Medanoso Dune

Medanoso Dune is a thermal and soaring site in Chile's Atacama region, said to be the highest sand dune in Chile — and possibly in South America — launching at about 1,298 m in southwest wind. It's about 40 km from Copiapó, out in genuinely remote desert terrain, so pilots are advised to bring a GPS and plenty of water; this isn't a site to head to underprepared. Getting to launch means walking up to a small hill and taking off from there onto the dune face, and a 4x4 is recommended for the approach drive. Landing is straightforward, right at the base of the dune. Conditions here are reported to be good for flying year-round, which is unusual and makes this a dependable option whenever the season is against you elsewhere. Between the scale of the dune and the remote desert setting, it's a striking but serious site — prepare for the desert as much as for the flying.

Launch & conditions

Walk up to the small hill and launch from there onto the dune face; a 4x4 is recommended for the drive in.

Getting there & local rules

About 40 km from Copiapó in remote desert terrain — bring a GPS and plenty of water.

Check conditions before you fly

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