Jericó

Jericó, in Colombia's Antioquia region, is a mountain site with a genuinely large, flat takeoff area — over 3,000 square metres — that makes it safe and welcoming for beginners and advanced pilots alike; a second, steeper launch nearby offers more challenge for those who want it. The big vertical drop between takeoff and the valley floor means even a flight with no thermal activity turns into a fairly long, satisfying ride down, and on active days the site works well for thermalling, ridge soaring, cross-country attempts and hike-and-fly outings. Before flying, pilots need to check in with the local flying operation to arrange insurance and get permission to fly — a quick formality rather than a barrier. Landing is flexible, with three official areas to choose from: two sit close to the road into Jericó, while the third, a soccer field in Puente Iglesias, is better attempted only once you know the site, since trees around it complicate the approach. Jericó also pairs well with a nearby site at Fredonia for pilots who want two flights in one day, with bus connections linking both back to Medellín.

Launch & conditions

The main takeoff area is large (3,000+ square metres) and flat, making it safe for beginners and advanced pilots alike; a second, steeper launch nearby (Nube Extrema) offers more challenge.

Getting there & local rules

Reachable by bus from Medellín. Some pilots combine it with the nearby Fredonia site: fly there first, then bus onward to Jericó for a second flight, returning to Medellín by bus from the Cauca Viejo landing area.

Local rules & hazards

Check in with the local flying operation before taking off to arrange insurance and flying permission. Of the three official landing areas, the soccer field at Puente Iglesias is best attempted only once you know the site, since surrounding trees complicate the approach; the other two sit close to the main road into Jericó.

Check conditions before you fly

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