Two thousand two hundred meters changes everything. This tandem flight pairs a Teide National Park takeoff with a beach landing, so you get huge sky time and an instant coastal finish.

I love the 2200m launch height plus the 25–35 minute flight window that depends on conditions (not a fixed, boring script). One catch: you need decent physical condition to run during takeoff and you can’t exceed 95 kg.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Highest Tenerife takeoff point at about 2,200m above sea level
• Puerto de la Cruz pickup at Martianez Adventures, then about an hour by van to the launch area
• Small group of up to 4 with a professional tandem pilot
• A real flight, not just a short hop: usually 25–35 minutes depending on weather
• Beach landing and a van ride back to Puerto de la Cruz (video option costs extra)

Puerto de la Cruz pickup and the van ride up toward Teide

You start at Martianez Adventures in Puerto de la Cruz. From there, the team gets you organized and then drives you up to the flight area in a van. The ride takes about an hour one way, and you’ll feel it once the road starts climbing.

I like this setup because it keeps the morning simple. You’re not piecing together transport and parking on a steep island road. You just show up, get fitted with the gear, and let the pilot focus on the flight plan.

One practical thing: if you’re prone to car sickness, the van ride can be long and twisty. I’d plan ahead with whatever works for you, because you don’t want nausea messing with your nerves right before takeoff.

Teide National Park launch point: what the 2,200m takeoff really means

This is the part that makes the flight feel special: you launch from roughly 2,200m above sea level from within Teide National Park, described as the highest paraglide launch point on Tenerife. That altitude matters. You start with more time to glide, and you usually get a wider view of the island’s shapes—valleys dropping toward the sea and cloud layers floating below.

Before you fly, you’ll need to meet the basics for safety and control. You should be in good physical condition and able to run during takeoff. That’s not optional. You’re tandem with a pilot, but the wing still needs help getting into the air cleanly.

The weather can also affect how things feel at the start. In some conditions, teams may aim for a slightly lower altitude or adjust the plan. One important detail from real flights: if breeze is light, you might see aborted starts and then a “third time lucky” moment after a sprint down the slope. It doesn’t mean something went wrong. It means the pilot is choosing a safer window to get the wing flying.

Tandem flight time: 25–35 minutes of sky above the Orotava valley

Once you’re airborne, the rhythm changes fast. The first moments are about control and comfort—your pilot settles the canopy and you start gliding. The flight time is typically 25–35 minutes, depending on wind and cloud.

What I like most about this experience is the contrast: you begin high over the Teide-area terrain, and you end near the beach. That vertical journey gives the flight a purpose, not just a view. One guest described a route starting around 2200 metres near the Cumbre Dorsal and finishing at sea level on a beach near Loro Parque. Even if your exact landing beach varies, the feel is the same: you watch the island drop toward the coast.

You’ll also notice that the pilots are a big part of the calm. Reviews highlight pilots who explain clearly and put first-timers at ease—names that come up include Lukas, Adrian, Gaston, Mathias, and Jésus. If you have nerves, this is where it helps to pay attention to the pilot’s instructions early. A good tandem pilot doesn’t just fly; they help you understand what you’re feeling so your body doesn’t panic.

And if you’re worried about heights, don’t ignore that—some first-timers admit they’re not comfortable with edges. Still, the common theme is reassurance and safety, especially when the pilot moves you into the harness and launches with a confident plan.

Landing on the beach and the ride back down to Puerto de la Cruz

You land on one of the beaches—and in this experience, that’s not a distant idea. It’s part of the package design. Instead of finishing on a hillside, you end at the coast. That last descent often feels like a slow reveal of where you’re actually going: sea first, then shoreline, then sand.

Once you touch down, the team handles the close-out and you’ll get back into the van for the ride to Puerto de la Cruz. The meeting point and end point are the same: they bring you back to where you started at Martianez Adventures. It’s a clean loop, which matters because you’re usually tired after flying and you don’t want extra steps.

One more practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. It’s not about fashion; it’s about having grip during takeoff and handling the gear transition at landing. Sunglasses also help once you’re in bright sun and strong light near the coast.

Price and value: what $193 includes, and what costs extra

At $193 per person, the value here comes from what’s wrapped into the price:

• Tandem flight with a professional pilot
• All necessary equipment
• Insurance
• Transfer from Puerto de la Cruz (pickup and return by van)

You’re paying for a full guided service, not just a “use the equipment and good luck” setup. That matters at altitude. A pilot’s experience, the equipment check, and the logistics around weather are what keep the day smooth.

There’s one clear extra cost: videos cost 30 euros. If you want a full recap, it can be worth it. Some guests mention filming support like a GoPro setup, but the only guaranteed paid add-on listed is the video option.

Also note a small rule that affects how you prepare your day: cellphones aren’t allowed. Bring them only if you can keep them stored safely outside the launch and flight area. If you’re hoping to film hands-free, plan to use the paid video option instead.

Safety and conditions: weather checks, body requirements, and comfort

Paragliding is weather-led. The operator states that if tandem conditions are not good, the experience will be changed to another day or cancelled during the process. That’s the right mindset to have: you’re booking into an outdoor system, not a fixed theme-park ride.

Safety is also connected to your body requirements. This flight is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people over 70
• people over 95 kg
• people with mobility impairments
• children under 12

Even if you’re an athletic adult, I’d still take the run-at-takeoff part seriously. If you have knee issues or you’re recovering from an injury, ask yourself honestly if you can sprint a short distance and stay steady. This isn’t the moment to “tough it out.”

On the comfort side, you’ll want to keep your clothing simple. The tour data only asks for sunglasses and comfortable shoes, so I’d treat this like a day where you move around a bit and then sit into harness time.

Who should book this flight from Puerto de la Cruz?

I’d point you toward this experience if you want a high-altitude Tenerife flight without planning a complex route. The small group (limited to 4 participants) helps keep attention on each person, and the tandem format means you don’t need prior paraglider training.

This is also a strong pick if you’re visiting Puerto de la Cruz and want a “big wow” activity that still feels neatly organized. The schedule is straightforward: meet in town, drive up, fly 25–35 minutes, then return.

It’s probably not for you if you fall into any of the “not suitable” categories listed above, or if you know you get car sick on twisty mountain roads and you haven’t prepared. A long van ride plus pre-flight nerves is a combo you can manage, but only if you plan for it.

Should you book Parapente Lucas from Puerto de la Cruz?

If your priority is height, sky time, and a dramatic finish at the coast, I think you should book. The combination of 2,200m launch altitude, Teide National Park, and beach landings gives you a story from start to finish. Add in the included transfer, equipment, and insurance, and the price starts to feel less like a “sport ticket” and more like a complete guided day.

Book with extra flexibility in mind, though. Weather can change the plan, and you’ll need to meet the physical requirements for takeoff. If you can handle those two realities, this is the kind of Tenerife activity you’ll remember every time you see the island skyline.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the paragliding flight?

You meet at Google business: Martianez Adventures in Puerto de la Cruz.

What time does the experience last?

The total experience is listed as 3 hours. The exact starting time depends on availability.

How high is the takeoff?

The takeoff is at about 2,200 meters above sea level.

How long is the flight in the air?

The flight lasts about 25–35 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Do they pick you up in Puerto de la Cruz?

Yes. Pickup and return are included by van from Puerto de la Cruz.

What is included in the price?

Included are the tandem flight, professional pilot, all necessary equipment, insurance, and transfer from Puerto de la Cruz.

Is there an option to buy a video?

Yes. Videos are extra for 30 euros.

Are cellphones allowed during the flight?

No. Cellphones are not allowed.

What if the weather is not suitable?

If weather conditions are not good for the tandem flight, it will be changed to another day or cancelled at any time during the process.

Who is this not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people over 70 years, people over 95 kg, people with mobility impairments, and children under 12 years.

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