Paragliding Roldanillo

Voladero La Unión Valle is a frequently used paragliding site known for its good thermalling conditions and potential for cross-country (XC) flights. Pilots often fly north to Nuevo Anselmo, then head deep south to Rio Frio, and continue east-northeast into the valley to reach the other ridge at Pavas, before returning to La Unión to complete an FAI triangle. The site is accessible by 4x4 vehicles. However, there is no official landing zone. The site is located in the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia. The site record for distance is 56.6 km. For more information, you can check out these videos: - [Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1ElBzDIfxE&ab_channel=FabianDaniloMunozQuintero) - [Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyGW1LshOaI&ab_channel=AHighlandPilot%2CWarwickLister-Kaye) - [Video 3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdUiOazZDZ4&ab_channel=clubpatrax) For paragliding schools, visit [Escuela de Parapente Tocando el Cielo](https://www.facebook.com/escueladeparapentetocandoelcielo/?locale2=de_DE&paipv=0&eav=AfbWcWtX86JBEtOnsyvQHcxdhnyexJj42OD4EZ1fJmU7Oilk-9KbZyvsxFaTANGR1M0&_rdr). For local clubs, check out [this club](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550069305420).

At an elevation of 1863 meters and a height difference of approximately 920 meters, this site is extremely popular and can get very crowded, but it is well-organized. A fee is required to fly here. The site offers easy cross-country (XC) flying, with the potential for very good XC flights. Early takeoff is recommended, but be cautious of the El Pacifico wind. Access to the Aguapanela takeoff is located at La Tulia in Bolivar, Valle del Cauca, just 25 minutes from Roldanillo. You can reach it by taking a bus from the Terminal de Occidente or a paragliding shuttle, meeting at the park in Roldanillo center, followed by a walk. The Valle del Cauca region extends from Roldanillo 70 km to the north and 170 km to the south, with a valley width ranging from 8 to 40 km. The area is predominantly flat, with 90% of it planted with sugarcane. The tropical humid weather often ensures smooth thermals over a large area, although long dry periods can make flying conditions more challenging. Having some thermal flying experience is important for enjoying flights in Roldanillo. The Pacific wind starts up nearly daily in the afternoon, so starting is possible only up to midday. Even XC pilots who start early move to the east side in the afternoon to fully experience the XC potential of the valley. Roldanillo, known as Colombia’s flying capital, has hosted numerous international competitions due to its reliable conditions. The tropical climate, influenced by trade winds, is consistent, and the agricultural Valle de Cauca with its unfenced farmland and extensive road network creates a retrieve system that encourages exploration. The thermals are generally light, except for a rowdy area over the quarry to the south and the Pacific breeze. Early starts are common, and there is not a significant late-night scene. Jeeps (called Willy’s) for the Los Tanques takeoff leave from the Parque Central around 8:45 am, usually from the southeastern corner outside the Juice Palace. These are arranged by locals or long-stay pilots and leave when full. Other launches include La Tulia and Pico, accessible via local public transport and a walk. The main takeoff at Los Tanques is 900 meters above the town of Roldanillo in the valley floor and faces east across the wide-open Valle de Cauca. The valley is a political region as well as a geographical feature, located in the west of Colombia, in the middle of a chain of tropical mountains and hills that run the length of the country. One border stretches to the Pacific coast, while jungle-covered mountains rise above 2,000 meters. Flying starts early, with the thermic breeze hitting launch around 9 am and flights traditionally starting around 11 am. Only a strong Pacific breeze from the west can prevent it. The thermals are often gentle, making the flying almost perfect, although changing weather patterns in recent years have brought stronger conditions. The valley's topography is ideal for flying cats-cradle tasks with interesting route-finding possibilities. After takeoff, pilots can fly along the western mountains, out into the flats, over to the east hills, and then choose their direction, north or south. Easy logistics make getting back to town with cheap public transport a breeze. The meteo wind is usually light from either the north or the south. The Pacific sea breeze may produce a strong westerly wind with gusts of 25‐30 km/h later in the day, but this only penetrates 2‐3 km into the valley, allowing pilots full use of the eastern side with little to no effect. The best season for flying is from December through March and from July to September. Summer (Dec-Mar) is the best, but even in the rainy winter season, 60% of days are flyable. The cloud base ranges from 1,800m to 2,300m, and the moist agricultural climate of the valley reduces the tendency for overdevelopment within the flying area. There is a dedicated takeoff for hang gliding just 15 minutes from the center of town on the way to La Tulia, at 1,880 meters. The local advice is to "fly anywhere you want to go," with cats-cradle type flying being the norm. Out-and-returns and triangles to land back in Roldanillo are often thwarted by the afternoon Pacifico. There is an airspace limit of 9,000 feet to the southeast and 10,000 feet to the north. Although often ignored by pilots, it is an issue waiting to happen, so it is best to avoid it. Be careful of climbing out over the back and then not being able to make it back to the landing field. Power lines below launch are clearly visible and easy to avoid. Check foreign office advice before you go, as some border areas of Colombia are no-go zones for travelers. For weather updates, you can check XCskies.com in conjunction with Meteoblue and Windfinder. Getting there involves a 60-minute flight from Bogotá to the regional airports of Pereira and Armenia. Roldanillo is a 90-minute taxi ride from both (about €40). Cali International Airport is 90 minutes by taxi or two hours by bus. If you don’t speak at least a bit of Spanish, it can help to use one of the local guiding services to smooth the way. Two recommended ones are Cloudbase Colombia and Air Nomads. Warning: The launches in Roldanillo are all lee-side mountain launches and depend on convection to generate upslope thermal breezes for safe launching. A west wind or north wind can create turbulent conditions in front of the launch at Las Tanques. There have been lethal accidents involving very good pilots. If the wind from the back is too strong, it is better not to fly, even if the thermals generate conditions to start at takeoff. Roldanillo is the best place for competition flying and big triangles, but it comes with challenges. Two sets of high-voltage power lines run along the entire mountain range. There is no official landing field, and the east-facing slopes produce early thermals but also powerful turbulences and lee-sides, making the flying significantly more risky and demanding. The incoming sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean makes launching impossible by early afternoon and turns the ridge into a massive lee-side later on. If you land out early, there is no chance for a second try, and your flying day is over. For more information on airspace, visit Cloudbase Colombia's airspace page.

Located at an elevation of 1694 meters with a height difference of approximately 750 meters, this paragliding site in Colombia is gaining popularity. It is regularly used and is becoming a notable spot for international competitions, offering a more familiar environment compared to Roldanillo. The site is known for good cross-country (XC) flying potential, making it an interesting alternative for pilots. There are various takeoff options available, providing flexibility depending on the wind conditions and pilot preference. The site record stands at 13.2 km, showcasing its potential for decent flights. For more information, you can check out this video: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-2r3u71aww&ab_channel=florinelzx6r) You can also connect with the local club through their Facebook pages: [Club Page 1](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550069305420) [Club Page 2](https://www.facebook.com/watch/parapentelaunion/)

At an elevation of 1726 meters, with a height difference of 781-900 meters, this paragliding site is a premier location for enthusiasts. It is frequently used and offers excellent thermals, making it ideal for cross-country (XC) flights. The site is accessible by a 4x4 vehicle and is about a one-hour drive from Roldanillo. Early starts are recommended, typically between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as the Pacific West tailwind can become too strong in the early afternoon, creating rotors. A fee is required to use the site. Be aware of two high-voltage power lines on pylons running across the hillside about 150 meters below the takeoff point. The region of Valle del Cauca, where this site is located, stretches from Roldanillo 70 km to the north and 170 km to the south, with a valley width varying from 8 to 40 km. The area is predominantly flat and 90% is planted with sugarcane. The tropical climate often guarantees smooth thermals over a large area, although long dry periods can make flying conditions more challenging. Pilots with some thermal experience will find flying in Roldanillo particularly enjoyable. The Pacific wind starts up nearly daily in the afternoon, so flying is generally only possible until midday. Even XC pilots who start early often move to the east side in the afternoon to fully explore the XC potential of the valley. Roldanillo is known as Colombia’s flying capital and has hosted numerous international competitions due to its reliable conditions. The tropical climate, influenced by trade winds, ensures consistent flying conditions. The agricultural landscape, with its unfenced farmland and extensive road network, makes retrievals easy and encourages pilots to take full advantage of the conditions. Thermals are generally light, except for a rowdy area over the quarry to the south. The early starts mean there isn't much of a late-night scene. Jeeps (locally known as Willy’s) for the Los Tanques takeoff leave from Parque Central around 8:45 AM, usually from the southeastern corner outside the Juice Palace. These are arranged by locals or long-stay pilots and depart when full. Other launches include La Tulia and Pico, which can be reached by local public transport followed by a walk. The main takeoff at Los Tanques is 900 meters above the town of Roldanillo and faces east across the wide-open Valle de Cauca. The valley is a political region as well as a geographical feature, lying in the west of Colombia amidst a chain of tropical mountains and hills. The thermic breeze hits launch around 9 AM, with flying traditionally starting around 11 AM. Only a strong Pacific breeze from the west can prevent it. The topography of the valley is perfect for flying cats-cradle tasks with interesting route-finding possibilities. After takeoff, pilots can fly along the western mountains, out into the flats, over to the eastern hills, and then choose their direction, north or south. Easy logistics make getting back to town with cheap public transport a breeze. The best season for flying is from December through March and from July to September. Even in the rainy winter season, 60% of days are flyable. The cloud base typically ranges from 1,800m to 2,300m, and the moist agricultural climate reduces the tendency for overdevelopment within the flying area. There is a dedicated takeoff for hang gliders just 15 minutes from the center of town on the way to La Tulia, at 1,880m. The local advice is to "fly anywhere you want to go," with cats-cradle type flying being the norm. Out-and-returns and triangles to land back in Roldanillo are often thwarted by the afternoon Pacific breeze. There is an airspace limit of 9,000 feet to the southeast and 10,000 feet to the north. Although often ignored by pilots, it is an issue waiting to happen, so it is best to avoid these limits. For weather updates, you can check: - [XCskies](https://www.xcskies.com) - [Meteoblue](https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/roldanillo_colombia_3670644) - [Windfinder](https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/roldanillo) Getting to Roldanillo is straightforward. It’s a 60-minute flight from Bogotá to the regional airports of Pereira and Armenia, followed by a 90-minute taxi ride (about €40). Cali International Airport is 90 minutes by taxi or two hours by bus. For local guiding services, you can contact: - [Cloudbase Colombia](https://www.cloudbasecolombia.com/) - [Air Nomads](https://www.airnomads.co/) Please note that the launches in Roldanillo are all lee-side mountain launches and depend on convection to generate upslope thermal breezes for safe launching. A west or north wind can create turbulent conditions in front of the launch at Las Tanques. There have been fatal accidents involving very skilled pilots. If the wind from the back is too strong, it is better not to fly, even if the thermals generate conditions to start at takeoff. For more information on airspace, visit [Cloudbase Colombia Airspace Information](https://www.cloudbasecolombia.com/english/information/airspace/). Takeoff capacity is for more than 10 wings simultaneously, with a grass surface and a wide incline. From the road, it's a steep stair up to launch, and people often offer to carry your gear for a tip. Landing options include top landing, landing in the valley floor, or at the base of the mountain. There are no more official landing zones, so it is best to ask locals for advice. For more detailed information, you can visit [XC Mag's Guide to Roldanillo](https://xcmag.com/travel-guide/guide-to-roldanillo-colombia/).

This paragliding site in Colombia is situated at an altitude of 1620 meters with a height difference of approximately 500 meters. It is rarely used and primarily known for thermalling. The site record for the longest flight is 6.2 kilometers.

The launch site is situated at an altitude of 1590 meters with a height difference of approximately 850 meters. This is a private launch site with limited information available. It is occasionally used, and cross-country flights are possible, though not common. The takeoff area appears to be challenging, and it might be better to consider using the El Tanque site instead. This site is located in Colombia, and the site record for the longest flight is 171.6 km.

This paragliding site in Colombia is situated at an altitude of 1587 meters with a height difference of approximately 340 meters. It is rarely used, primarily offering soaring opportunities with some thermalling, which typically results in short flights. The site record for the longest flight here is 50.2 km. For more information on paragliding in Colombia, you might want to explore other popular sites in the region.

This paragliding site in Colombia offers an elevation range from 1260 to 1907 meters, with a height difference of approximately 300 to 900 meters. It is rarely used and is particularly suited for hike-and-fly activities. This site can be a good option if you need an alternative landing spot after an unsuccessful flight. There are various takeoff options available, and it is possible to achieve good cross-country (XC) flights here. The site record is 28.7 km.

The El Pico takeoff is located at La Tulia in Bolivar, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. It is a popular spot for paragliding, situated 30 minutes from Roldanillo with an additional short walk required to reach the takeoff point. This site is frequently used and is known for good cross-country (XC) flying conditions. The area can be slightly windy at times, and there is limited space for preparation. The optimal starting time is from 8 am to 2 pm, and currently, there are no starting fees. The Valle del Cauca region, where Roldanillo is located, stretches 70 km to the north and 170 km to the south, with a width varying from 8 to 40 km. The area is predominantly flat and largely planted with sugarcane. The tropical humid weather often ensures smooth thermals over a large area, although long dry periods can make flying conditions more challenging. Pilots with some thermal experience will find flying in Roldanillo enjoyable. The Pacific wind typically starts in the afternoon, making early starts essential for optimal flying conditions. Roldanillo is renowned as Colombia’s flying capital and has hosted numerous international competitions due to its reliable conditions. The tropical climate, influenced by trade winds, allows for consistent flying year-round. The region's unfenced farmland and extensive road network facilitate easy retrieval, encouraging pilots to explore the area. The thermals in the region are generally light, except for a more turbulent area over the quarry to the south. The Pacific breeze can also affect conditions. Early starts are common, with flying traditionally beginning around 11 am. The main takeoff at Los Tanques is 900m above Roldanillo and faces east across the Valle del Cauca. The valley's topography is ideal for various flying tasks, with easy logistics for returning to town using public transport. The best flying season is from December through March and from July to September, with the summer months (Dec-Mar) being particularly favorable. The cloud base typically ranges from 1,800m to 2,300m, and the moist agricultural climate reduces the risk of overdevelopment. For more detailed information on flying conditions and logistics, you can visit: - [XC Mag Guide to Roldanillo](https://xcmag.com/travel-guide/guide-to-roldanillo-colombia/) - [Airtribune Americas 2023](https://airtribune.com/americas2023/info/details__flying) For weather updates, check: - [Meteoblue Roldanillo](https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/roldanillo_colombia_3670644) Useful contacts for local guiding services include: - [Cloudbase Colombia](https://www.cloudbasecolombia.com) - [Air Nomads](https://www.airnomads.co) Please note that the launches in Roldanillo are lee-side mountain launches and depend on convection to generate upslope thermal breezes. A strong west or north wind can create turbulent conditions, so it's crucial to assess the wind conditions carefully before launching.

This paragliding site in Colombia offers an elevation range from 1260 to 1907 meters, with a height difference of approximately 300 to 900 meters. It is rarely used and is more suitable for hike-and-fly activities, especially if you need an alternative after a short flight. There are various takeoff options available, making it versatile for different wind conditions. While it is not a popular site, it does offer the potential for good cross-country (XC) flights. The site record is 28.7 km.

This paragliding site in Colombia has a takeoff altitude of 1333 meters and a height difference of 380 meters. It is not frequently used due to the availability of many good alternatives nearby. However, it offers opportunities for thermalling and cross-country (XC) flights. The site is accessible by road. The site record for the longest flight is 10.4 kilometers.

At an elevation of 1517 meters with a height difference of 563 meters, this paragliding site is frequently used and is known for being a good takeoff point for long cross-country flights. Its lower altitude compared to other sites can be advantageous on days with a low cloud base at the start. Located in Colombia, this site has a notable flight record of 88.7 km.

This paragliding site is located at an elevation of 1771 meters with a height difference of approximately 800 meters. It is rarely used but offers the possibility for cross-country (XC) flights. The site is situated in the Huasano region of Valle Del Cauca, Colombia. The site record for the longest flight is 56.5 km. For more information on nearby flights, you can explore additional resources or local paragliding communities.

The launch site is situated at an elevation of 1770 meters with a height difference of approximately 850 meters. Historically, it has been used by hang gliders and offers potential for good cross-country flights. However, there is limited information available about its current status and usage. No flight logs have been recorded recently, which suggests that it might not be frequently used or well-documented in recent times. The site is located in Colombia, and the longest recorded flight from this location is 171.6 kilometers.

Located in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, this paragliding site sits at an elevation of 1777 meters. It has been noted for its suitability for hang gliding cross-country (HG XC) flights, particularly from 2012 to 2014. The site is considered 'world class' for hang gliders, although it appears to be closed currently. The takeoff area is highly regarded, featuring about four takeoff lanes and a well-organized setup area. The conditions are favorable for climbing, with anabatic winds aiding takeoff. However, be aware that the wind tends to blow over the back starting from 2 PM local time. The site is accessible via a 45-minute drive from Rio Frio town, with the final stretch being a short dirt road. The site record for distance is 73.0 km. For more information, you may want to check local paragliding forums or community groups.

At an elevation of 1664 meters with a height difference of approximately 720 meters, this paragliding site is frequently used and highly regarded for cross-country (XC) flights. It is often compared to El Pico, a similar spot known for its excellent XC potential. Despite being mentioned less frequently, this site offers comparable XC opportunities. Its lower altitude might provide an advantage for earlier takeoffs when the cloud base is low, although this is speculative. For more visual insights, you can watch a related video here: [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUxK3vnHx_E&ab_channel=LESR). Region: Colombia Site record: 214.1 km

At an altitude of 1612 meters with a height difference of approximately 500 meters, this paragliding site is regularly used and is known for its thermalling conditions. Sevilla serves as a significant turnpoint for extensive flights originating from Roldanillo.

This paragliding site in Colombia, with an elevation range of 1260-1907 meters and a height difference of approximately 300-900 meters, is rarely used and primarily serves as a hike-and-fly location. It is often utilized as a reference point for cross-country (XC) flights rather than a primary launch site. There are various takeoff options available, and good XC flights are possible from this location. Be cautious not to confuse this site with another location named 'Florida' in Valle del Cauca, which is situated on the eastern ridge, approximately 140 kilometers south of here. Unfortunately, there is no additional information available about this site. The site record stands at 28.7 km.