Tourism in Costa Rica has rapidly become one of the most important activities and main sources of income thanks to the country’s vast biodiversity, splendid beaches and adventure activities.  One of the newest activities that have rapidly gained popularity in Costa Rica is paragliding.

Although the sport has been practiced in Costa Rica for the last 10 years, it wasn’t until 5 years ago that it was legally organized and offered to the public.  Paragliding is practiced by running off a cliff against the wind using a free-flying aircraft.

If you have no experience paragliding there is no need to pout. The Parapente Costa Rica Company offers double-flights.  This means that you can sit comfortably in a two-person harness while the expert guide flies you above the tree canopy.

The people over at Parapente Costa Rica offers trips to over 20 flight points in Costa Rica, however the most popular one is in the mountains in Turrialba.  Turrialba is located in the province of Cartago just 1 hour east of San Jose.

According to one of the instructors, Turrialba is the flight point they most use due to its ideal climate and perfect weather conditions for practicing paragliding.  Another popular spot is in Puntarenas in the Central Pacific Coast.  Several enthusiasts as well as tourists are often spotted in Caldera paragliding over the Pacific Ocean.

Either if you choose to head out to Turrialba or Puntarenas for more than one day, Costa Rica hotels in both areas are easy to find.  Rates range from the low end economic accommodations to the higher end exclusive hotels.