Governador Valadares – Pico do Ibituruna

Pico do Ibituruna, towering over Governador Valadares in Minas Gerais, is a genuine capital of world cross-country flying — the launch behind countless distance records and international competitions. The mountain fires powerful thermals over the surrounding flatlands, and on the best days pilots ride them for hundreds of kilometres. 'GV' has grown a whole community around free flight, with a culture, infrastructure and season that draw XC pilots from across the globe.

Launch & conditions

A high launch feeding strong, well-organised thermals over open flatland — a paradise for long cross-country flights in the season.

Getting there & local rules

A road climbs to the take-off. These are big, energetic conditions best suited to experienced pilots; fly with local knowledge.

Check conditions before you fly

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