Castejón de Sos is located in the Alto Ésera area, in the northeast of the province of Huesca. It occupies a strategic position in the Benasque valley. 

The peaks of Aneto and Posets to the north, and those of Cotiella and Turbón to the south, mark out an area of more than 100,000 square metres that are ideal for paragliding, with numerous marked takeoff and landing zones.

As a result of these ideal conditions, Castejón has a large number of paragliding schools and centres, such as Volar en Castejón, Parapente Pirineos and Tandem Team. 

Learning to free fly is a step-by-step process that starts with a tandem flight, in which the beginner is attached to the instructor, who is in control throughout the flight. This first flight usually lasts about 25 minutes. It is an indispensable first step before deciding on one of the subsequent courses, which consist of different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.

The learning process starts on the ground 

Training starts on the ground, with practical instruction on the various components of paragliders. Practical training starts by inflating the wing by running forwards, an indispensable technique for take-off, in which pilots have to position the paraglider vertically without stalling it. Handheld controls enable you to practise steering.

You will start by practising take-off and landing manoeuvres from hillsides with heights of 20-80 metres, while higher altitude flights serve to teach you how to steer, turn and control descent. This is the process by which the paraglider loses altitude by means of turns that bring it towards the landing site. 

Throughout the training process, you will be assisted and supervised by specialist instructors, who are in permanent radio contact. This enables you to gain a thorough knowledge of how the paraglider reacts to given manoeuvres and to learn techniques for riding thermals and making safe rapid descents. The advanced courses can be done when you are ready for solo take-off and landing.

Ribagorzafrom a different perspective   

Once you have been through the introductory phase, you'll be ready to take to the skies in the Benasque valley and follow the course of the River Ésera as it descends 1,350 metres. This is a great way to be able to really appreciate the historic area of Ribagorza. 

Water is the dominant element in Ribagorza, although it takes starkly different forms from north to south, ranging from rivers like the Ésera, through to pristine springs and reservoirs.

A trip to this area is also worthwhile in order to savour the cuisine of Upper Aragon, consisting of sturdy dishes cooked in the traditional manner in a wood fired oven. At the El Fogaril restaurant, in Benasque (tel. 974 551 080) this tradition is very much alive. This is mountain cuisine, in which stews (vegetable casseroles), cold cuts (spicy pork sausage) and meat (wild boar stew) play a prominent part. In Anciles, an outstanding restaurant is Ansils (tel. 974 551 150).