Last verified: October 1, 2024

Paragliding at the Valle de Bravo Base

The Flying Experience

Valle de Bravo is a vibrant Mexican town with plenty of good food options. In the flying season there are so many other pilots visiting this town, that it is unlikely you will feel lonely. Flying cross country in this region is a thrilling and rewarding experience, mostly because it has some of the most consistent cross country flying conditions, combined with stunning rugged landscapes. In the afternoon you can go for a quick hike and fly from a launch right above town, to catch that evening soaring flight with a long colorful sunset over the lake. Valle doesnt only assure a great flying adventure but also offers an opportunity to connect with other paragliding pilots.

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El Peñon launch is the famous cross country launch site in Valle de Bravo. As you gain altitude here in a home thermal, you will have the opportunity for a proper cross-country flight, allowing you to cover significant distances and a promising paragliding adventure when you bomb out.

Alternatively there is another launch, La Torre, located right above town where you can do a quick hike and fly to catch that evening soaring flight with a long colourful sunset over the lake. You'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Valle de Bravo, the lake, and the surrounding mountains.

What is exciting about this place?

First of all the flying conditions are super consistent and the scenery is stunning. Its a challenging site which makes flying interesting every day, and flying back to Valle de Bravo at the end of the day is very satisfying, or a good goal to have. During the months of December to March the conditions allow for long distance flights of over 100km, enjoying cloud bases of over 3,500m. Also, there are lots of other pilots which makes it fun to hang and learn from others. And, last but not least, the Mexican street food after landing!

Is it beginner friendly?

This flying site is only suitable for beginners in the early mornings and late afternoons. There are strong thermals, gusts and strong winds. Don’t be complacent, fly with a local pro or school if you don’t have a lot of flying experience. Also more independent pilots are advised to fly with other pilots as the XC terrain could do with a bit of introduction.

What are the local regulations?

Buy a pass:
All pilots must buy an entrance pass and present it at the gate to be admitted.
The club is a non-profit organization and your contributions help cover its operating costs.
Register here: https://clubpenon.org/collections/entrance-passes.

Respect the turn:
In the house thermal all pilots must turn to the right on even days and to the left on odd days.

Fly safe:
From 11 am to 4 pm between November and May, P1/H1 and P2/H2 pilots are not allowed to fly, and P3/H3 pilots must fly under the supervision of an instructor or guide.

Remember that it's important to have the necessary skills, equipment, and experience to undertake cross-country flights here safely. Always adhere to safety guidelines, stay informed about weather conditions, and consider flying with an experienced guide or instructor if you are not familiar with the area.

Know before you go

Its good to know that this flying site is only in the early mornings and late afternoons suitable for beginners. There are strong thermals, gusts and strong winds; It is advised to fly with other pilots even if you are an independent pilot as the terrain is difficult and needs some introduction. Bring a hat and plenty of water as you can land out far and its rather hot. It is also a good idea to always have cash on you for the (shared) taxi’s for retrieve and a snack.

Register at https://clubpenon.org/collections/entrance-passes.

Insurance and hospital:
Valle de Bravo in Mexico, has their own affordable casevac insurance scheme to help get you out of a tree in the jungle. The ABC Mexico hospital is all the way in Mexico City, but its our recommended hospital if things didn’t go as planned.

In case of emergency:
Rescue team Lanza Tips: +52 722 357 4122
Helicopter evacuation Relampago: +52 729 107 5470 (don’t take the Helicopter for granted)
National Emergency Service: 911

  • Terrain

    • Flatland
    • Mountain
    • Lake
  • Pilot level

    • Schooling
    • Independent
    • Expert
    • Beginner
  • Flying Style

    • Hike and Fly
    • SIV
    • Soaring
    • Schooling
    • Cross Country
    • Paramotor
    • Speed Flying
    • Tandem
    • Hanggliding
  • Best Season

    • Nov
    • Dec
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
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Valle de Bravo Base

What is the Climate like?

What is the temperature?

Generally on the ground it is summer time! However, when flying, depending on the day and on how high you can fly, it can get chilly. Over 2400m it is definitely nice to have some normal gloves on. You can fly in a long sleeve. But for longer or higher flights we definitely recommend a puffy jacket over a shirt. Once you have landed you will want to take that off and wear something to cover yourself from the sun as it is rather hot. A hat is definitely a must bring.

When is best to go fly here?

Valle de Bravo has consistent cross country flying conditions from November to April. From February to the beginning of the rain season the conditions get stronger, with rough air and strong winds almost all day. During the rain season conditions are mellow, but there is risk of fast overdeveloping, with strong thunderstorms.

How is the Weather?

What are the flying conditions?

Generally speaking Valle de Bravo has some of the most consistant cross country conditions for flying. But it is also famous for strong wind conditions and edgy and turbulent thermals on certain days, or time of day. Pilots need to stay aware of factors like wind speed, cloud development, and potential changes in weather patterns to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. Beginners should only fly in the mornings (landing before midday) or late afternoons.

Check today’s weather:

- Forecasts from Meteoblue (https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/el-pe%c3%b1%c3%b3n_mexico_4026530)
- Forecast from Windguru (https://www.windguru.cz/766336)
- Weather station at Holfuy (https://holfuy.com/en/weather/609)

Valle de Bravo Base

The Travel Experience

How to get there?

From the Airport in Mexico city you take a taxi or an Uber to the ‘Observatorio’ bus station. This costs about 300 pesos and takes about 40-50 minutes. The busses from here to Valle de Bravo depart every hour, with the last one leaving around 7pm. The Excelencia bus line is the most direct and fastest. A ticket (Mexico poniente - Valle de Bravo) should be about 290 pesos, and traveling times can be anywhere between 2 and 5 hours. Depending on how bad the traffic is. (Bus Ticket: https://venta.zina-bus.com.mx/venta/index.php).

Nearest airport: Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juarez)

What to bring?

Check out our Packing List to find out what to bring on a paragliding trip. Apart from this list, the locals recommend you should bring the following:

Apart from this, the locals recommend you to bring:
A Mexican hat and some good vibes.

What to do on your day off?

Go for a hike among the Monarca butterflies. Or, embark on a mountain biking adventure, which is quite popular in this area.

The town is situated on Lake Avándaro, providing opportunities for water sports like sailing and kayaking, but swimming is not recommended.

Feeling cultural? Explore the historic Cathedral of San Francisco, meander through charming streets of Valle de Bravo to do some shopping, or simply indulge in the Mexican cuisine.

If you prefer a day of relaxation, there are quite a few massage places and spa’s to enjoy.Check the Puffy Cloud map for more information and suggestions.

Map coming soon!

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