Paragliding Roldanillo Colombia
Paragliding in Roldanillo Colombia
Roldanillo Colombia is one of the top destinations in the world for epic XC flying. Roldanillo is one of South America’s friendliest and safest locations for paraglider pilots, both on ground and in the air. Renowned for its reliable conditions during its best flying seasons (from December to March and July to September) and its two parallel mountain ranges going from north to south with the green agricultural (mostly sugarcane) and cattle fields in the valley in the middle. Here’s what makes this destination special and why paragliders worldwide choose it for both leisure and competition.
Why Fly in Roldanillo?
Roldanillo offers incredible flying conditions from December to March and July to September. It is a small town with a population of 35,000 whose locals traditionally work in agriculture and cattle; there’s also hotels and restaurants that cater to tourism. In addition, nowadays with the boom in international paragliders coming to fly all year round, there’s a smalll industry that has grown around the sport. This town has hosted —and continues to do so— events like the Paragliding World Cup Super Cup, FAI World Championship, British Opens, Dutch Opens and more, thanks to its super reliable thermal conditions and how the terrain is just perfect for designing XC tasks and racing.
Friendly People, Friendly Skies
Locals and long-term pilots coordinate the daily rides to take-off in WWII era Willys jeeps that leave from Parque Central to any of the three launches. The most common launch when it’s not competition is La Tulia.
Amazing Out and Returns and Triangles, with Easy Retrievals
Launch is from the eastern face of the western ridge, overlooking the tapestried valley below and with the western face of the eastern ridge in sight 15 kms away on the other side of the valley. The western ridge and the eastern ridge run parallel to each other in a north to south direction. The Cauca Valley in the middle provides a perfect playground with its vast farmland of mostly sugarcane but also cattle fields, providing infinite stressless places to land safely. There are trails, dirt roads, and main roads everywhere, so retrievals are easy to coordinate via catching a mototaxi or bus, or designated chase cars coming to get you.
Launch early!
The launch window is an early one. By 10:30 am it’s best to be in the air before the wind coming from the back hits launch (11 am is pushing it).
Getting up to launch early can sometimes be a disheartening experience
It is very common, almost the norm, to get up at 6 am in the morning in town and look up at the sky and mountain range above to find a low, dark, heavy cloud blanket. During the drive up to launch half way up the mountain and you’re already in the clouds. You arrive to launch and everything is fogged out, cold, and wet (sometimes even raining, yes). You’re thinking no way this is going to work, this day’s a wash-out, and you start planning on how to get off that mountain and hit the bar early. However, out of nowhere and quite quickly and suddenly, you hear the Simpson’s intro music from the heavens and the clouds part and 5 hours later you’ve flown 80, 90, or +100 kms, tired and with the biggest smile on your face, planning on hitting the bar late.
How The Flying Works Paragliding Roldanillo
Pilots start by flying the western mountain ridge and as the day gets hotter and the sun starts moving across the sky, pilots then move away from the mountain and begin flying the valley, and can then hop onto the eastern mountain ridge. Criss-crossing and ping and ponging all over the grandma’s quilt valley below between the eastern and western mountain ranges is what makes Roldanillo so special. Morever, in the afternoon by around noon, the Pacific wind is now roiling strong over the back of the western ridge so by this time all pilots must be off the western ridge and over the valley, otherwise the thrashing from the leeside rotors can take you for a ride.
Flying Conditions for paragliding in Roldanillo
Roldanillo’s geography and climate make it an ideal paragliding destination. Thermals are abundant, strong but not over the top, and the flying is textbook. Over the valley thermals are wide and tend to be in the +3 to +4 with the occasional +5, and good natured. Over the western mountain they are also strong, always where they should be, but sometimes can be quite punchy, requiring active flying. There’s one famous thermal that pops up from a quarry behind the town of Bolivar, 16 kms south of the Los Tanques launch of Roldanillo, called La Cantera de Bolivar. It is feared by many, respected by all, for its strength and rowdiness! But it’s a waypoint you want to put dead center in your sights when heading south for an assured and rapid climb, just prepare for some grunting stay focused!
Ideal Terrain and Take-Off Points
The main take-off points include Los Tanques, La Tulia, and Pico. Los Tanques is farther up and takes longer to get there, but it’s the one perfect for big competitions. La Tulia is much lower on the mountain, closer, and has a smaller launch. These spots allow pilots to launch early, with thermals typically active by mid-morning. Pilots start on east-facing slopes and transition to the flatlands as conditions strengthen. Around noon, the western mountains begin to catch the Pacific sea breeze, allowing for long, adventurous flights.
Seasonal Best for Flying
The best times to visit are December through March and July to September, but Roldanillo’s conditions remain good even in the off-seasons. The summer season brings the clearest skies, while the winter (rainy) season still offers plenty of flyable days.
Safe and Smooth Flying
With reliable thermals and predictable wind patterns, Roldanillo is great for strong and confident intermediate pilots to begin experiencing and learning cross country. Roldanillo also provides challenging routes for experienced pilots. However, an understanding of the Pacific sea breeze is essential, as it can create turbulence in the western side of the valley close to the mountains by late afternoon. Pilots must fly early to avoid these stronger winds.
What to Expect When Paragliding in Roldanillo Colombia
Roldanillo’s landscape allows for “cats-cradle” tasks, where pilots can navigate loops and return back to town with ease. Out-and-return routes are common, and flights reaching 100km are achievable daily. This makes it an exciting destination for competitive pilots and those seeking new adventures.
Local Hazards to Watch
While Roldanillo is generally safe for paragliding, there are a few hazards to be mindful of. There are two sets of huge high voltage power lines running down the side of the western ridge, below launch. Pilots must be cautious of these power lines at all times over the western ridge. They are easy to spot due to their huge intimidating nature, making them easy to avoid. On the other hand, pilots must keep an eagle eye open for smaller power lines and cables throughout the entire area, especially when scratching low or coming in for landing.
Sugar Cane Fires, Wild and Dangerous
Another thing to be careful of and avoid are the sugarcane fires. Part of the sugarcane production process involves controlled burns in fields that create super strong updrafts of air, smoke and debris —and they are monstrously turbulent. Though tempting to shoot up these >+10 updrafts like riding a Falcon 9 rocket, throwing your reserve over a burning sugarcane field may not be a great idea (but they will write songs about you).
Make sure to talk to local pilots about restricted airspace
Additionally to take into account, airspace limits apply in certain areas, with altitude restrictions in the southeast and north. Make sure to talk to the local pilots who will gladly explain all the restricted areas.
Planning Your Paragliding Trip to Roldanillo
Roldanillo promises an unforgettable paragliding experience. With friendly locals and great cross country flying, Roldanillo is a must-visit place for cross country and competition paraglider pilots world wide. If you want to organize a paragliding trip to Roldanillo and other spots in Colombia, contact us and we’ll take care of everything so all you have to do is enjoy some incredible flying in Colombia!
Paragliding and Kitesurfing
If you’re both a paraglider pilot and a kitesurfer—you’ve hit the jackpot, you can do both in one trip in Colombia!
Start by kitesurfing and downwinding on one of our kite trips along the Caribbean coast and the Guajira Desert. Then, follow up with paragliding in Valle del Cauca down south, at renowned sites like Roldanillo and Piedechinche.
Alternatively, you can mix both activities in a single day! Begin your morning flying in Roldanillo or Piedechinche. Then, head to Lake Calima—just 1.5 hours away— kitesurfing or even learning the ropes for the first time in the afternoons.
Don’t miss out—join our kitesurfing + paragliding camp for the ultimate Colombian adventure!
