Jericó

Jericó, in Colombia's Antioquia region, is a mountain site with a genuinely large, flat takeoff area — over 3,000 square metres — that makes it safe and welcoming for beginners and advanced pilots alike; a second, steeper launch nearby offers more challenge for those who want it. The big vertical drop between takeoff and the valley floor means even a flight with no thermal activity turns into a fairly long, satisfying ride down, and on active days the site works well for thermalling, ridge soaring, cross-country attempts and hike-and-fly outings. Before flying, pilots need to check in with the local flying operation to arrange insurance and get permission to fly — a quick formality rather than a barrier. Landing is flexible, with three official areas to choose from: two sit close to the road into Jericó, while the third, a soccer field in Puente Iglesias, is better attempted only once you know the site, since trees around it complicate the approach. Jericó also pairs well with a nearby site at Fredonia for pilots who want two flights in one day, with bus connections linking both back to Medellín.

Launch & conditions

The main takeoff area is large (3,000+ square metres) and flat, making it safe for beginners and advanced pilots alike; a second, steeper launch nearby (Nube Extrema) offers more challenge.

Getting there & local rules

Reachable by bus from Medellín. Some pilots combine it with the nearby Fredonia site: fly there first, then bus onward to Jericó for a second flight, returning to Medellín by bus from the Cauca Viejo landing area.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Jericó, 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 Jericó with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.