Cerro Arco (Mendoza)

Cerro Arco rises above Mendoza, Argentina, to around 1,640 m, and is a well-established site with two flying clubs based there — one runs a clubhouse with a large circular grass landing area, parking, a bar and barbecue facilities. Takeoff spans a wide 270°, easiest to launch with easterly wind, and the site catches wind from nearly every direction except due north. Getting up the mountain requires a 4x4; locals who know the area can usually arrange transport up for a small fee. Mendoza's defining local hazard is the Zonda — a turbulent foehn-type wind, similar to the ones in the Swiss Alps, that develops in winter when snow is falling in the Andes to the west. Never fly in Zonda conditions, at any time of day; the three days that follow one, by contrast, are typically excellent, with strong thermals and southerly wind. Summer generally offers the best thermal conditions here, with winter calmer overall. Landing is out of sight from takeoff and spacious once you're down there: a large circular field belonging to one of the clubs, or the road itself as a backup.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff spans a wide 270° arc, easiest to launch with easterly wind.

Getting there & local rules

Getting up the mountain requires a 4x4; arranging transport locally is usually possible for a small fee. One of the two clubs based here runs a clubhouse with parking, a bar and barbecue facilities alongside its landing field.

Local rules & hazards

Mendoza's Zonda — a turbulent foehn-type wind similar to the ones in the Swiss Alps — develops in winter when it's snowing in the Andes to the west. Never fly in Zonda conditions, at any time of day; always check with local pilots before flying. The three days after a Zonda has passed are typically excellent, with strong thermals and southerly wind. Summer generally brings the best thermal conditions; winter is calmer overall.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Cerro Arco (Mendoza), read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Cerro Arco (Mendoza) with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.