El Olimpo

El Olimpo launches at 1,406 m in Venezuela and flies with wind from the northwest, offering thermal mountain flying with real cross-country potential. Takeoff was reshaped by machine around fifteen years ago, when the ground was leveled with a bulldozer to create a soft, easy-going incline rather than a rough natural slope, so it launches comfortably today. Access is easy too: it's about five minutes from the main road, in good condition, and reachable by any kind of vehicle, so there's no rough approach standing between the car park and takeoff. Weather here is favourable for flying through almost the entire year, which is unusual and makes it a relatively dependable site rather than one with a narrow seasonal window. Landing is equally generous, with a lot of usable space across a large rural area, so pilots have plenty of room to work with on the way down. Between the reliable conditions, easy access and comfortable launch, it's a welcoming mountain site for thermal and cross-country flying alike.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff was leveled with a bulldozer about fifteen years ago, giving it a soft, easy-going incline rather than a rough natural slope.

Getting there & local rules

About five minutes from the main road, in good condition and reachable by any kind of vehicle.

Local rules & hazards

Local guidance here is simple: safety first, always. Weather is favourable for flying through almost the entire year, an unusually dependable window rather than a narrow season.

Check conditions before you fly

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