Piedechinche Take Off

Piedechinche launches at 2,044 m in Colombia and flies across a wide arc of wind directions, southeast through south, southwest, west and northwest, making it flexible across changing conditions. It's one of the more frequently used competition sites in the area, which says a lot about how consistently it delivers flyable days for thermalling and cross-country flying. Getting to launch takes some commitment: the approach is an unpaved road requiring a 4x4, and it runs about an hour from the landing zone, so this isn't a quick roadside session. Landing is in the designated Piedechinche zone, with large open fields west of the road and windsocks in place to help read wind direction on the way down. The source data flags important airspace considerations near this site, so it's worth checking current airspace regulations before flying here rather than assuming the area is unrestricted. Between the altitude, the wide wind window and the competition pedigree, it suits thermalling, cross-country, hike-and-fly and flatland-style flying alike.

Getting there & local rules

The approach is an unpaved road requiring a 4x4, roughly an hour from the landing zone.

Local rules & hazards

The source flags important airspace considerations near this site; check current airspace regulations before flying here.

Check conditions before you fly

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