Fortin de las Flores

Fortín de las Flores is a thermal and soaring site above the town of the same name in Veracruz state, on the slopes of Cerro de San Juan de las Antenas. Launch sits around 1,350 m, just below the radio, TV and cellphone antennas that share the summit, and the site works on northeast through south wind — pilots most often fly it in an east or southeast flow. It's a genuine cross-country venue as well as a soaring and hike-and-fly spot, with a landing field near the town of Coapichapan, about 900 m lower and to the southeast of launch. Top-landing back at the antenna site is common practice here. An active airport sits just in front of launch, on the Córdoba side, so airspace awareness matters as soon as you're airborne. The drive up is straightforward — a signed road runs directly from Fortín de las Flores to the antennas at the top.

Launch & conditions

Launch is at roughly 1,350 m among broadcast and cellphone antennas — mind them on the ground and in the air. The site flies on east and southeast wind, and top-landing back at launch is common, so keep separation from pilots setting up to land there.

Getting there & local rules

From Orizaba or Córdoba, head to Fortín de las Flores and take the Orizaba Libre road; a signed turnoff marks the entrance to Cerro de San Juan de las Antenas — follow it to the end to reach launch. The landing field is near Coapichapan, about 900 m asl, southeast of takeoff.

Local rules & hazards

An active airport sits directly in front of launch on the Córdoba side — stay well clear of it. Watch for the summit antennas on both ground handling and approach, and give way to other pilots working the top-landing.

Check conditions before you fly

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