BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

La Ciénaga Oficial

Casabito

Jarabacoa Palo Blanco Jamaca de Dios

Palo Blanco and Jamaca de Dios are two distinct paragliding sites located very close to each other in the Jarabacoa region of the Dominican Republic. Site #3: Jamaca de Dios This site offers takeoff directions to the North, North-East, and North-West at an altitude of 1037 meters above sea level. It is rarely used and primarily suitable for soaring flights. Site #2: Palo Blanco This site has takeoff directions to the North-East and East at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. The takeoff area is easy and grassy, but accessing it requires a 4x4 vehicle. From the parking area, there is a light three-minute walk to reach the launch site. For more detailed information, including exact coordinates, please contact info@paraglidingspots.com.

Cofresi

Location: Cofresí is a tourist village located 10 km west of Puerto Plata, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Santo Domingo. Any vehicle can get you near the flying area. Launch Altitude AGL [m]: From 0 to 40 meters. Description: The flying site is a small range, 2 km long and 250 meters high, situated right by the Atlantic Ocean. It is now private property, and permission from the owners is required to pass the fences. Conditions and Flight: This is a beautiful soaring site located a hundred meters away from the coast, with large landing fields next to the beach. Most flights occur early in the morning up to 11 AM and in the evening, as the wind can become too strong by noon. To launch, simply pull your wing up on the plains, take a few steps climbing the first hill, turn around, and enjoy the lift! For more information, visit: [Caribbean Free Flying - Flying Sites](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a10)

Casabito La Manaclita

La Manaclita is situated between two cities along Duarte Highway, in the heart of the Dominican Republic, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north-northwest from Santo Domingo. Access to the site requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. The launch altitude above ground level is 500 meters, with a height difference of 865 meters. La Manaclita is positioned on the eastern face of the Central Range, facing east towards the southern Cibao valley. The Central Range extends from this point up to Haiti to the west. This site is known for its excellent thermaling conditions, which can also provide soaring opportunities in the afternoon. The thermals here are smooth and wide, often generating healthy cumulus clouds downwind from the takeoff point. The wind typically blows from the east or southeast, allowing for cross-country flights heading north, south, or west. For more detailed information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a9).

Las Aguitas San Juan

Located in the San Juan region of the Dominican Republic, this paragliding site offers a unique experience. The launch area, known as Las Aguitas, is approximately a 3 hour and 30 minute drive from Santo Domingo, heading WNW into the Valle de San Juan. No four-wheel drive vehicle is needed, but you will have a 30-minute hike to reach the takeoff point. Gliders can be transported to the launch area on horseback. The takeoff is situated on the southwest face of the Central Range, about 4 km from the town of Sabaneta. The launch altitude is around 900 meters above sea level, with a height difference of 400 meters from the valley floor, which sits at approximately 500 meters above sea level. The Central Range features sharp, towering mountains over 2000 meters high, with minimal erosion. The valley is over 20 km wide and lush with greenery, thanks to numerous rivers and streams descending from the Central Range. The site is well-protected from the Alisios wind and remains unaffected by the moist sea breeze. Thermal conditions are favorable, with wide thermals and strong cores, reaching +5 m/s over the peaks and +2 m/s in the valley. The site offers excellent cross-country (XC) flying opportunities, with the Central Range extending WNW into Haiti. If connected with the XC route starting in Azua, pilots could potentially achieve a 130 km flight across the Caribbean island. Additionally, there are great triangle flight possibilities due to mild easterly winds and active thermals over the valley. The cloud base often exceeds 3000 meters. The maximum XC distance recorded at this site is 56 km for open distance and 69 km for out-and-back flights. For more information, visit: - [Ojovolador Gallery](http://www.ojovolador.com/es/mira/galerias/dominicana/index.htm) - [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a7) - [Flight Log](http://www.flightlog.org/fl.html?l=1&a=22&country_id=60&start_id=1773)

Jarabacoa Paso Alto

Santiago airport is conveniently located, just a thirty-minute drive from three major takeoff points and nearby hotel accommodations. Site #1: Paso Alto Takeoff Altitude: 1220 meters above sea level (ASL). Accessible by car; a 4x4 vehicle is not required. Access: The takeoff zone is secured by a locked gate. For access information, contact Flying Tony: - Tony: (001) 809 848 3479 - Kim: (001) 809 915 5319 - Email: flyingtonyjarabacoa@gmail.com Location: The takeoff is situated above the tourist town of Jarabacoa, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes north-northwest from Santo Domingo. While a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, it is not essential. Without a 4x4, the 10-minute hike to the takeoff point may extend to 25 minutes. Launch Altitude: 600 meters ASL Description: Jarabacoa is nestled in a picturesque valley within the Central Range, at an elevation of about 450 meters ASL. The surrounding peaks rise above 1700 meters ASL. The takeoff faces north, overlooking the valley and the range, which extends west-northwest. To the south, the landscape features beautiful hills and progressively higher mountains. Flying Conditions: This site offers versatile flying conditions, accommodating winds from the north, northeast, south, or southeast. On favorable days, cumulus clouds form above 1200 meters AGL (1700 meters AGL in winter). Thermals are moderate in size with significant cloud activity. Pilots can travel west or east, with the option to head south into a series of valleys within the Central Range. The maximum recorded cross-country (XC) distance is 19 kilometers. For more information, visit: [Paragliding Tony Dominican Republic](http://www.paraglidingtonydominicanrepublic.com/Sites.html) Watch a video of the site: [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ1ZHbyM5tQ&feature=related)

La Playita

Region: La Playita, Isla Hispaniola, Dominican Republic Site Record: 2.1 km Location: The takeoff is about 25 meters south from Azua, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Santo Domingo. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for access. Launch Altitude AGL: 130 meters Description: The takeoff is situated on a small prominence that stretches about 9 kilometers long and 450 meters high, facing the Caribbean Sea (Bahía de Ocoa). Conditions and Flight: This site offers gentle soaring conditions. You can fly with either a south or east breeze, which typically blows from 10 AM to 8 PM. It serves as an excellent alternative for flying in Azua when conditions are too strong for thermaling. You can enjoy a ridge flight of up to 5 kilometers out and back. Maximum XC Distance Registered: 6.5 km More information: [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a3)

Cotui Lago Presa Hatillo

Location: Cotuí is a town approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Santo Domingo. The flying site is accessible by any vehicle. Launch Altitude AGL: 40 meters (height difference) Description: The site features a 2 km long dam of an artificial lake, which provides an excellent area for paragliding. The dam's wall is 40 meters high and has a slope of about 40 degrees. Conditions and Flight: The road runs directly across the dam, making it convenient to set up your glider. In mild wind conditions, you can kite your glider easily. When the wind speed reaches up to 15 km/h, you can take off and enjoy floating around the area. For more information, visit: [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a13)

Jarabacoa Alto del Guyabo

Jarabacoa, located about 2 hours and 30 minutes northwest of Santo Domingo, offers a unique paragliding experience. The takeoff point is situated atop this charming tourist town, nestled in a picturesque valley within the Central Range. The launch altitude is approximately 600 meters above ground level, with the town itself sitting at around 450 meters above sea level. Nearby peaks soar above 1700 meters ASL. The takeoff faces north towards the valley, with the range running west-northwest. To the south, you'll be greeted by stunning hills and mountains that gradually rise in elevation. This site is highly versatile, accommodating various wind conditions from the north, northeast, south, or southeast. On favorable days, you can expect to see beautiful cumulus clouds forming over 1200 meters AGL, and up to 1700 meters AGL during the winter months. Thermals are moderate in size, with significant cloud activity enhancing the flying experience. Pilots have the option to travel west or east, and there's also the possibility of heading south into a series of valleys within the Central Range. The maximum cross-country distance recorded here is 19 kilometers. For more information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a8).

Matua Matúa

The East launch coordinates are unclear. Location: Matúa is about 35 minutes NNW from Santo Domingo. Any vehicle can reach the launch area. Launch Altitude AGL [m]: 250 (height difference meant) Description: Matúa is a private property. The owners have kindly allowed pilots to use it, even though it is their own weekend house. The front yard serves as the launching spot. The takeoff is located at the top of the hill, at the beginning of a range that runs NW for about 45 km, with a maximum height of 900 m ASL. Conditions and flight: Normally, gliders use the lift produced by the sea breeze coming from the SE to soar gently in the afternoons. The chances for thermal flying are not high because the slope isn't steep enough. If there is no sea breeze, the wind usually blows from the E. There is an alternate takeoff for these days. There are more chances to fly thermals on this side because the slope is quite steep, but it may be a little turbulent. Matúa is one of the most used training hills because it is the nearest to Santo Domingo. Maximum XC distance registered: 36 km (achieved only once!) For more information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a1).

Azua

Azua is a town located about 1 hour and 20 minutes west of Santo Domingo, on the South Coast of the Dominican Republic. To reach the takeoff point, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, although a 15-minute hike is also an option. The launch altitude is 90 meters above ground level (AGL), with the highest point of the small range being less than 350 meters AGL. This range runs east, parallel to the first big ranges of the Central Range, which is about 2 kilometers north. The takeoff faces the sea (Bahía de Ocoa), approximately 5 kilometers south. The terrain in Azua and the surrounding South West region is semi-desert. Pilots often take off early in the morning, around 10 AM, to take advantage of the incoming sea breeze. As the day progresses, thermal activity begins to peak around 12:30 PM. While thermals can be disordered, reaching an altitude of more than 800 meters AGL allows pilots to head north towards the larger mountain ranges. If successful in reaching these mountains, the typical route is northwest along the Central Range, utilizing the altitude wind blowing east. The XC (cross-country) potential is significant, as the Central Range extends deep into Haiti for more than 150 kilometers. The maximum XC distance registered from this site is 69.5 kilometers. For more information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a2). For a visual gallery, check out [Ojovolador](http://www.ojovolador.com/es/mira/galerias/dominicana/index.htm).

Matua Matúa

Matúa, located about 35 minutes NNW from Santo Domingo, is a popular training hill for paragliding. The launch area is easily accessible by any vehicle. The launch altitude is 250 meters above ground level, with a total height difference of 350 meters. Matúa is a private property, and the owners have graciously allowed pilots to use their front yard as the launching spot. The takeoff is situated at the top of a hill that extends NW for about 45 km, reaching a maximum height of 900 meters above sea level. Typically, pilots can take advantage of the sea breeze from the SE to enjoy gentle soaring in the afternoons. However, thermal flying is uncommon due to the slope's gentle incline. On days without a sea breeze, the wind usually blows from the E, and there is an alternate takeoff available. This side offers better chances for thermal flying due to its steeper slope, though it can be more turbulent. Matúa is frequently used for training because of its proximity to Santo Domingo. The maximum cross-country distance recorded from this site is 36 km, achieved only once. For more information, you can visit: [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a1) Watch a video of the site here: [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyNRbDfEMUg&list=PL175445C3C528EB05&index=3)

Vallejuelo Valle de San Juan

At an elevation of 1388 meters, this site is regularly used and offers the possibility for cross-country (XC) flights. The region is Valle Juello in the Dominican Republic. The site record for distance is 25.0 km. Access to the takeoff area is via a small dirt road, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential, especially avoiding the area if the roads are wet. It's crucial to contact local pilots before planning a flight here. The valley is visually appealing and conducive to triangular flight routes. For more details, you can visit [Ojovolador's gallery on the Dominican Republic](http://www.ojovolador.com/es/mira/galerias/dominicana/index.htm) and [Flightlog](http://www.flightlog.org/fl.html?l=1&a=22&country_id=60&start_id=1774).

Job

La Job is a mountain located east of Barahona, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Santo Domingo. Access requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Launch Altitude AGL: 1650 meters The mountain is part of the Sierra de Baoruco, which runs west-northwest and reaches nearly 3000 meters in height. It parallels the Sierra de Neyba to the north and the Central Range. The takeoff faces east, aligning with the prevailing trade winds (Alisios) at this altitude. To the south, there are more mountains and valleys, while to the north lies the Valle de Neyba, a vast plain that descends up to 50 meters below sea level. The higher elevations feature cold, humid forests, whereas the plains are more desert-like. Flying from La Job offers breathtaking views of the valley, the Caribbean Sea, and the Sierra de Baoruco. The takeoff area is exposed to trade winds, which can be strong at times. Therefore, takeoffs are typically scheduled around noon when thermal activity in the lower mountains and the valley begins, improving flying conditions. The most straightforward cross-country (XC) route is downwind to the west. However, this route leads to an area filled with bushes and cacti, which are not suitable for landing. Alternative routes include heading north to the valley or east, upwind, to the nearest town, Cabral. Another option is to fly south towards the larger mountains, ending up on the southern face of the Sierra de Baoruco. Maximum XC distance recorded: 35 km west For more information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a5).

Jarabacoa 2 La Antena

Location: The takeoff is on the northwest side of the tourist town of Jarabacoa, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes north-northwest from Santo Domingo. Any vehicle can access the takeoff point. Launch Altitude AGL: Approximately 170 meters. The takeoff altitude is around 715 meters, with a height difference of about 170 meters. Description: Jarabacoa is situated in a picturesque valley in the Central Range, at an altitude of about 450 meters above sea level. Nearby peaks exceed 1700 meters above sea level. This takeoff serves as an alternative to Alto del Guayabo and is often used by students for their initial soaring and thermal flights. The takeoff faces southeast, overlooking the valley, and is located on a small ridge with the takeoff point being the highest spot. Conditions and Flight: Pilots typically begin soaring and catching the first thermals around 10 AM when the wind blows from the east. As the day progresses, the valley breeze strengthens, especially around noon. Maximum XC Distance Registered: None For more information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a14).

Paraiso

At an elevation of 628 meters, this site offers various launch possibilities, with this particular one being highly recommended. The coastal soaring here is exceptional, providing a thrilling experience for paragliders. Located in the Barahona Province in the Southwest of the Dominican Republic, this site is near a small city surrounded by lush green mountains and rivers that flow into the Caribbean Sea. The nearby municipalities of San Rafael and Los Patos are known for their tourist-friendly beaches and fresh river waters originating from the mountains. The tropical and pleasant weather adds to the appeal of this paragliding destination. The site record for a flight here is 8.3 km, showcasing the potential for impressive flights. For more information, you can visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).

Galvan Neyba

Galván is a town located by the Sierra de Neyba in the Valle de Neyba, 10 km east of another town called Neyba. The takeoff point is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes west of Santo Domingo. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required to reach the launch site. The launch altitude is 1030 meters above ground level. The takeoff faces south, offering a view of the expansive Valle de Neyba. This region experiences very dry conditions due to the Central Range filtering moisture from the northeast Alisios winds. The Sierra de Neyba runs parallel to the Central Range, about 30 kilometers to the south. With an impressive altitude at takeoff, this site is considered one of the top four locations for cross-country (XC) flying. The Central Range protects this area from the Alisios winds and the sea breeze, which does not reach the valley due to the high takeoff altitude and distance from the sea. Pilots can expect strong thermal conditions, ranging from +3 to +6 meters per second, with healthy cumulus clouds forming bases over 1400 meters above ground level most of the time. Thermals are generally wide and well-formed, with strong cores. There are several XC possibilities, including flying along the range either west or east. Pilots can also venture into the valley, where dust devils can occasionally be seen. When the cloud base is high, it is possible to cross the range and fly on the northern face, offering a chance to enter the Valle de San Juan. The maximum registered XC distance from this site is 52 kilometers. For more information, visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a6) and [Ojovolador](http://www.ojovolador.com/es/mira/galerias/dominicana/index.htm).

El Manaclar Loma X

The paragliding site is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes southwest of Santo Domingo, near the city of Bani. To reach the site, a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary due to the terrain. The launch altitude is 1000 meters above ground level. The takeoff area faces south and is situated on a branch of the main Central Range. This smaller range extends up to 1800 meters as it heads north-northwest, merging into the main Central Range. This site is recommended for advanced pilots. There is no landing field within glide range from the takeoff point, so pilots must be confident in their ability to gain altitude. The prevailing wind at this altitude is from the east, but the takeoff faces south. The main cross-country (XC) route follows the range northward. To the west of the range lies a wide valley running parallel to it, while to the east, there are larger mountains ending in steep valleys. The most straightforward XC flight occurs when the meteorological wind is weak enough to allow the anabatic flow to establish at the takeoff height. The maximum registered XC distance from this site is 33 kilometers. For more information, you can visit [Caribbean Free Flying](http://www.caribbeanfreeflying.com/flyingsites.html#anchor#a4) or check out the [Ojovolador gallery](http://www.ojovolador.com/es/mira/galerias/dominicana/index.htm).

Paraiso

This paragliding site in the Dominican Republic offers a takeoff elevation of 444 meters. The site record for the longest flight is 8.3 kilometers. For more detailed information, you can visit the ParaglidingEarth website.