Perched high above Quito, the Mirador de Puengasi offers more than just a view. It tells a story of thermals and daring pilots. This isn’t just any hill. It is a launchpad for dreams.
The Loma de Puengasí is a thermodynamic zone. Every weekend, pilots gather here. They come from all over Quito. The air buzzes with anticipation. Twenty minutes from the northern commercial zone, it is easily accessible. The left slope provides an advantage. Walls and peaks often release small thermals. They can be powerful. Windy conditions can make them turbulent.
The Mirador de Puengasi has benefits. It is close to the city. However, growth poses challenges. Fewer landing spots restrict flights. Novices and hang gliders face increasing limitations. More information is available online. Aeropasion.net details flight sites.
Pilots need experience for top landing. The area isn’t always closed off. The public might wander through so caution is necessary. The launch faces east. Flight times vary throughout the year. Summer months like July can be tricky. Winds can exceed 30 km/h. Afternoon inversions are preferable on windy days.
Several landing sites exist. Humilladero is one option. Los Negritos is another. This landing spot is large. It sits beside the highway to Valle de los Chillos. A metal structure presents a minor obstacle. Approach carefully. Wind can shift unexpectedly.
Access to the Loma de Puengasí is easy. The Avenida Simon Bolivar skirts Quito’s east side. The launch sits by the Mirador Bellavista. The road is well-maintained. Buses reach the launch from anywhere in the city.
Before launching from Mirador de Puengasi, observe carefully. Locate landing zones. Power lines and towers pose risks. They can be dangerous if altitude is lost. Flight plans must account for these hazards.
Experienced pilots take cross country routes. Machachi is a small town 25 km south. Altitude allows following the ridgeline. About 12 km from the launch, a new valley appears. When conditions allow, head west. Approach Atacazo mountain. Good thermal activity can be found there. Unfavorable conditions cause clouds to descend. Pilots may end up in Tambillo. It is a town at the mountain’s base.
Puengasí is a hill southeast of Quito’s center. It sits across the Machángara River. It is southeast of Itchimbía. To the northwest lies the rural parish of Conocoto.
So, as you stand here at the Mirador de Puengasi, imagine the vibrant wings catching the Andean air. Feel the thrill of defying gravity. Remember, this isn’t just a viewpoint. It’s a gateway to the skies. A testament to human courage.