BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN ARGENTINA

Bariloche

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San Miguel de Tucumán

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Cerro Catedral Piedra del Cóndor

Located in the southwest of Bariloche, Argentina, this paragliding site offers a variety of takeoff options and is regularly used by pilots. The site is known for its potential for cross-country (XC) flights, although thermals and valley breezes can become quite strong in the afternoon. Access to the takeoff points can be achieved either by road or by hiking, as the lifts do not accommodate paragliders. The ski area, which operates in winter, features a gondola that runs seasonally and a chairlift that can take you to the summit. However, be aware that flying above the ski resort and landing within the ski resort area are prohibited. The main takeoff points include: - Punta Princesa at 1800 meters above sea level - Piedra del Cóndor at 1750 meters above sea level - Runway Six at 1600 meters above sea level Landing zones are spacious and include: - Base of the Hill for Punta Princesa or Runway Six (1050 meters above sea level) - Road Field before accessing the hill for Piedra del Cóndor (950 meters above sea level) The site is situated 20 km from the city of Bariloche and can be accessed by vehicle to the base. From there, you can either use the means of elevation or hike up. A license is required to fly at this site, and the best time for flying is from October to April, when thermal activity is strong. Due to controlled airspace, it is mandatory to contact the local airport before flying. For more information and local contacts, you can reach out to: - Parapente en Bariloche: +54 (294) 154413037 - Parapente BRC: +54 (0294) 15 457 2276 - Parapente Cerro Otto: +54 (0294) 15 4303003 For additional details, you can visit [Syride - Piedra Del Condor](https://www.syride.com/it/siti-di-volo/Piedra_Del_Condor). Watch videos of the site: - [Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAqCOXjxO3M) - [Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlOOWZ5di9Y) - [Video 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=M89spZ-s5Go)

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Bariloche Cerro Otto

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/)

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Cerro Ventana

Located at an elevation of 1912 meters with a height difference of 1090 meters, this paragliding site is rarely used but offers a unique experience for those who venture here. It is ideal for hike & fly enthusiasts and provides panoramic flights with the possibility of cross-country (XC) flying. The area boasts endless takeoff options, particularly around the NE flank. Region: Bariloche, Argentina. The site record is 55.5 km. For more information, you can visit [Cerro Otto Hike & Fly](http://Cerro OttoHike & Fly).

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Que Mates

This paragliding site is situated at an elevation of 1718 meters with a height difference of approximately 945 meters. It is rarely used and is primarily suitable for hike & fly activities. Cross-country (XC) flights are possible from this location. Unfortunately, there is no additional information available about this site, and no flight logs have been recorded. The site is located in Argentina, but the specific region is not specified. The site record for the longest flight is 27.1 km.

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Cerro elephante

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Cerro Catedral 2

Located 20 km from the city of Bariloche, this paragliding site offers a range of takeoff options with altitudes between 1600 and 1965 meters, and a height difference of approximately 1000 meters. The site is known for its panoramic flights and the possibility of cross-country flying, although it is rarely used. Takeoff points include Punta Princesa at 1800 meters above sea level, Piedra del Cóndor at 1750 meters, and Pista Seis at 1600 meters. Landing zones are at the base of the hill for Punta Princesa or Pista Seis (1050 meters above sea level) and the Campo de Vialidad before the hill access for Piedra del Cóndor (950 meters above sea level). The site features both thermal and dynamic flying conditions. Access to the base is possible by vehicle, and you can reach the takeoff points either by using the hill's lift systems or by hiking. A valid flying license is required to fly here. Flights can be made in all directions except south, with the best flying season from October to April, characterized by strong thermal activity. The landing areas are spacious. For more visual information, you can check out these videos: [Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw-EEoCkhak) [Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=vGoD92sMPSU) For further inquiries, you can contact Federico de la Mano and Ernesto Gutiérrez.

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Refugio Otto Meiling Cerro Tronador

The launch site is situated at an elevation of 1859 meters with a height difference of approximately 980 meters. This location is occasionally used for hike and fly activities and offers a pleasant experience for cross-country (XC) flights. The site has a recorded flight distance of 101.4 km. For more information on paragliding in Argentina, you can visit [Paragliding Argentina](https://www.paraglidingargentina.com).

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Goyerbrum Cerro Goye

Located at an altitude of 1625 meters with a height difference of 852 meters, this paragliding site in Argentina is occasionally used for hike and fly activities. While it offers some potential for cross-country (XC) flights, it is not a highly frequented location. The site record stands at 13.6 kilometers. For a visual overview, you can watch a flight from this site on YouTube: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE4H20yrnO8).

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Pichi Leufu

This paragliding site in Argentina is situated at an elevation of 1213 meters with a height difference of 125 meters. It is primarily a walk-and-fly location, meaning you will need to hike to the launch point. The site is rarely used and offers limited soaring opportunities. The longest recorded flight here is 2.2 kilometers. There are no flight logs available for this site.

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Antena san Ramon

This paragliding site in Argentina has a takeoff height of 1298 meters and a height difference of 300 meters. It is rarely used, primarily for soaring, with some potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site record is 10.5 km. The takeoff area allows for launches in four different directions, making it versatile depending on wind conditions. For more information on paragliding in Argentina, you might want to check other local paragliding clubs or forums.

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Bariloche Cerro Otto Malagola

Cerro Otto, located near San Carlos de Bariloche in the Rio Negro province of Argentina, offers a popular paragliding site with a takeoff altitude of 1,380 meters and a height difference of 550 meters. The main takeoff is frequently used, although some pilots prefer Malagola. This site is suitable for thermalling and cross-country (XC) flights, with the best flying season from October to April. Be cautious of strong winds coming over Lake Nahuel Huapi. The site is primarily used for local flights. Although there is a cable car to the top, it does not accommodate paragliders, so pilots typically use a vehicle shuttle on flyable days. The launch area is easily accessible, but some alternative takeoff points require more effort to reach. The Patagonian winds significantly influence flying conditions, and the large lake creates its own microclimate. It is essential to consult local pilots for weather forecasts and flying advice. Typical cloudbase ranges from 2,000 to 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 with glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rivers. The area is also home to the Andean condor, the largest land bird with a wingspan of up to three meters. The official landing area is small, making it unsuitable for novice pilots. Airspace restrictions apply near the local airport, and strong winds can arrive suddenly. Accommodation options in Bariloche range from five-star hotels to hostels and camping sites. For guidance and courses, contact Federico de la Mano, a local tandem pilot and instructor. More information can be found on the following links: - [Parapente en Bariloche](https://www.facebook.com/parapenteenbariloche/?fref=ts) - [Paragliding Bariloche](https://paraglidingbariloche.com/) - [Bariloche Tourism](http://www.barilocheturismo.gob.ar) For additional details on flying in Bariloche, visit [XC Mag's Guide to Bariloche](https://xcmag.com/travel-guide/guide-to-bariloche-argentina/). If conditions are too windy, consider flying at El Bolson, approximately 120 km south. Always check with local paragliding schools for current landing field information and other nearby takeoff sites.

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Tafi del Valle Primer Mesada

At an altitude of 2396 meters with a height difference of 288 meters, this site offers an easy and occasionally used scenic flight with some soaring opportunities. Local pilots do not typically log their flights here. The hike to the take-off point takes about an hour, and while there is a road, it is unclear if car access is possible. For more information, you can watch a flight video here: [Flight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndTXhmIRa3U). Tafí del Valle is a great alternative for Loma Bola pilots and schools, especially when weather conditions are not ideal. You can find more details on these links: - [Aconquija Club de Vuelo y Aventura](https://www.facebook.com/AconquijaClubdeVueloyAventura/) - [Volar en Tucumán](https://volarentucuman.com.ar/volar-en-taf/) - [Loma Bola](http://www.lomabola.com.ar/?s=tafi+del+valle) Take-off points in Tafí del Valle include: 1. **1ª Mesada** (S 26° 51,069' - W 65° 40,076'): With a 350-meter height difference, you can ascend about 100 meters by 4x4 and the rest on horseback or on foot. Suitable for all pilot levels, it offers ridge and thermal flying with potential altitudes of 700 meters above take-off. 2. **Loma Verde**: Similar to 1ª Mesada but with intermediate take-off options. 3. **El Pelao** (S 26° 54,890' - W 65° 42,990'): With a 50-meter height difference, accessible by a good road to the base. Dynamic flying requires technique to gain 300 to 400 meters. There are also numerous small hills and slopes suitable for short flights or school practice. Tafí del Valle is a beautiful high-altitude valley with a central lake and surrounding peaks up to 5000 meters. It is an excellent vacation spot with activities such as mountaineering, fishing, windsurfing, kite flying, trekking, and paragliding. Flights range from gentle to strong dynamics and thermals, catering to all preferences. For more detailed information, visit [Por las Nubes](http://www.porlasnubes.com.ar/lugares.html). Local contacts: - Mauricio Miguel: mauriciomiguel@lomabola.com.ar - Sergio Bujazha: sbujazha@ciudad.com.ar - Mauricio Serra: mauricioserra@lomabola.com.ar Nearby sites include Loma Bola and Loma de la Lechuga.

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near Cerro Bernal

This location has an elevation of 1083 meters with a height difference of 50 meters. It is not a popular spot for paragliding, with only one recorded flight log indicating soaring conditions. There is limited information available, suggesting it is not a frequently used site for paragliding activities.

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El Escondido

The launch site is situated at an elevation of 1583 meters with a height difference of approximately 570 meters. This location is rarely used for paragliding activities. It is suitable for hike and fly adventures and offers opportunities for thermalling and scenic flights. There is no additional information available about this site. The region is listed as null in Argentina. The site record for the longest flight is 4.3 kilometers. No flight logs are available for this location.

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Anfama

This paragliding site in Argentina is situated at an elevation of 1809 meters with a height difference ranging from 100 to 1100 meters. It is rarely used and typically offers short flights. Unfortunately, there is no further detailed information available about this location, and no flight logs have been recorded. For more popular and well-documented paragliding sites, you might want to explore other regions in Argentina or check out established paragliding communities and forums for recommendations.

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Catedral Cerro Bellavista

At an elevation of 1764 meters with a height difference of approximately 1000 meters, this site offers a panoramic flight experience with the possibility of cross-country (XC) flying. It is rarely used and is ideal for hike & fly enthusiasts. Before starting your activity each day, it is mandatory to notify the airport. Make sure to contact local pilots for guidance. If there is no snow, taking off from the summit can be challenging due to the rocky terrain. To reach the site, follow the old road to Colonia Suiza and enter 200 meters at the beginning of the trail to the Jacob refuge. There is paid parking available. The hike is well-marked and very steep but does not present any technical difficulties. Recommended landing spots include the lake beach and the river bed, which are some distance from the parking area. For more information, visit: [Syride - Cerro Bellavista](https://www.syride.com/fr/sites/Cerro_Bellavista) [ALAS Parapente Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALASparapente/)

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Cerro Lopez top

At an elevation of 2054 meters with a height difference of approximately 1200 meters, this paragliding site offers a unique experience. It is primarily suited for hike & fly enthusiasts, providing a challenging yet rewarding ascent before taking off. The site has limited flight logs, indicating it is not frequently used. Soaring conditions can be expected, but detailed information on weather patterns and wind conditions is sparse. For more details, you can check out a flight log from this location on the Paragliding Forum: [Flight Log](https://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/1426005).

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Alto Anfama

This paragliding site is situated at an elevation of 2052 meters with a height difference of approximately 400 meters. It is primarily used for hike-and-fly activities and is known for its short flights. Due to its limited popularity, it is rarely used by paragliders. Landing options are scarce, which can make it challenging for pilots to find suitable landing zones. The site is located in an unspecified region of Argentina. The site record for the longest flight is 12.8 kilometers. There are no flight logs available for this site.

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Cresta de Gallo Lago Mascardi

This paragliding site is situated at an elevation of 1793 meters with a height difference of approximately 900 meters. It is primarily used for hike and fly activities and is rarely frequented. Cross-country flights are possible from this location. The site record for the longest flight is 48.8 km. Unfortunately, there is no additional information available about this site.

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Hotel Club Sol Cerro San Javier

This paragliding site is situated at an altitude of 1278 meters with a height difference of approximately 695 meters. It is rarely used and primarily known for thermal soaring with some potential for cross-country (XC) flights. The site has recorded flights of up to 9.1 km and 15.8 km in different regions within Argentina. The permission requirements for flying at this site are unclear, so it is advisable to check with local authorities or paragliding clubs for the latest information. For more details on paragliding in Argentina, you can visit [Paragliding Argentina](https://www.paraglidingargentina.com).

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