It’s normal to have doubts and questions about our sport. It’s not something you see every day, and it’s practiced far from large cities and crowds. Here is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If your question isn’t answered in this section, please call us at +506 8616 7709, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
- Cobano Autogyro
- Celebrations and Birthdays
- People with disabilities
- Paragliding Rivas
- Paragliding in Jacó
- Esterillos East Paratrike
- Paragliding on Sunday
- Paragliding in Turrialba
- Skydiving in Quepos
- Reservations and Payments
- Security and Requirements
- How Flight Works
- Weather and Cancellations
- Photos and Video
- Terms and Conditions
Our paratrike activity at Esterillos Este Beach, 15 minutes from Jacó, is the most economical tour we offer. It's a 15-minute flight for 49,000 córdobas, or its equivalent in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
The Rivas launch site (Alex Launch) is at an altitude of 1,750 meters—the highest in Costa Rica. This allows for a unique high-altitude flight experience, with panoramic views over the El General Valley, coffee plantations, and Chirripó.
Yes, beach access is direct, without physical barriers. The parking area is clearly marked and perfectly flat, providing easy access to the beach and the launch area. We offer all the services of the Sunset del Mar Hotel, which is just a few meters away.
Yes, we can coordinate several consecutive or simultaneous flights depending on the size of the group.
Yes, sunset times are available subject to weather conditions and availability.
Yes, we'll coordinate the exact moment with you to ensure the surprise is perfect, including drone footage if you wish.
Yes, we design the banner with the message, name or phrase of your choice, for a small extra cost.
Each flight is personalized. That's why we ask for a brief pre-booking evaluation before confirming your reservation.
Yes. The paratrike allows for takeoff and landing without a running start, and we have an assisted transfer protocol.
Yes, we recommend booking in advance. You will receive a confirmation on your mobile phone, and the appointment will be reconfirmed 24 hours prior, depending on the weather conditions.
The 30-minute tour flies over the cliffs of Tangomar, the beaches of Montezuma, and reaches Cabuya. The 60-minute tour extends the route, passing over Tambor, Cabo Blanco National Park, and the beaches of Mal País, Playa Hermosa, and Santa Teresa.
Depending on the route chosen, you will fly over the cliffs and waterfall of Tangomar, Cocalito Beach, Playa Grande (Romelia Refuge), Piedra Colorada, Montezuma, Cabuya and its cemetery island, and on the long tour also Tambor, Cabo Blanco, Mal País and Santa Teresa.
A gyrocopter (or autogyro) is a lightweight aircraft whose rotor spins freely in the air while a rear-mounted engine propels it forward, unlike a helicopter, where the engine directly drives the rotor. This makes it very stable and safe.
Flights take off from the Cóbano Aerodrome, on the Nicoya Peninsula, about 20 minutes from Santa Teresa and Montezuma.
Please check the specific activity conditions before booking, as skydiving has different age and weight requirements than other activities such as paragliding or paratriking. Minimum age: 18 years. Maximum weight: 115 kg (extra charge for weight over 90 kg).
Completely different. In Turrialba, you'll fly over a landscape of mountains, volcanoes, and agricultural valleys instead of the coast and ocean. The flight is more scenic, with the unique sight of the active volcano in the foreground. It's a flight where dressing warmly is highly recommended!
Yes. Turrialba Volcano is clearly visible from a paraglider in La Pastora. On clear days, Irazú Volcano can also be seen. It's the only flight of
Paragliding in Costa Rica with direct views of an active volcano from the air.
The video and photos are a extra service, which is unrelated to the Pura Vida Paragliding Reserve, in some The package is included and clearly indicated in the booking conditions. As a general rule, the process to follow is book the service directly with the pilot before flying. This way, he can specify how he wants the material recorded, since he is ultimately responsible for the recording, editing, and subsequent distribution. Any questions can be directed to the... reception and subsequent shipment The videos and photos should be sent to pilot who made the recording.
We'll meet at Dominicalito Beach. From there, we'll travel together in a 4x4 vehicle to the launch site at Cerro Escaleras. The exact location and time will be confirmed 24 hours in advance via WhatsApp.
Yes. From paragliding in Dominical you can see the waters of Marino Ballena National Park, a humpback whale watching area from July to
November.
Approximately 15 minutes. This time is approximate and may vary depending on the day's weather conditions. The pilot decides the duration and route based on wind and thermals.
We'll contact you 24 hours in advance to confirm the weather conditions. If the weather isn't ideal, we'll cancel at no cost, reschedule for another day, or offer you an alternative activity with enough notice so your trip isn't wasted.
Equipment certified and renewed annually. We are official distributors of paragliding flight equipment. Niviuk for Costa Rica Panama
Certified pilot. Licenses in SPAIN: Paragliding #3579 (FAM-FAI), Paramotor #3579 (FAM), Skydiving #3579 (FAE). Paragliding Sports Technician I
Other certifications: Red Cross (water rescue), Professional Certificate (Spain, 2012).
More than 25 years of flying experience: Xpeedfly (Spain), Nemaclys (Caldera) and Parapente Pura Vida (Aranjuez / Esterillos Este)
Up-to-date insurance policy: INS paragliding/paramotor insurance. With specific coverage for our activity and flying area.
El Mirador – Restaurante de Caldera (Puntarenas), known as NEMACLYS, is permanently closed. The owner shut down the business, and it is now a private residence with no public access. Parapente Pura Vida offers paragliding activities in Aranjuez de Puntarenas and Esterillos Este.
The price includes:
All the necessary equipment.
A certified instructor.
20–30 seconds of free fall.
A 5- to 8-minute parachute flight.
Jump Certificate.
A brief warm-up before the adventure.
Photos and videos, if purchased as part of the package, are delivered in standard edited format. As a matter of company policy, unedited clips are not provided.
Flight information:
We'll be jumping from a Cessna 182, so each flight will carry 2 people, 2 instructors, and the pilot.
For safety reasons, both for participants and instructors, cameras, cell phones, and personal electronic devices are not permitted. The entire experience—from the interview, the flight, the freefall, the parachute descent, and the landing—will be recorded by each instructor’s camera.
Recording is permitted before and after the jump within the facility.
Recommendations
Comfortable sportswear
Closed-toe shoes required
Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and extra clothes
Eat a light meal before jumping
You can bring snacks
Allow 3 to 5 hours for the entire experience (depending on external factors such as the weather)
Restrictions:
Personal items are not allowed on the plane (cell phones, action cameras, etc.).
It is prohibited to jump with objects that interfere with the instructor's work or pose a risk.
The consumption of alcohol or psychotropic substances is not permitted before the jump.
Damaged, marked, or torn bills will not be accepted.
Maximum weight allowed: 90 kg (198 lb). A surcharge will be applied for every 5 kg over the limit, up to a maximum of 115 kg.
For adventurers 18 years of age or older only.
Reservation Policy:
A deposit of $100 per person is required to make the reservation; this deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. If the participant does not show up on the day of the jump, the reservation will be forfeited, except in cases of force majeure, in which case a medical certificate must be submitted at least 4 days in advance. If, due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control, the jump cannot take place on the scheduled day, it will be rescheduled. at no additional cost.
To make a reservation, we offer the following options:
Maximum weight of 115 kg.
For adventurers 18 years of age or older only.
Please read carefully! Important: If foreign nationals pay in cash, the 13% tax does not apply to them.
At Parapente Pura Vida WE DON'T GAMBLE WITH OUR PASSENGERS' LIVES. We have a very strict policy regarding the SAFETY because we work in a constantly changing “environment” and we have to stay one step ahead.
For this reason, we do not reconfirm the activity until 12 hours in advance, and we keep the lines of communication open via WhatsApp to keep you informed at all times about weather conditions and whether it is 100% SAFE to go on the tour. Our goal is always to help you avoid wasting time, spending money unnecessarily, or making unnecessary trips.
Please be aware that the tropical climate is very unpredictable and changeable. In certain situations, strong winds can sweep us dangerously far out into the Pacific Ocean. Or it may happen that conditions prevent us from meeting the agreed-upon times or conditions. We’re not SANSA; a paraglider is literally a leaf in the wind—we’re 100% dependent on the weather.
We follow the same protocol with all of our clients.
If the activity is not considered 100% SAFE or if we believe that the agreed-upon expectations will not be met, we will issue an advance warning, cancel the activity, reschedule it, or offer an alternative activity.
Our priority is:
1. SAFETY
2. PROVIDE THE BEST EXPERIENCE
3: EMPATHY with the customer.
We won't waste your time or your money, nor will we send you on a fruitless trip. More than 400 5-star reviews attest to our work and reliability. Pura Vida!!
Pura Vida Paragliding, in the capacity of reservation center, operates with the leading companies and reliable companies in Costa Rica within the tourism sector of aviation activities. This represents a warranty For anyone who wants to take a activity with confidence to know that the operators meet all the relevant requirements. Each assigned tour operator to the selected activity applies its own terms, conditions, and policies Therefore, those who book with us are ultimately responsible for the activity. Our role is to constantly monitor the activity and service of our operators to ensure they comply with our safety standards and protocols.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PARAGLIDING / PARAMOTOR / PARATRIKE FLIGHTS:
Liability for Risks in Flight Operations: To fly with Parapente Pura Vida or its authorized operators, you must accept the risks associated with this extreme sport (including accidents and possible injuries, even the most serious ones, such as loss of life). You must therefore be in good mental and physical condition to participate in this activity. Parapente Pura Vida assumes no liability if the person participating in the activity fails to follow the safety guidelines and instructions provided by the instructors and pilots.
Hiring: The activity is considered to be booked through the Parapente Pura Vida reservation center. No advance payment is required to make a reservation; payment for the activity is made on the day of the tour to any of the authorized operators. Payment can be made in dollars or colones, in cash, by credit card (6% fee) through the online store (parapentepuravida.com), or via SINPE. Once the flight reservation is scheduled and the date is set, the participant will receive a RECONFIRMATION of the activity via WhatsApp 24 hours before the activity. This helps us avoid the inconvenience caused by unnecessary travel and potential delays if the forecast weather conditions do not meet the safety requirements for the activity.
If you cancel the activity 24 hours before the scheduled date, please notify us at +506 8616 7709. If you do not show up at the scheduled time on the day of the flight and have already made a payment, you will forfeit your entire reservation.
Insurance: Parapente Pura Vida has civil liability insurance through the INS insurance brokerage, policy number: 0110AVI000000200. We hereby establish that the policy covers civil liability that may arise, directly or indirectly, for the insured as a result of damages unintentionally caused to third parties due to events arising from their participation in active tourism activities. The policy does not cover external accessories such as video cameras, cell phones, jewelry, watches, etc., which are not strictly part of the activity; the loss of any type of personal belongings during the flight is also excluded from the insurance coverage.
Weather conditions: If weather conditions are not suitable for the activity, it is generally due to: light winds (below 5 km/h), strong winds (above 25 km/h), storms, drizzle, turbulence during flight, etc. Inability to access the flight zones due to mud or landslides. If any of the factors mentioned above apply, the Parapente Pura Vida staff will inform participants that the activity cannot take place for safety reasons and will schedule a new date for the flight. We ask those planning to take the flight to keep in mind that safety is the top priority and to be considerate, as this is a sport that depends entirely on weather conditions.
Flight duration: The duration of paragliding flights is subject to weather conditions (wind speed, thermal activity, risk of rain); flight time ranges from 10 to 25 minutes. If conditions prevent the flight time from reaching 10 minutes, it will be considered a descent flight. For paramotor and paratrike flights, flight time is GUARANTEED, unless weather conditions make it advisable for safety reasons to end the flight and land.
Customer's Weight: For safety reasons, Parapente Pura Vida offers flights for passengers weighing between 35 kg and 120 kg. If a passenger exceeds the weight limit on the day of the activity, they will not be allowed to fly, and any advance payment made will not be refunded.
Payment Methods: Payment is due on the day of the activity: it can be made in cash (dollars/colones) or via SINPE. You can also pay by credit or debit card through PayPal in our online store—any bank fees incurred when choosing this payment method are the customer’s responsibility. For the SKYDIVING activity, there is a mandatory reservation fee of 100$ that must be paid at least 48 hours before the jump takes place.
Digital complaint forms: Parapente Pura Vida will provide a digital complaint form to any customer who disagrees with the activity operator's policy.
DISCLAIMER
AGREEMENT TO WAIVE CLAIMS FOR CONTRACTUAL OR NON-CONTRACTUAL CIVIL LIABILITY, RECONTRACTUAL LIABILITY, AND COMPENSATION
ATTENTION
Please read this contract carefully. By signing it, you are waiving any claims and releasing from all liability PARAPENTE PURA VIDA or to any of the operators authorized by it in the event of personal injury or death that you may suffer while participating in any paragliding activity or other activities booked through the parapentepuravida.com reservation center. It is exempt from all PARAPENTE PURA VIDA shall not be held liable if the person participating in the activity fails to follow the safety guidelines and instructions provided by the instructors and pilots specialized in that activity.
WARNING
The practice of paragliding, like some other sports, carries the risk of minor or serious physical injuries, or even death; therefore, the decision to participate is a free and voluntary one.
Among the undersigned, namely PARAPENTE PURA VIDA and/or authorized operators, who, for the purposes of this contract, shall be referred to as THE PROMOTER, on the one hand; and the undersigned, who, for the purposes of this contract, shall hereinafter be referred to as the PARTICIPANT, on the other hand; an agreement has been entered into waiving any claim for contractual or extracontractual civil liability or any claim for compensation arising from the practice of the sport of PARAGLIDING, namely:
FIRST. Contracting Parties: The participant who will be paragliding / paramotoring acknowledges and agrees that whenever this contract refers to the ORGANIZER, it means the party that provided the necessary equipment for this activity, which includes its partners, owners, employees, instructors, agents, maintenance personnel, and operators; the owners of the land used for paragliding; all public entities; as well as the manufacturers and suppliers of the equipment and its components used by the ORGANIZER.
SECOND. Acceptance of Risk. The participant acknowledges that paragliding, paramotoring, and all related activities are sports that involve a calculated risk and an inherent danger, which cannot be completely eliminated even with a certain degree of prevention, care, caution, instruction, or experience. The participant is aware of and understands the range, nature, and extent of the risks involved in the activities covered by this contract. In this sport, unforeseen events may occur for which neither party can be held responsible, due to the unpredictable nature of the activity, which is well known to the participant. The participant, by accepting the risks and possible consequences, voluntarily and freely assumes responsibility for all risks and dangers associated with the practice of paragliding and paramotoring.
THIRD. Release of Liability. The PARTICIPANT hereby releases the ORGANIZER from any and all contractual or extracontractual civil liability or penalties for any damage, injury, death, or physical, emotional, or financial harm arising from this sporting activity. Likewise, the Participant waives any and all claims for compensation, demands, lawsuits, or legal actions for damages incurred during the course of this activity. Furthermore, the Participant releases the Organizer from liability and waives any right to compensation for damages sustained during transportation to the sites of the aforementioned activities, training, and any other activity carried out during the course of this activity or sport.
FOURTH. Agreement Not to Sue. THE PARTICIPANT agrees, and hereby binds his or her heirs, administrators, guardians, or conservators, not to bring any lawsuit, legal action, or similar proceeding against the PROMOTER arising from the activities covered by this contract.
FIFTH. Term of the Agreement. This contract is effective from the moment it is signed and remains in effect for as long as the PARTICIPANT performs the activities specified in this contract, whether on an intermittent or discontinuous basis, such that it is not necessary to sign a similar contract each time a sporting relationship exists between the PARTICIPANT and the PROMOTER.
SIXTH. Insurance. PARAPENTE PURA VIDA I have an insurance policy with INS SEGUROS that provides comprehensive coverage during the activity; however, as I understand it, the coverage is limited, and I acknowledge and agree that any expenses incurred in the event of an accident that exceed the policy’s coverage must be paid by me.
SEVENTH. Medical Conditions. If you suffer from any illness or medical condition that prevents you from participating in paragliding, or if you intentionally conceal such a condition or lie when answering questions about your weight or medical restrictions, you are liable for any consequences.
EIGHTH. Minors. If a person under the age of 18 wishes to engage in paragliding or any activity related to this sport, they must be accompanied by or have written authorization from their parents or legal guardians, who shall sign this contract on behalf of the minor, and, after reading it, in their capacity as parents, any liability arising from their child’s participation in paragliding or any related activity.
I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS CONTRACT AND THE ATTACHED RECOMMENDATIONS, FULLY UNDERSTANDING ITS CONTENTS, AND BY SIGNING OF MY OWN FREE WILL AND VOLUNTARILY, UNDER OATH, I DECLARE THAT I AM AT LEAST EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE.
PARTICIPATING FIRM
C.C.
Flights operated directly by Parapente Pura Vida have all the necessary permits for the activity and a valid INS civil liability and accident insurance policy that covers occupants/passengers. We are responsible for all damages covered by the policy. We also have an exemption from the INS and the DGAC allowing us to take off and land anywhere in the country if necessary.
Pura Vida Paragliding, in the capacity of reservation center, operates with the leading companies and reliable companies in Costa Rica within the tourism sector of aviation activities. This represents a warranty For anyone who wants to take a activity with confidence to know that the operators meet all the relevant requirements. Each assigned tour operator to the selected activity applies its own terms, conditions, and policies in their reserves; they are therefore ultimately responsible for the activity.
To fly with Parapente Pura Vida or its authorized operators, you must accept the risks associated with this extreme sport (including accidents and possible injuries, even the most serious ones, such as loss of life). You must therefore be in good mental and physical condition to participate in this activity. Parapente Pura Vida assumes no liability if the person participating in the activity fails to follow the safety guidelines and instructions provided by the instructors and pilots.
Parapente Pura Vida has a Civil Liability insurance policy with INS insurance brokerage, policy number: 0110AVI000000202 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gU_jivym1oAWxOzta1ocv_V03XZ3nyRW/view?usp=sharing). This policy covers the direct and indirect civil liability that may arise for the insured as a result of damages and losses unintentionally caused to third parties due to events arising from its activity as an adventure tourism business. The policy does not cover external accessories such as video cameras, cell phones, jewelry, watches… which are not properly included in the activity: the loss of all types of personal items during the flight is also excluded from the insurance.
The paratrike (paramotor, motorized paraglider) is a craft that is highly sensitive to atmospheric conditions; therefore, to fly with complete safety, it is necessary to fly under optimal wind conditions and in the absence of thermals. These conditions typically occur in the early hours of the day: from sunrise until the sun warms up enough to begin creating various types of atmospheric phenomena (strong winds, thermals, turbulence, etc.).
The duration of morning stability depends largely on the area where you plan to fly and the time of year. In Esterillos, we enjoy exceptionally good weather almost every day of the year, which means we can fly paratrikes (paramotors, motorized paragliders) in complete safety from sunrise until about 3 or 4 hours after sunrise.
Therefore, a sunny day does not guarantee suitable conditions, just as a cloudy morning does not mean you can’t fly. At Parapente Pura Vida, safety is our top priority. We always conduct a thorough review of the weather forecast and real-time conditions before beginning the activity.
To reserve certain activities (skydiving), a deposit per person is required through SINPE; this deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. If the participant does not show up on the day of the jump, the reservation is forfeited, except in cases of force majeure, provided a medical certificate is submitted at least 4 days in advance. Failure to show up for the appointment (“no-shows”) will result in a charge of 100% of the reservation amount. Failure to show up on the day of the appointment without prior notice or a justified cause of force majeure results in the total loss of the deposit, with no right to a refund. In VERY exceptional cases and due to force majeure—such as transportation issues, blocked access, or personal tragedies—the company reserves the right to apply a compensation policy. ONLY and exclusively in these cases.
If, due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control, the jump cannot take place on the scheduled day, it will be rescheduled at no additional cost.
Flight Information
Participants jump from a Cessna 182, so each flight will carry 2 participants + 2 instructors + the pilot.
For safety reasons, both for participants and instructors, you are not allowed to bring your own cameras, cell phones, and/or electronic devices. The entire experience—from the interview, the flight, the freefall, the descent under the canopy, and the landing—will be recorded on each instructor’s camera. We recommend the following:
Notifications of activity cancellations must be sent via email to the following address: info@xpeedfly.com, or via WhatsApp at +506 8616 7709, including the names of the participants who canceled, the scheduled activity, and the tour date.
We do NOT issue cash refunds for the services or products we offer; instead, we credit the value of the activity and provide a gift certificate valid for one year from the date of issuance. In very exceptional cases and with prior agreement between the parties involved, refunds will be made via bank transfer within 30 days of receipt of the request by the interested party, to the account of the person requesting the refund. The beneficiary must provide: full name, ID number, address, bank account IBAN number (in dollars or colones), phone number, and email address. Upon receipt of this information, a credit invoice will be generated for the interested party, taking into account the expenses incurred, the proportional portion of the activity insurance, value-added tax, administrative fees, transfer fees, and the exchange rate applied to the currency on the date of the activity or purchase of the item.
For certain activities, such as skydiving, gyrocopter flights, or light aircraft flights, a deposit is required at the time of booking to cover potential unforeseen expenses. These expenses, which the company believes should not be incurred as they are beyond its control, nevertheless generate costs in time, materials, and personnel. Once a deposit has been paid for an activity (aerial activity or gift certificate), there are no refunds. However, the activity date can always be rescheduled at any time.
Check availability, location and schedule by filling out the form RESERVATIONS or by calling +506 8616 7709. No reservation is formalized until the interested party receives confirmation of the reservation via WhatsApp.
If using email, reservations must be sent to the following email address: [email protected] with the names of the participants, activity and location, as well as the date of the activity.
Yes, people with any type of motor, visual, or hearing disability can fly perfectly well on a paratrike. We have flown with blind, paraplegic, and quadriplegic passengers. If this applies to you, please let us know before making your reservation so we can adapt the equipment to your needs.
We are an organization that voluntarily collaborates with the Adaptive Surfing Sports Association for the Inclusive Development of Surfing for People with Disabilities in Costa Rica.
It’s normal to have doubts and questions about our sport. It’s not something you see every day, and it’s practiced far from large cities and crowds. Here is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If your question isn’t answered in this section, please call us at +506 8616 7709, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Absolutely! Vertigo is often confused with a fear of heights. With vertigo, we lose our balance and, therefore, our sense of security when looking over a high place. Since we don't have any nearby points of reference, this uncomfortable phenomenon occurs. But in paragliding, we're seated from the start, so we don't need to rely on balance and that feeling of insecurity doesn't arise. All our passengers experience this daily and are pleasantly surprised. This isn't the case with a fear of heights; if that's you, it's best to stay on solid ground…
If you wish to give a gift, you can reserve a gift voucher for any date and download it via email after payment through SINPE, bank transfer to Banco Nacional, PayPal, or credit card. On the day of the activity, simply present the voucher. Gift vouchers are valid for 9 months from the date of purchase. In exceptional and well-justified circumstances, we can extend the validity of the voucher up to one year, provided you inform us and provide adequate justification. The vouchers include the terms and conditions to which they are subject.
The paratrike can fly year-round, regardless of weather conditions. It has a tubular frame that protects the passenger at all times, requires no physical exertion, and protects the knees, ankles, and hips. It allows you to keep both hands free at all times. There are no weight or age restrictions. It can fly higher, farther, reach the clouds, fly at dawn or dusk, and take off from flat terrain. It offers nothing but advantages; anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, can enjoy this activity. Experience a bird's-eye view with a 360° panorama, without any windows or partitions to obstruct your view of the landscape.