Torre Loma

Torre Loma is a high-altitude thermal, soaring and cross-country site in Ecuador, launching at about 2,441 m in the Bolívar province near Achín, in wind from south through southwest, west or northwest. It's also good for hike-and-fly and has flatland options. The site offers a big vertical range: around 2,300 m of height down to the landing zone in neighbouring Guayas province, with typical flights of about 50 minutes covering that descent. The approach from the Matilde Esther landing area to launch takes roughly 80 minutes. Flying is possible from June through December, and the usable window on a flying day tends to run from around 11:00 to 18:00. With a large vertical drop, multiple flyable wind directions and a defined season, Torre Loma is a serious cross-country objective for pilots comfortable at altitude in the Ecuadorian highlands.

Launch & conditions

Launch is in Bolívar province near Achín, at about 2,441 m, flyable in south, southwest, west or northwest wind; the approach from the Matilde Esther landing area to launch takes roughly 80 minutes.

Getting there & local rules

Around 2,300 m of vertical drop to landing in Guayas province, with typical flights of about 50 minutes.

Local rules & hazards

Flying season runs June through December, with a typical flying window from about 11:00 to 18:00.

Check conditions before you fly

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