots with a briefing, but weather and health limits apply, so follow the instructions.
What if the wind is wrong?+
Flights can be postponed or moved, so check the weather policy when you book.
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes, usually. Confirm the limits for your group before you book.
Can I bring a camera?+
Ask the pilot. Many operators offer photos or let you secure a small camera.
