Merlo

Merlo is a classic, must-fly paragliding site above the resort town of Merlo in San Luis province, Argentina, with a launch at roughly 2,102 meters and about 2,700 feet of vertical relief down to the landing area. There are four different takeoff options along paved road access, which gives some flexibility depending on the day's conditions and how busy the site is. It suits a broad range of flying — thermal days, ridge soaring, cross-country runs, hike-and-fly variations, and flatland-style flying are all on the table here. Getting there is a commitment: it's roughly a 10-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires to San Luis province, so this is a destination trip rather than an afternoon outing for most Argentine pilots. A P2-level rating is required to fly Merlo, and the wind needs to be blowing westerly to work the site; that wind can shift partway through a flight, which opens up cross-country options for pilots already in the air but also means launching stops being viable once the direction turns. Plan your day around catching the window before that shift.

Launch & conditions

Launch is at about 2,102 m with roughly 2,700 ft of vertical relief down to the landing area, reached by paved road; four takeoff options are available depending on conditions.

Getting there & local rules

Roughly a 10-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires to San Luis province — a destination trip, not a quick outing.

Local rules & hazards

A P2-level rating is required to fly here. Wind needs to be westerly to work the site, and it can shift mid-flight — once it turns, launching stops being an option, though pilots already airborne can use the shift to go cross-country.

Check conditions before you fly

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