Remolino

Remolino is a thermal and cross-country site in southern Colombia, launching at about 1,358 m in north, northeast or east wind, with roughly 800 m of gradient down to the valley floor. The launch is a large grassy field, and morning thermals typically build to cloudbase, opening up the option of crossing the canyon toward the Patía River for mid-morning thermic and cross-country flights — pilots often share the lift with birds working the same lines. Beyond thermalling and XC, the site is also used for ridge soaring, hike-and-fly and winch launching, which makes it a versatile spot for different kinds of flying days. Wind tends to turn strong locally in the afternoon, so the morning and mid-morning window is the better time to fly. Landing is on a wide stretch along the shores of the Patía River, giving plenty of room to come in.

Launch & conditions

Launch is a large grassy field with about 800 m of gradient to the valley; morning thermals build to cloudbase and often allow crossing the canyon toward the Patía River for XC.

Local rules & hazards

Wind turns strong locally in the afternoon, so mid-morning is the better window to fly here.

Check conditions before you fly

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