Ballooning in Peru

Visitors to Peru tend to do a lot of flying. It’s easier to fly from one place to another via airplane rather than travel overland, so those who want to truly explore the country will find themselves in the seat of a plane quite often. However, those looking for a different in-the-air experience might consider seeing the country from the basket of a hot air balloon.

Flying in a balloon in the Andes region, over regions such as the amazing Sacred Valley, is simply breathtaking. Globos de los Andes/Aero Sports Club of the Sacred Valley (www.globosperu.com), the only balloon excursion outfitter in the country thus far, offers flights that allow visitors to explore the historic region around Cusco from the air.

The company takes off from a base more than 11,000 feet in the air and climbs higher and higher, offering amazing views that simply can’t be matched. Flights like this mainly happen during the dry season – usually May through August or September - and may not follow a regular schedule, so visitors who want to go ballooning with this outfitter should plan in advance. Trips range from just a few hours to those that include an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast in the area, followed by breakfast and a morning flight.

Because there is but one balloon outfitter in Peru at this time, the price for flying over the Urubamba Valley can be quite steep, so plan accordingly. Be assured, however, that Globos de Los Andes has an experienced U.S. pilot at its helm and takes all the necessary safety precautions to insure the well-being of their passengers. A satellite phone is carried on each trip and a ground crew tracks each flight and stays in communication with the pilot.

For a slightly more nail-biting airborne experience, however, you may want to consider a hang-gliding adventure. Hang gliding is just starting to take off in Peru – so to speak – as outfitters offer the opportunity to fly from the country’s coastal cliffs, where the thermals are quite good and can carry you very far. Many launch from the Callejon de Huaylas, where flyers can take off from 6,000 meters (almost 20,000 feet) adjacent to the glaciers of Huascaran. This area, however, can be a bit risky for inexperienced hang gliders due to crosswinds and lack of good landing spots. For the novice flyer, there are many launch sites in the Sacred Valley and landing sites that are much safer as well. The best time for hang gliding tends to be August and September when the wind conditions are right.

Like many other extreme sports industries, hang gliding is fairly new in Peru, so look for an outfitter that is certified/licensed and knows the ins and outs of the sport. Don’t be hesitant to ask to inspect the equipment and ask plenty of questions about the operator’s experience. Your safety may depend on it.

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