Piedechinche – Paraiso del Vuelo

Piedechinche – Paraíso del Vuelo is a major thermal, soaring and cross-country site in Colombia's Valle del Cauca, launching at about 1,780 m in southwest, west or northwest wind. This is the main launch at Piedechinche: a large, grassy takeoff area that even has a bar running on weekends, making it a popular social flying spot as well as a serious one. There's a maximum altitude of 2,400 m in effect here, so pilots need to stay under that ceiling rather than climbing freely. The last stretch of the access road requires 4WD, so plan your vehicle accordingly. Landing is at the official zone, a straightforward, marked area. With a defined altitude limit, solid 4WD access and a lively weekend atmosphere, Piedechinche is one of the more established sites in the region for thermal and cross-country flying.

Launch & conditions

The main Piedechinche launch is large and grassy, with a bar running on weekends.

Getting there & local rules

The last stretch of the access road requires 4WD.

Local rules & hazards

Maximum altitude here is capped at 2,400 m — stay under that ceiling.

Check conditions before you fly

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