Lake Atitlan Flying Sites for Hang Gliding and Paragliding Located in the region of Panajachel, Guatemala, this site is a popular choice for thermal soaring and cross-country flying. The take-off point is situated above Santa Catarina Palopo, a 25-minute drive from Panajachel. The launch area is on private land, requiring a fee for access. The launch is a small, steep grassy area facing south, providing excellent conditions for thermal soaring. South winds are essential for flying at this site. The take-off is on the northeast side of the lake, allowing pilots to soar above the towns of San Antonio Palopo, Santa Catarina Palopo, Panajachel, and San Jorge. Experienced pilots can embark on cross-country flights along the mountain chain surrounding the lake, potentially landing in distant towns like San Marcos La Laguna or San Pedro. Morning flights often feature enjoyable thermals, with clear skies offering stunning views of the volcanoes and the lake. As the day progresses, the sky becomes hazier, and the south winds turn more laminar, making it ideal for practicing maneuvers such as spirals, B-stalls, freestyle, and acro. For more information, visit [Real World Paragliding](http://realworldparagliding.jimdo.com/fly-panajachel/). The site offers smooth glides with thermals and soft winds during landing. There are three ramps at altitudes of 6,550 ft, 6,650 ft, and 6,800 ft, and two official landing fields at 4,900 ft, one on the public beach and another on the beach of a local hotel. The lake is surrounded by mountains and three volcanoes, reaching altitudes of up to 14,500 ft. Panajachel, a small village on the edge of Lake Atitlan, serves as the main station for trips to other flying sites within a 1 to 3-hour radius. For more details, visit [Hang Gliding Guatemala Tours](http://hanggliding-guatemala-tours.com). Take-off is located above the town of Santa Catarina, just 2 km south of Panajachel. You can take a taxi to the launch for about $5-7 and pay a $2 fee to launch at the seminary. Ridge soaring by the lake offers glassy conditions with some cloud formations. Another launch site is available at the Mirador, north of town, accessible by bus for $1.