BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN HONDURAS

Danli Bella Vista

Take off: Just south of the city of Danli, at an elevation of 1180 meters. The launch site faces south and is easy to use due to its ample area and nicely rounded form. Landing: There are abundant landing opportunities immediately below the launch site and throughout the wide valley extending south to El Paraiso, which is 15 kilometers away. Going there: Danli is located 1.5 to 2 hours east of Tegucigalpa. From Danli, drive south for approximately 3 kilometers and turn left at the hospital. After 2 kilometers, turn left again onto the road to Bella Vista. The road climbs for about 4 kilometers, where you will see a small round knoll on your right. Park your vehicle and climb 50 meters to reach the launch site. Comments: This is a great site for days with occasional south winds. It offers an easy launch and a variety of landing options. People to contact: Jeffrey Miller, jmillergoldsmith@hotmail.com, +504 9604 3593 Tourism: Danli, with a population of approximately 60,000, offers easy access to the site and a variety of hotels and services nearby.

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San Pedro Sula

This paragliding site is situated at an elevation of 455 meters. The coordinates provided are approximate, so it's recommended to verify the exact location before planning your visit. The site is reputed to be favorable for paragliding, offering good conditions for both beginners and experienced pilots. For a visual overview of the site, you can watch this video: [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccuTHsHa1pc&list=UU7e7Kwz7AgclK3ymd4bEWFg&index=48). If you have more detailed information about this location, please share it by emailing info@paraglidingspots.com.

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Yuscaran

Take off from a North East facing launch located 4.5 km above the village of Yuscaran, Honduras, accessible by a rough road. The launch site is at an elevation of 1450 meters above sea level and offers approximately 650 meters of free elevation. The launch area is compact and fenced, requiring wind speeds of 12-20 km/h for an easy takeoff. The best flying conditions are during the dry season from late February to the end of May, with high cloud bases and a mix of mountain thermal and flatland flights. Flights of over 60 km have been recorded. Although no hang gliders have flown here, the launch and El Llano landing field appear suitable. For more information, you can visit ParaglidingEarth. The primary landing field is El Llano, located about 4 km southeast of Yuscaran by road and 4.5 km from the launch site. There is also a bailout option at the football grounds, which is always an easy glide from the launch. To get there from Tegucigalpa, take the highway east towards Danli. Turn south off the highway approximately 53 km from Tegucigalpa. Yuscaran is 17 km from this junction. The road to the launch site goes directly up the mountain just before entering the town. From the launch, you can see both landing fields: El Llano to the east over the flatlands and the football stadium directly below the launch site on the road leading south out of Yuscaran. This location is highly recommended for its beauty and flying conditions. If you are traveling through Central America, make sure to visit this stunning country. For more information or guidance, you can contact Jeffrey Miller at jmillergoldsmith@hotmail.com or by phone at 504 234 7066 or 504 954 2956. Christian Nolte is also available at 504 967-0900. Weather conditions can vary, with tropical weather making flight suits unnecessary. However, the rainy season can lead to rapid overdevelopment and frequent thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon. The dry season from February to May offers the best flying conditions, while windy conditions are common from November to February. Yuscaran offers cheap hotels and limited restaurants. For more amenities, Tegucigalpa is 1.5 hours away. A natural hot spring is located 45 minutes south of Yuscaran, providing a relaxing experience. Services in and around Yuscaran are primitive, appealing to adventurous travelers. Jeffrey Miller offers accommodation for those on a budget, embodying the Honduran saying, "my house is your house."

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Azacualpa

At an elevation of 1852 meters, this paragliding site is known for its favorable conditions, although no flight logs are available. The North-South running valley provides landing options in both directions, making it ideal for cross-country flights. Takeoff: The launch site faces East and is easily accessible from Tegucigalpa. Situated at 1850 meters, it is suitable for flights in East winds only. Landing: There are multiple landing options: 1. Top landing is possible in the large fields behind the launch site. 2. A bailout field is located 250 meters below the launch, accessible via a nearby road, though retrieving from the valley can be a long drive. 3. Piedra Blanca, 1,000 meters below the launch, offers various landing choices with the North-South valley providing options in both directions for cross-country flights. Getting There: From Tegucigalpa, leave the ring road and exit towards UNITEC University. Pass UNITEC and continue for 16 kilometers to Azacualpa. Local directions are needed to cross private property to reach the launch site, which is a 10-minute walk from the road. Comments: This is a beautiful site with stunning views. Weather Hazards: Be cautious of north winds from November to February. Flight Regulations: No specific regulations other than obtaining permission from the landowner. Contact: Jeffrey Miller Email: jmillergoldsmith@hotmail.com Phone: +504 9604 3593

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Isla del Tigre Ampala

Isla de la Tigre, located in the Gulf of Fonseca in southern Honduras, is an inactive volcano standing at 780 meters. The launch site is situated on a north and northeast-facing meadow at the top of the mountain. Access to the launch site is via a rough dirt road suitable for 4x4 vehicles or by foot, with an early start recommended to avoid the heat. Landing options include Playa del Burro (Donkey Beach) when the tide is out, with several other options visible from the launch site. To get there, it's a 2 to 2.5-hour drive south from Tegucigalpa, which has international flights. Drive south to Coyalito and take water taxis to the island. The main town, Amapala, is a popular local tourist destination offering services, restaurants, and hotels. This site offers beautiful coastal soaring with views looking north across the gulf to mainland Honduras. After landing on Playa del Burro, you can enjoy inexpensive and fresh seafood, beer, and accommodations. The local atmosphere is super laid-back. Be aware of weather hazards, as the north-facing launch can sometimes experience afternoon south winds. For more information, you can contact Jeffrey Miller at jmillergoldsmith@hotmail.com or call 504 9604 3593. The area also offers tourism opportunities such as beaches and the largely undiscovered Gulf of Fonseca. There is cheap water transportation to smaller islands, some of which are wildlife refuges.

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La Villa de San Fransisco

Take off: This site is not maintained, so it's advisable to bring a machete. The take-off area is ample and easy to launch from in East winds or cycles. Landing: The landing area is a huge agricultural valley with plenty of landing options. Be cautious of power lines, especially in fields close to town. Avoid landing in growing crops and steer clear of sugar cane fields, as the leaves can be sharp. Going there: From Tegucigalpa, drive 50 km east and turn north off the highway to Danli at Ojo de Agua. Continue 17 km north to La Villa de San Francisco. Cross the town and turn left onto the dirt road leading up the mountain to Coyolito. In Coyolito, ask for directions to the road leading to the cell towers. Drive 500 meters past the cell towers and park. The launch site is a 25-minute hike up the hill and slightly to your right. After 20 minutes, the trail turns left where there is a gate on your right. Go through the gate and cross diagonally to the upper right corner of the field. Cross through the fence to reach the launch site from the bottom. Comments: There is plenty of altitude available to explore and search for thermals. Weather hazards: Pay attention to the winds in the valley on your way to the launch site. People to contact: Jeffrey Miller, jmillergoldsmith@hotmail.com, 504 9604 3593.

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