Located at an altitude of 1297 meters with a height difference of 470 meters, this frequently used paragliding site in Patagonia offers excellent thermal and dynamic soaring conditions. It is well-suited for cross-country flights, including FAI triangles. San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly known as Bariloche, is a picturesque town in northern Patagonia, Argentina. With a population of around 100,000, it sits on the edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is surrounded by the Andes mountains. The town is a popular tourist destination known for its hospitality, gastronomy, recreational activities, and vibrant nightlife. In winter, it transforms into one of Argentina's major ski resorts, while summer brings hot, dry, and windy weather. The paragliding scene in Bariloche is relatively small, primarily consisting of tandem and local pilots. Due to bureaucratic issues, pilots cannot use the cable car for launching, but a vehicle shuttle is available on flyable days. The main launch site is easily accessible, though some other sites require more effort to reach. Flying conditions are heavily influenced by the Patagonian winds. The large lake creates its own microclimate, making accurate weather forecasts crucial. Local pilots recommend consulting with them before flying. From December to February, thermals are strong, and the typical cloudbase is around 2,500 meters, offering stunning views of the Argentine plains and the Andes. Cross-country flights can reach altitudes of up to 4,000 meters, traversing a wild landscape of glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rivers. The area is also home to the Andean condor, the world's largest land bird, which uses thermals and convergence lines to travel vast distances. The launch and landing areas are not suitable for hang gliders due to their small size. The site is not recommended for novice pilots due to the technical nature of the landings and airspace restrictions near the airport. Strong winds can also arrive suddenly. Accommodation options in Bariloche range from five-star hotels to backpacker hostels and camping sites. For paragliding guides and courses, Federico de la Mano is a well-known local tandem pilot and instructor. You can find him on Facebook by searching for "Parapente en Bariloche." Bariloche has its own airport with direct flights to Buenos Aires. From the airport, you can take a local bus or taxi to the town center. The main flying site, Cerro Otto, is nearby. Long-distance bus travel in Argentina is comfortable, with the journey from Buenos Aires to Bariloche taking approximately 22 hours. For more information, you can visit: - [Parapente en Bariloche on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/parapenteenbariloche/?fref=ts) - [Bariloche Tourism](http://www.barilocheturismo.gob.ar) - [Paragliding Bariloche](https://paraglidingbariloche.com/) Contact: - Parapente en Bariloche: +54 (294) 154413037 - Parapente BRC: +54 (0294) 15 457 2276 - Parapente Cerro Otto: +54 (0294) 15 4303003 For a visual experience, check out these videos: - [YouTube Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kYht-KHp-E) - [YouTube Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vzo_XTkpRc) - [YouTube Video 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkahST2thjw) - [YouTube Video 4](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=217284690276742) - [YouTube Video 5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiZiMIBVy9U) For a detailed travel guide, visit: - [Guide to Bariloche, Argentina](https://xcmag.com/travel-guide/guide-to-bariloche-argentina/)