Los Pinos

Los Pinos launches from 1,319 m in Argentina's Tucumán mountains, with a grassy takeoff area that comfortably fits a handful of gliders side by side. It sits about a kilometer south of the better-known Loma Bola site and shares that site's approach and general character, but Los Pinos itself has no bar, toilets or other facilities — pilots should come prepared and treat it as an undeveloped launch. Ridge wind directions from northeast through southeast and south all work here, and the site is good for thermic flying, soaring and cross-country days when the valley sets up. The launch faces roughly east, though the wind that actually dominates the site blows from the south — worth knowing before committing, since the two do not always agree with what the ramp orientation suggests. Landing options include a top landing directly at launch, which pilots describe as tricky and best left to those comfortable with it, landing instead at the nearby Loma Bola site, or coming down into one of the open fields on the valley floor below, which is the more forgiving choice for most pilots.

Launch & conditions

A grassy launch with room for several gliders side by side; no facilities on site, so come prepared.

Getting there & local rules

Access follows the same route as the nearby Loma Bola site, about a kilometer to the north.

Local rules & hazards

Although the launch faces roughly east, the prevailing wind here is from the south; when that south wind picks up, turbulence and rotor form off the east-west spines running down from the main north-south ridge, so treat strong south days with caution.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Los Pinos, 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 Los Pinos with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.