Valle de Bravo, Mexico - Trip Summary
Duration: 12 nights / 11 flying days
Group size: 6-8 pilots
Pilot level: Confident Intermediate / Experienced XC pilots
Flying style: Thermal XC flying - mountain ridges & flats
Accommodation: Shared twin rooms
Guides: Sam & 1 other guide
Dates:
28 Dec - 9 Jan 2027
Price
€1,950
Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Valle de Bravo, or just “Valle” as it’s known locally, is a vibrant mountain town nestled beside Lake Avándaro, around 2–2.5 hours west of Mexico City.
Sitting at approximately 1,800m above sea level, Valle is internationally recognised as one of the best winter paragliding destinations in the world.
It has hosted multiple international competitions and offers reliable dry-season thermals, high cloudbase, and serious XC potential.
Flying
Valle is known for powerful thermals, high climbs, and classic dry-season race conditions.
The terrain offers defined ridgelines, convergence zones, and expansive flatlands ideal for long XC flights.
Typical routes include following ridge lines north and northeast, running south along the Sierra ridges, and flying large triangles across the Valle basin.
Cloudbase during peak season is typically 3,500–4,500m ASL.
One of Valle’s real highlights is the potential for truly epic evening flights, often finishing with a landing back near the lake. Late-afternoon and evening conditions can become remarkably smooth, offering a completely different experience from the stronger midday air.
That means that even if the middle of the day feels too strong, pilots can often still enjoy another 3–4 hours in the air later in the afternoon and into the evening. Valle therefore offers something for everyone: serious winter XC for ambitious pilots, but also beautifully smooth soaring conditions for those who prefer a more relaxed flight experience.
Strong thermal triggers and defined lines make this a world-class XC venue.
El Peñon
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nazf8fm6uZykeYAo7
Altitude: 2,350m
Orientation: W/WSW
The main launch of El Peñon is around a 40-45 minute drive away from the town. It is a large, well-maintained ramp launch with ample space for glider preparation.
Conditions begin smoothly in late morning, building quickly toward midday.
Climbs regularly average 3–6m/s, with stronger cores possible on peak days.
The primary landing is a large designated field in front of take-off with easy vehicle access.
It is spacious but can become active during peak thermic hours, with occasional dust devils mid-afternoon.
Ample alternative landing options exist throughout the valley and along XC routes.
To see example flights made on Xcontest, click here:
All flights
Weather
Operating during the dry winter season (November – March), conditions are typically dry and stable with reliable thermic cycles.
Climbs of 3–6m/s are common, with strong solar heating and high cloudbase.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the cost of the holiday and is typically a Hotel or B&B, with a private room included for each pilot.
We have several options and for group bookings we can arrange accommodation based on the preferences of the group.
Accommodation details will be confirmed before arrival.
Getting there
Mexico City (MEX) Airport is a busy and well-connected International airport. It is around a 2.5 hour transfer to Valle de Bravo. Transfers are included, but there are also reasonably straightforward taxi/bus options, should pilots wish to arrive/depart outside of the transfer times.
What's included?
Transfers to and from Mexico City Airport
Hotel or B&B accommodation, private room included
Transport to launch and XC retrieves
Weather briefings & XC task setting
Transport on non-flyable days
Skygods T-Shirt
Suitability
Best suited to confident intermediate and advanced pilots.
Pilots should be experienced in thermalling and comfortable flying in strong conditions.
Comprehensive holiday insurance including paragliding cover is strongly advised.
Pilots also need:
VHF Radio
Smartphone with mobile data
Livetrack24 account
An app capable of tracking to LT24, for a complete list for Android/iOS/Windows see:
Cost
The cost for the 2 week trip is €1,950
OFFERS:
*** Previous guests receive €50 off per booking ***
All discounts are automatically applied and taken off your final bill, payable on arrival.
Non-Flying Activities - Non-flying companions
Valle de Bravo is not only an outstanding flying destination, but also a fantastic place for partners, families, and non-flying companions. The town combines outdoor adventure, nature, relaxation, and Mexican small-town charm, making it an excellent choice for a family holiday or a trip with your partner.
A real highlight in the region is the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary near Valle. During the winter season, visitors can experience one of the most remarkable natural spectacles in Mexico as monarch butterflies gather in the surrounding forests.
There is also plenty to do around the lake, including boat trips, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle. More active visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, and exploring nearby waterfalls such as Vela de Novia.
Back in town, companions can enjoy Valle’s cafés, restaurants, lakeside atmosphere, artisan culture, and colonial character, making the destination work extremely well both on flyable and non-flyable days. Companion prices available on request.
• Monarch butterflies at Piedra Herrada
• Boat trips and watersports on Lake Avándaro
• Mountain biking and hiking in the surrounding hills
• Waterfalls, local markets, cafés, and colonial town atmosphere
How to Book
A deposit of €600 per person is required, and the remainder due on arrival.
Please contact us with the trip you would like to come on, and we will provide instructions on how to pay the deposit.
Refund Policy
Deposits are non-refundable. However - please contact us if, for some reason you cannot make a week - and we may be able to transfer your deposit to use on a different trip (subject to availability). Or you may transfer your deposit for the same trip to a friend or someone else - please just make contact to request any changes.
Social Media
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FLY WITH THE GODS!