^{Photo Credit: Zion Paragliding}

Paragliding over the Atacama Desert near Iquique is an experience like no other, thanks to a unique blend of weather and geography that has made this area a mecca for pilots from around the globe.

The Pacific breeze, cooled by ocean currents, meets the steep coastal mountain range, creating consistent lift for hours of flying. The nearby Andes mountains cast a rain shadow that forms the hyper-arid Atacama Desert, where endless sand and rock-covered slopes generate powerful thermals, perfect for extended flights. With no vegetation, pilots can land almost anywhere outside the city, adding to the freedom.

Iquique’s sites are ideal for both beginners and experienced pilots. Newer fliers can develop skills like kiting and launching on the dunes of Palo Buque, while advanced pilots enjoy cross-country opportunities, often staying airborne for five hours or more along the coastal range.

This unique environment makes Iquique a premier destination for paragliders worldwide, offering the chance to push boundaries and achieve personal bests.

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