São Pedro and Governador Valadares Are Good Spots for Paragliding

11/04/2014 - 10h19

Ronaldo Novoa, technical coordinator of the Brazilian Paragliding Association, recommends São Pedro and Governador Valadares (Minas Gerais) for paragliding.

BEGINNER

São Pedro (São Paulo) has the best take-off ramps in the country (around 380 metres high), which can be accessed with any vehicle.

The city has the ideal weather conditions: there is a good formation of "thermals" (an upward current of warm air used by gliders to gain height) because of the slightly irregular relief.

Flight routes follow the roads, adding a feeling of safety.

BEST TIME spring; between September and December, when the weather is stable

FROM US$ 60 for a 20 minute flight

WHO DOES IT Vitur: (+55 19) 3483-3600; Aventurando

PACKAGE two nights at the Santana's Ranch hotel with full pension US$ 68 for two. Available at Hotel Urbano: (+55 21) 2108-3636; hotelurbano.com.br

ADVANCED

Governador Valadares (Minas Gerais)

The ore deposits in the area causes the relief to be slightly irregular (like São Pedro), but with larger variations.

The take-off ramp at Ibituruna peak is higher (700 metres), which increases the chance of catching a "thermal" and extend the flight time.

BEST TIME During summer the weather conditions are better

FROM US$ 60 for a minimum of 15 minutes flight

WHO DOES IT GVFly: (+55 33) 3272-1045

PACKAGE US$ 34 a double room for two with breakfast included. Reservations: (+55 33) 3271-7525; hoteloitis.webnode.com.br

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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