Sibundoy

Sibundoy is a thermal, soaring and cross-country site in Colombia's Putumayo region, launching at about 2,370 m in wind from east through southeast, south or southwest. Takeoff faces a southeast-facing slope suitable for both paragliders and hang gliders, and it's reached by 4x4, about 20 minutes from the city of Sibundoy. A pilot license is required to fly here — this isn't an unregulated site. July and August bring notably strong winds, so those months call for extra caution and realistic judgement about whether conditions are within your comfort range. Landing, by contrast, is easy: a wide area with no obstacles to worry about. With winch launching and flatland flying also on offer alongside thermals and XC, Sibundoy is a versatile, licensed site worth building a trip around outside its windiest months.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff faces a southeast-facing slope, suitable for paragliders and hang gliders; reached by 4x4, about 20 minutes from the city of Sibundoy.

Local rules & hazards

A pilot license is required to fly here. July and August bring notably strong winds — extra caution is warranted in those months.

Check conditions before you fly

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