Loma Maria

Loma María launches from 1,833 m near Orizaba in Veracruz, Mexico, facing east and southeast, with wind from the northeast through east, southeast and south supporting thermic, soaring, cross-country, hike-and-fly and flatland flying. Local muleteers often help carry gliders up to launch — a customary tip of about 100 pesos per mule is standard, with each mule typically handling gear for several pilots on a trip. Getting there takes some navigating: from Orizaba, head north to the town of La Perla, continue to El Zapote, then take the entrance road through the small settlement locals call 'Macuilacatl El Chico', identifiable by a TV broadcast antenna — from there, locals can point the way to the Loma María launch, which sits at the end of an easy 15-minute downhill walk. Landing is at a spot known as El Paraíso, right next to a river with clean, fresh water — a genuinely good place for a swim after coming down, and a highlight pilots consistently mention.

Launch & conditions

Launch faces east to southeast at 1,833 m; local muleteers often help carry gliders up, with about 100 pesos per mule the customary tip.

Getting there & local rules

From Orizaba, head north to La Perla, then El Zapote, then through the settlement known as 'Macuilacatl El Chico' (look for the TV broadcast antenna) — locals can point the way from there, ending in a 15-minute downhill walk to launch.

Local rules & hazards

Don't take off if visibility drops below 100 meters.

Check conditions before you fly

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