Paragliding Governador Valadares Pico do Ibiturana

Pico do Ibituruna in Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil, is renowned as one of the premier cross-country (XC) paragliding sites in the country. The primary take-off direction is south, with secondary options available. The site is particularly favored for its strong thermals and extensive XC potential. The take-off altitude is 1230 meters (4034.4 feet) with a vertical drop of 850 meters (2788 feet). The wind directions suitable for take-off include S, SE, NE, N, NW, and SW. The site features four wooden ramps and ten natural ramps, allowing for multiple simultaneous take-offs. Access to the site is relatively straightforward, located 11 km (7 miles) from downtown Governador Valadares via the BR-116 highway. The road is a mix of dirt and cobblestone, in good condition for any vehicle, though it is somewhat steep. The official landing area is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) away, beyond the bridge over Rio Doce, at Feira da Paz. The best flying season is year-round, with optimal conditions in February and March. The local club, Clube Valadarense de Vôo Livre, provides support and information, including a webcam and weather station available at [GV Fly](http://www.gvfly.com.br/ibituruna.asp). Advantages of this site include very strong thermals, with some reaching speeds of up to 30 ft per second. There is a significant rock wall to the left of the north take-off that pilots must respect. Landing is possible in all directions, and retrieval is easy along the highway. However, the site is not recommended for inexperienced pilots during peak thermal activity due to the strong winds. Caution is advised when landing along the road because of the numerous electricity towers. The infrastructure in the area is well-developed, with good hotel options, some offering pilot pick-up services. The local community is welcoming, and the site is popular among international pilots. For more information, visit [Guia 4 Ventos](http://www.guia4ventos.com.br/rampas-do-brasil/36-rampas-de-voo-livre-mg/236-governador-valadares-mg-rampa-do-pico-do-ibituruna) and [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com). Records at this site include a 209 km (130 miles) flight by hang-glider pilots Carlinhos Niemeyer and Pepê in October 1990, and a 206 km (129 miles) flight by paraglider pilot Rodrigo Slow in January 2006. For weather updates, check the [Meteogram](http://www.cptec.inpe.br/prevnum/modelo_eta/Met_Eta_BR.shtml) and [NOAA](http://ready.arl.noaa.gov/ready2-bin/main.pl?Lat=-18.88638889&Lon=-41.91527778). For further guidance, contact XC Brazil, Steve Barton at Tel. 0055 33 3277 9282 or visit [XC Brazil](http://www.xcbrazil.com).