It all started as a getaway without a map. I felt that I needed to go out, change the air, disconnect from the noise. Ibarra always seemed like a warm place – not only because of its weather – but because of its people, its food, that Andean rhythm that reminds me that I can walk slower, and still move forward.
I never imagined that one day I would be flying over a lagoon whose name means “blood lake.” Yahuarcocha, in Ibarra, has an ancestral past full of history, but when you see it from the heights, you can only feel beauty, peace… and a deep connection with life.
But this time, something called me towards Yahuarcocha. Maybe it was intuition. Or maybe it was my soul asking for wings.
I was going through a moment of decisions, I felt between brave and vulnerable… and with a lot of desire to take a leap of confidence. Literally and symbolically. That’s why I chose to fly.
The arrival
In good company, we arrived early at a place called the Vuelta de la Paloma. It was seven in the morning, the sun barely appeared between the mountains and the fresh air had that kind of cold that awakens body and soul. The tandem paragliding flight guides were already waiting for us. I confess that at first I felt a little nervous.
We head to the take-off site, El Pinar Alto: a hill from where you can see the lagoon with its perfect crescent shape. The landscape left me speechless. The paragliders were already there, spread out like giant and vibrant wings, ready to soar the sky.
I was received by Carlos Jiménez, from the company Parapente Ciudad Blanca. Calm, friendly, with a firm energy, he gave me confidence from the first moment. He explained everything to me patiently, made me laugh with his anecdotes and told me:
“You just need to take a deep breath and let yourself go.”
The takeoff
When the time came to run into the void, a part of me hesitated. But another, wiser, took the step. I felt the wind on my face, my feet leaving the ground… and suddenly, the silence of the sky.
I was flying.
Literally.
The lagoon stretched down like a mirror, surrounded by mountains and small houses. The Imbabura volcano in the background, firm, as if looking at me. In the distance, Cotacachi. The landscape was so impressive, so vast, that it made me feel tiny… and at the same time immense. Every curve of the lagoon, every path in the mountains, seemed drawn to be seen from the air.
At one point, we entered a thermal: a current of warm air that lifted us up gently and strongly at the same time. It was as if the earth itself pushed us towards the sky. I felt it all over my body, it was exciting.
And then, without warning, Carlos made a 360° turn. It was fast, dizzying, an explosion of adrenaline! I felt that we turned with the world, as if everything became a dance in the sky. I let out a nervous and happy laugh. It was one of those moments when fear becomes pure emotion.
What I felt in the air
I closed my eyes for a few seconds. And there, suspended between heaven and earth, I felt deeply alive. It was as if the wind spoke to me, as if every gust told me: “you are ready for the new.”
I thought about my family. In what we have lived together, in their strength, their tenderness, their ways. I felt a deep desire that one day, they too could live something like this: that mixture of freedom, beauty and confidence that is only experienced when one throws oneself into the void with faith.
After the flight
The landing was smooth, almost magical. When my feet touched the ground again, I felt that something in me had changed. I Laughed. I took a deep breath. And I thanked Carlos, from Parapente Ciudad Blanca, for the experience, for his care and his guidance.
We stayed for a while on the edge of the lagoon, enjoying the calm of the water. A few meters away is the highway there are several food places, their specialty is fried or steamed tilapia, this dish is accompanied by patacones, cassava or potatoes, you choose, personally I prefer patacones.
I discovered that you can camp in several nearby spaces. The Sommerwind Finca, for example, is very beautiful and has clean areas, ideal for sleeping in a tent or in campers. I’m sure I’ll be back, this time with more time… and perhaps accompanied by other women who also need to fly and take the leap of confidence
Advice if you also want to fly
Arrive early. From 7 to 11 am is the best time to fly.
Wear a coat and sunscreen. Although it looks sunny, it’s cold in the air.
Ask for certified pilots. Ciudad Blanca paragliding is an excellent option, with human and professional treatment.
Approximate price: between $60 and $70 per tandem flight.
You don’t need previous experience. Just win and trust.
And you, do you dare?
This wasn’t just an adventure. It was a way of coming back to me.
To remember that life also looks different when we dare to change the perspective.
Yahuarcocha hugged me from heaven, and I still carry that flight in my heart.
I don’t know if you’re looking for a sign… but if you are, maybe this one is.
Article written by Lia | Instagram: @lia_hec | WhatsApp: +593 979881234 | Photos: personal file.
Article written by Lia – Holistic Coaching | Instagram: @lia_hec | WhatsApp: +593 979881234 | Photos: personal file
