Calima

Calima is a thermal and soaring site above Lake Calima in Colombia's Valle del Cauca, with quick access to launch — especially from the north side of the lake — on a hill that gains more than 500 m and lines up well with the prevailing wind. Takeoff is large and clean, often needing little to no prep work, and there are two separate launch points, both with lake views. Morning tends to bring the best conditions, and locals describe good flying weather through most of the year. Pilots come here hoping to tap thermal 'reservoirs' that build over the terrain, with real potential for cross-country flights when they do. The area doubles as the Calima Darién ecological park, popular for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking on a network of dirt circuits that are also passable by 4x4, and the lake itself is clean, well kept, considered safe, and watched over by a ranger service. Landing is easy: a wide stretch along the lake shore with an easy glide in. Flight regulations for the site are issued by Colombia's aerosports federation, Fedeaereos.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff is large and clean, usually needing little or no preparation, with two separate launch points that both look out over the lake.

Getting there & local rules

Access is quick, especially from the north side of Lake Calima. The surrounding Calima Darién ecological park has dirt circuits usable on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback or by 4x4, and the lake area is patrolled by a ranger service.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Calima, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Calima with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.