Florida

Florida is an active thermal and cross-country site at 1,802 m in Colombia's Valle del Cauca, with a large, top-landable grass launch and wind working from north, south, southwest, west and northwest. Thermal conditions are good throughout the day when the flatlands and foothills below are sunny — without that sun, the site isn't worth the trip. Access to launch currently requires a 4x4, navigating the single mountain road east from Florida toward La Diana; the final stretch can need low gear when wet. Landing is easy: fields ring the town of Florida, and top-landing at launch is also an option. On-site infrastructure — a restaurant and accommodation — is planned but not yet built. One practical warning worth knowing: theft has been reported while pilots pack up, particularly around the neighboring town of Pedrera to the north, so keep gear and belongings close and don't linger alone. Flying here used to cost around COP 8,000 a day, as of 2018 — worth confirming the current rate locally.

Launch & conditions

Launch is a large grass area with top-landing available. Infrastructure — a restaurant and accommodation — is planned but not yet built, and access currently requires a 4x4.

Getting there & local rules

Navigate to Florida and continue on the single mountain road heading east, toward the mountain in the direction of La Diana. The final stretch requires 4WD, and possibly low gear when wet.

Local rules & hazards

Thermal conditions depend on sun over the flatlands and foothills below — without it, the site isn't worth flying. Theft has been reported while pilots pack up gear, especially around the neighboring town of Pedrera to the north, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Check conditions before you fly

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