A launch site unlike anywhere else
Iquique owes its paragliding fame to an unusual piece of geography: Cerro Dragón, a sand dune over 500 metres high, rises just steps from the Pacific coast. Wind blowing in from the sea hits the dune and creates an almost constant updraft, allowing long, stable flights even for people who have never flown before. From the air you see the Atacama Desert, the city and the ocean all at once, a view very few places on the planet offer in a single flight.
What the tandem flight is like
Flights are always tandem with a certified pilot, so no previous experience or training is needed. After a short ground briefing on take-off and landing posture, the pilot handles the entire flight, which usually lasts 15 to 25 minutes depending on the day's wind. Those wanting more air time can ask for gentle acrobatic flights or simply glide calmly over the dune and the bay.
When to fly and what to bring
Conditions are good almost year-round thanks to the steady Pacific wind, though afternoons tend to have stronger thermals than mornings. Comfortable clothing, a light layer for the altitude and sunscreen are recommended, since the desert offers no shade. Since every flight depends on the day's weather, it's worth booking with flexible timing and confirming the departure the same morning.