Jangas

Jangas launches at 3,552 m in the Peruvian Andes, north of Huaraz, and flies with wind from the northeast through east to southeast, in a valley known for big, dramatic scenery and genuinely large altitude gains for pilots who catch it working. This is a serious, high-altitude site: even the valley floor sits close to 10,000 ft, so every landing here is effectively a high-altitude landing, whichever field you pick. Getting to launch means taking a combi from Huaraz to Jangas, then a taxi up a mine road to around the 12-kilometre mark, followed by a hike the rest of the way, a route local taxi drivers know well. Takeoff itself is a clean, smooth, undeveloped slope, easy once you're there. One local rule matters more than most: never cross the river. Strong north winds can also build hard in the main valley, so this suits pilots comfortable with genuine mountain conditions rather than a casual first cross-country attempt.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is a clean, smooth, undeveloped slope, easy once you reach it; there's no built infrastructure here.

Getting there & local rules

Take a combi from Huaraz north to Jangas, then a taxi up the mine road to around the 12-km mark, and hike the rest of the way to launch; local taxi drivers know the route.

Local rules & hazards

Never cross the river here. Strong north winds can build hard in the main valley, and because the valley floor itself sits close to 10,000 ft, every landing is effectively a high-altitude one, whichever field you choose.

Check conditions before you fly

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