Imbabura volcano

Imbabura volcano is a high-altitude thermal and soaring launch in Ecuador at around 3,355 m, flying with wind from the north, northeast and east. Take-off is a nice grassy slope with room for a handful of gliders at a time, so it isn't the place for a big group to launch at once. Getting up and back down is typically arranged through local pilots, who hire a pickup that both drops you at launch and retrieves you after landing for the ride back into the city — a convenient system if you connect with them. Summer, from June to September, brings notably strong wind here; local pilots still fly this stretch, but only in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the stronger midday hours. Landing has several options between take-off and the city, with a field behind the bus terminal being the popular choice, plus a few alternatives before reaching it. With real altitude, dependable thermal and soaring conditions, and a supportive local pilot community for logistics, Imbabura volcano rewards visiting pilots who plan around the seasonal wind pattern.

Launch & conditions

A nice grassy slope with room for a handful of gliders at a time. Summer (June-September) brings strong wind; local pilots stick to early morning or late afternoon during that window.

Getting there & local rules

Local pilots typically arrange a pickup that drops you at launch and retrieves you after landing for the ride back to the city. Landing has several options between take-off and the city; a field behind the bus terminal is the popular choice, with a few alternatives before it.

Local rules & hazards

Summer (June to September) brings strong wind here; local pilots still fly this window but only in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the stronger midday hours.

Check conditions before you fly

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