Yanari

Yanari is the site most flown by solo pilots from La Paz, Bolivia, and by some tandem operators too, launching from 3,688 m in north, northeast or east wind for thermic flying. A separate tandem operation uses a different takeoff a few kilometers away in the same valley, so it's worth knowing which launch you're headed to before setting out. The takeoff itself is an ample grassy slope with enough room for six to eight gliders at once — the grass isn't perfectly clean, with some rocks scattered through it, but it's a workable surface overall. Getting to launch is typically done alongside local pilots rather than via a marked independent route, so linking up with someone who knows the way is the practical approach for a first visit. The official landing is a strip on the valley floor; there are power poles nearby, but they're not a real issue as long as the final approach lines up with the valley, which tends to happen naturally since the wind at landing almost always blows southeast, back toward La Paz.

Launch & conditions

An ample grassy slope with room for six to eight gliders; the grass has some rocks scattered through it but is workable.

Getting there & local rules

Typically reached alongside local pilots rather than via a marked independent route.

Local rules & hazards

The official landing strip has power poles nearby — approach aligned with the valley to keep clear of them, which lines up naturally since the wind at landing almost always blows southeast, toward La Paz.

Check conditions before you fly

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