Updated on 04/16/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
Discover Colombia from the air with charter flights and helicopter tours, a way of traveling that offers you a different and exciting adventure. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about this unforgettable experience, the most popular destinations, types of flights and tips and recommendations to enjoy it to the fullest.
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Overview of Helicopter Charter Flights in Colombia
While helicopter tourism is still developing in the country, local companies are expanding their offerings, providing luxury experiences of high quality to visitors.
What distinguishes helicopter tours in Colombia is the chance to reach remote and inaccessible locations by land. Whether it’s gliding over the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Andes or descending to untouched beaches on the Pacific coast, these tours provide a distinctive and unforgettable view of the country’s natural splendor.
Yet, Colombia’s diverse topography, reaching altitudes surpassing 5,700 meters, presents a challenge for helicopters. At these heights, engine power diminishes, thereby restricting payload capacity. In cities such as Bogotá, situated over 2,700 meters above sea level, a helicopter designed for 10 passengers can only accommodate 5 individuals. This aspect must be factored in when estimating tour expenses.
Despite these limitations, helicopter tours in Colombia offer a unique and highly recommended experience for those seeking an adventure off the beaten path.
Types of charter flights and helicopter tours
Charter flights and helicopter tours offer flexibility, comfort, and exclusivity. You can choose the destination, schedule, duration, and type of flight that suits you best, according to your preferences and budget.
The types of charter flights and helicopter tours you can choose in Colombia are:
Flyovers
These flights offer aerial views of destinations without landing, making them perfect for admiring landscapes, taking photographs, and enjoying panoramic vistas. Typically lasting between 15 and 60 minutes, the duration of these flights varies depending on the destination and route.
Landings
These flights allow you to land at destinations and explore them up close. They are ideal for experiencing the culture, history, and nature of places and having a more complete experience. Landings typically last between one and four hours, depending on the destination and time spent.
Excursions
These flights offer the opportunity to pair flying with various activities like hiking, fishing, or whale watching, enhancing your adventure and maximizing your trip’s enjoyment. Ideal for a unique and exciting experience, excursions typically span between four and eight hours, depending on the chosen destination and activity.
Visit our blog to learn more about the types of charter flights by helicopter. There you will find detailed information and useful tips for planning your dream trip.
Popular Destinations for Charter Flights and Helicopter Tours in Colombia
Colombia is a country with great geographic, cultural, and natural diversity. It has vibrant cities, historical destinations, natural parks, paradise islands, and much more. Therefore, it is an ideal destination for charter flights and helicopter tours, which allow you to explore the country from a unique and privileged perspective.
Helicopter Tours in Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. It has a great cultural, gastronomic, and commercial offer, including museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers.
From the air, you can appreciate the diversity of its architecture, ranging from the colonial style of the historic center to the modern skyscrapers of the north. Some of the routes that can be done by helicopter are:
- Tour of the Sabana de Bogotá: you can admire the green landscapes and mountains that surround the capital of Colombia, as well as some cultural and natural attractions.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa: in the south, you can fly to the Tatacoa Desert. The flight time by helicopter from Bogotá is about 2 hours.
Visit our blog to learn more about charter flights by helicopter in Bogotá.
Helicopter Tours in Medellín
Medellín is the second most important city in Colombia and the capital of Antioquia. It is known as the city of eternal spring, for its pleasant climate throughout the year. It stands out for its innovation, art, and culture, reflected in its parks, libraries, museums, and events.
From the air, you can marvel at the landscape’s beauty, blending the lush green of the mountains with vibrant splashes of colorful flowers. Here are some of the helicopter routes available:
- Medellín and Comuna 13: during this tour, you’ll have the chance to admire modern buildings, parks, and museums that reflect the city’s development and rich culture.
- Guatapé and Peñol: two charming towns, just an hour away from Medellín, are nestled amidst a reservoir and verdant mountains, creating a picturesque setting.
- Cerro Tusa and Jericó: two incredible places nestled in the southwest of Antioquia offer a blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and adventurous experiences.
Visit our blog to learn more about charter flights by helicopter in Medellín.
Caribbean Coast
Cartagena
Cartagena stands as Colombia’s premier tourist destination and one of the Caribbean’s most stunning cities. Its historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its preserved walls, cobblestone streets, and colonial architecture. Beyond its historical allure, Cartagena exudes a romantic ambiance, boasts delectable cuisine, and features an array of beaches and nearby islands.
From the air, you can marvel at the enchanting landscape, blending the azure blue of the sea with the vibrant yellow hues of the houses. Here are some of the helicopter routes available:
- Fly over the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built by the Spanish to defend the city from pirate attacks, which is the largest in America.
- Admire the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, an architectural jewel dating from the 16th century, with a white facade and a yellow dome.
- Visit the Corales del Rosario National Natural Park, a group of islands with coral reefs, colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters.
- Get to know Barú Island, a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, coconut trees, and luxury hotels.
Barranquilla
Barranquilla, the fourth-largest city in Colombia and the capital of Atlántico, is often referred to as the golden gate of the country due to its significant economic and commercial significance. Renowned for its vibrant carnival, the largest and most renowned in Colombia, held annually in February or March, Barranquilla boasts a wealth of cultural, musical, and culinary offerings, reflecting its diverse ethnic and social fabric.
From the air, you can appreciate the beauty of its surroundings, which combines the Magdalena River with the Caribbean Sea. Some of the routes that can be done by helicopter are:
- See attractions such as the Pumarejo Bridge, the Metropolitan Stadium, the Caribbean Museum, and the Magdalena River.
- Visit our blog to learn more about charter flights by helicopter on the Colombian Caribbean Coast.
Cali
Cali, the third-largest city in Colombia and the capital of Valle del Cauca, earns its nickname as the salsa capital due to its vibrant nightlife, music, and dance scene. The city also offers a diverse gastronomic scene, a lively culture, and abundant natural beauty.
From the air, you can observe the diversity of its geography, including rivers, valleys, and mountains. Some of the routes that can be done by helicopter are:
- Fly over Cristo Rey, a 26-meter-high statue located on top of a hill, from where you can see the entire city.
- Visit Lake Calima, an artificial reservoir with an area of 70 square kilometers, ideal for water sports.
Visit our blog to learn more about charter flights by helicopter in Cali.
Santander
Santander, situated in the center-east of Colombia, is a natural paradise boasting a plethora of breathtaking destinations. Its rich historical, cultural, and gastronomic heritage is evident in its charming towns, monuments, and delectable dishes.
From the air, you can admire the majesty of its geography, including canyons, rivers, waterfalls, and caves. Some of the routes that can be done by helicopter are:
- Fly over the Ruitoque Golf Course, an exclusive place located near the Bucaramanga airport, where you can land on the hotel roof, which has a panoramic view.
- Admire the town of Barichara, one of the most beautiful in Colombia, with a colonial style and a calm and charming atmosphere.
- Visit the Chicamocha Canyon, an impressive gorge that is 227 kilometers long and 2,000 meters deep, where you can practice paragliding, rafting, and hiking.
- Get to know the Cocuy National Park, a mountainous area with the largest set of glaciers in Colombia, where you can admire Andean flora and fauna.
Casanare
Casanare, situated in the eastern region of Colombia, forms part of the vast plains known as the Llanos, renowned for their abundant natural and cultural treasures. The region is characterized by livestock farming and is home to a diverse array of animal species, including crocodiles, capybaras, jaguars, pumas, otters, anteaters, monkeys, and various bird species.
From the air, you can appreciate the immensity of its territory, which changes according to the dry or rainy season. Some of the routes that can be done by helicopter are:
- Fly over the Meta River, one of the main affluents of the Orinoco, which is 1,000 kilometers long and forms part of the natural border between Colombia and Venezuela.
- Admire the El Tuparro National Natural Park, a reserve with an area of 548,000 hectares that houses great biodiversity, including river dolphins, turtles, anacondas, and caimans.
- Visit Hato La Aurora, a livestock farm that offers a safari and llanera life experience, where you can interact with cowboys, horses, and wild animals.
- Get to know Cerro Pintao, a rocky formation that rises above the flat landscape and has a height of 1,200 meters, where you can enjoy a panoramic view and unique vegetation.
Other destinations
Colombia also has other destinations that are ideal for charter flights and helicopter tours, due to their beauty, exoticism, and uniqueness. Some of these destinations are:
- San Andrés, a tropical paradise with a sea of seven colors, coral reefs, and its own culture.
- Colombian Amazon, a region that houses the largest and most biodiverse jungle in the world, where you can interact with indigenous communities and wild animals.
- Coffee Axis, an area that produces the best coffee in the world and has typical architecture, green landscapes, and a cheerful culture.
Tips and recommendations for charter flights and helicopter tours in Colombia
If you want to enjoy charter flights and helicopter tours in Colombia, I recommend that you follow these tips and recommendations:
- Book in advance: Charter flights and helicopter tours are highly demanded, especially in high season. Therefore, I recommend that you book in advance to secure your spot and avoid inconveniences.
- Choose a reliable company: Charter flights and helicopter tours are services that require safety, quality, and professionalism. Therefore, I recommend that you choose a reliable company with experience, reputation, and certifications. You can check reviews from other customers, references from other travelers, or recommendations from experts.
- Prepare your luggage: Due to space and safety constraints, charter flights and helicopter tours impose restrictions on luggage weight and size. Therefore, I advise packing essentials and distributing them in small, lightweight bags or backpacks. Additionally, it’s essential to wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothing and footwear, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and personal documents.
- Enjoy the experience: Charter flights and helicopter tours are an unforgettable experience that allows you to see Colombia from a unique and privileged perspective. Therefore, I recommend that you enjoy the experience, relax, admire the beauty of the landscapes, learn about the culture and nature, and live a different and exciting adventure.
If you have a helicopter excursion in mind in Colombia, contact us and we will organize your ideal adventure.
