Puñalica

Puñalica sits high in the Ecuadorian Andes near Tisaleo, at close to 3,955 m, with thermic conditions that make it a serious cross-country launch when the day cooperates. Getting there is part of the adventure: the approach starts by 4x4 up to the base of the grassland, then a 30-40 minute walk on foot up to take-off, while gear is carried the rest of the way by horse. That effort pays off at a slope pilots describe as close to perfect — plenty of room to lay out and all grass underfoot, with no rocky or awkward ground to worry about while rigging. The prevailing flow here comes from the east, and the open flatland below gives room to work thermals and push out on cross-country lines once airborne. It is not a casual, drive-up-and-fly site — budget time for the hike and arrange the horses in advance — but the reward is a genuine high-altitude Andean launch with real XC potential for pilots ready for the approach.

Launch & conditions

The take-off itself is close to ideal — a grassy slope with plenty of room to lay out a wing, no rocky ground to catch a line.

Getting there & local rules

From the Tisaleo canton, head to the village of La Unión and on to the communal house; from there a 4x4 covers the base of the grassland. Take-off is then a 30-40 minute walk, with gear carried up by horse.

Check conditions before you fly

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