Premium weather, Epic Flying, Really Good Food.

 

Overview

Valle de Bravo, Mexico, is a world-class soaring destination with equally epic food. This charming mountain town, often described as the Aspen of Mexico, sits along the shores of Lake Avándaro, just two hours west of Mexico City. Every year, paragliders and hang gliders converge on the region between December and February.

The main flying site is El Peñon, located about 45 minutes south of Valle de Bravo. A classic goal is to launch from El Peñon and fly back to the Lake LZ. It is only about nine miles as the crow flies, but the route can be technically challenging, with a high mesa and a lake to cross or circumnavigate. Depending on conditions and pilot experience, many different routes and tasks are possible, offering excellent opportunities to develop thermal, XC, and decision-making skills.

These trips are designed for P3 and P4 pilots, with each trip offering a slightly different flying experience.

Our December trips are well suited for newer P3 pilots and beyond, including pilots looking to build confidence, improve thermal skills, and gain more XC experience. Experienced P3 and P4 pilots will also have plenty of opportunities for longer and more challenging flights when conditions allow.

January typically brings stronger and more active conditions, making these trips a great fit for experienced, confident P3 pilots looking to expand their XC skills, as well as P4 pilots seeking more advanced flying opportunities.

For both trips, we evaluate each pilot based on the flying background and information provided to us before the trip. During the week, we work individually with each pilot on the progression and skills needed to support their personal flying goals.

Where We Stay

“Charlie’s Place” is a local posada, the Mexican version of a B&B, whose guests are almost exclusively paragliding pilots and their companions. With welcoming hosts who are also pilots and an ideal location, Charlie’s Place books up months in advance.

It is conveniently located on the road to launch, just about 150 yards from the Lake LZ, with excellent food options nearby. Having stayed at Charlie’s Place for more than a decade, PGNE has a standing reservation for the entire posada for much of December.

The accommodations are simple but clean, comfortable, and safe. Rooms are mostly private, with two double rooms available, and all have private bathrooms.

Travel Logistics

Flights should arrive in Mexico City before 4:00 PM. The group will meet at the airport and travel together to Valle de Bravo, approximately a 2 to 3 hour drive.

At the end of the trip, we will provide transportation back to Mexico City International Airport. Return flights should depart no earlier than 12:00 noon.

For anyone traveling at different times, we can arrange a private car or provide information about public transportation.

For day-to-day flying, we have our own vans and drivers who are familiar with the local launches and landing zones. Local taxis are plentiful, inexpensive, and commonly used by XC pilots who land away from designated LZs. Travel around town is typically done on foot.

Costs

$3,350 - private room
$2,950 per person - double room

A $950 non-refundable deposit is required at booking to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due before the trip.
A 4% processing fee applies to all credit card payments.

This includes:

  • 8 nights lodging

  • Private shuttle to and from Mexico City airport

  • Personalized instruction and XC guiding

  • Nightly review of launches and track log analysis

Not included:

  • Flights to Mexico City, MEX Benito Juárez International Airport, arriving before 4:00 PM and departing after 12:00 noon

  • Food, approximately $25 to $60 per day

  • Travel medical and evacuation/repatriation insurance covering paragliding is required. Read HERE for information about policies covering paragliding. If using your existing health insurance, confirm that paragliding is covered and the policy is valid internationally.

  • Peñon Club fee, approximately $90

Don’t Delay!

For the past several years, these trips have been fully booked and we have had to turn pilots away. Claim your spot early!

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Some pre-trip stoke…