VOLCANIC ASCENT AT LAS ABRAS

The launch sits at about 1,958 m on the flanks of the Turrialba volcano, above the Las Abras area east of Cartago. Getting there is part of the appeal: a 4 km route from the church at Santa Cruz de Turrialba, paved at first and then gravel, running along the volcano's slopes with open views of the volcano itself, the Guayabo monument and the villages of Torito, San Antonio and Santa Cruz. The site works on north-east, east, south-east and south winds, and suits cross-country and flatland flying. The wider area is stitched together by roads and trails — you can move from Turrialba volcano across to Irazú — and small artisanal dairies and traditional restaurants line the way up.

Launch & conditions

Take-off is on the volcanic slope, reached on foot at the end of the approach track, and faces the prevailing north-easterly to southerly flow.

Getting there & local rules

The approach starts about 4 km from the church at Santa Cruz de Turrialba. Follow the paved road up to the point where it turns into a gravel track running along the slopes of the volcano. From there you either leave the car and continue on foot or carry on with a 4x4, as the trail is steep. Motorcycles are not allowed because of the incline. From the reference point at the end of the track, it is a hike up to take-off.

Local rules & hazards

Check the day's local conditions before committing. Wind here usually comes from the east or north-east at 6 to 29 km/h, but gusts of 50 to 55 km/h do occur. Daytime temperatures run 24 to 31 °C and nights 20 to 23 °C. Pressure is generally stable, but in the rainy season from May to November afternoon storms are common.

Check conditions before you fly

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