Paragliding in the Andes and other Venezuela Sports Travel Tips

Theme: Extreme Sports

Paragliding in the Andean area of Western Venezuela is a fantastic experience. My hiking guide arranged my tandem flight and we drove up the winding mountain road. After the silk chute is laid out behind and you are strapped in, you then wait for the right wind to come along. When the proper wind comes your pilot calls out for you to run! You are running off the end of a steep drop off the mountain. As soon as you think that you are running towards your death, the wind lifts you up in a thrilling swoop and you are airborn. This isn't the type of parachute that simply takes you down to the bottom. You lift upwards downwards, side to side around the mountain. It's not a terrifying sort of feeling, as in bunji jumping..it's a more peaceful, exhilarating sensation. The sound of the wind and sweeping views of the mountain, sky,valley and river below are really something. My words simply can't do it justice, you need to experience it for yourself. Take a look at the pics to give you some idea of how beautiful it really is..they were taking during the flight. Price should be around $50.

Equipment: All the equipment you need is provided by the paraglider pilot. DO TAKE YOUR CAMERA!! I advise you to load up your camera with a new roll of film (if you use film), as changing rolls in mid flight is not easy (trust me).

Leave a Comment

Directions: Flights are from the Tierra Negra, near Gonzalez villiage.....about a 1-2 hour drive outside Merida.

Lovers of horseback riding will enjoy plenty of opportunities in western Venezuela. Great landscapes, waterfalls and mountains will keep you happy as you ride.

Equipment: Wear your grungiest jeans and shoes..and take your camera.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Various places around Western Venezuela.I did it not far from the Hotel los Frailes,where they can recommend a horseback riding guide(see the hotel section for this highly recommended hotel)

Theme: Hiking

The Mountainous Western region of Venezuela is ideal for hiking. Hiring a good guide for the duration will definitely enrich your experience. They can arrange various activities for you, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and paragliding (see my sports category). They might take you to some out of the way places too. Our guide took us on a hike to a natural hot spring up in the mountains..it was awesome! (see my "off the beaten path" category). I arranged my guide through Lost World Adventures (see contacts below). She met and picked me up from Merida airport and was great from beginning to end of the Andean part of the trip.

Equipment: Good, worn in hiking shoes, flashlight and replacement batteries. Spare socks, pants and shirt..in case you get wet. Light and heavy jacket, water.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 404-373-5820
Website: www.lostworldadventures.com