Oripoto is one of the closest flying spots to Caracas, the Capital of Venezuela. So if you want to take a look at this Metropolis from the air, this is a good place.

To get to the take off, take the road that goes from los Guayabitos to el Hatillo. When you see a blue door on the right side of the road, pull over the car, and yell: BEEEEEEETTYYYYY!!!! An old woman will come out, and it's normal that she's in a bad mood. She'll probably impress you with her meteorological knowledge, telling you: Beee careful! The wind is strong, and it looks turbulent!

Once you enter continue along the road, till you see a wall on the left side, and you'll probably see already some people flying. In Oripoto you'll find mostly people that escaped from work and family obligations, that are either speaking on the take off, or making wingovers above the others heads.

Oripoto has become a little difficult through the years, due to the high construction rate in that area. So, the landing spots have become small or have disappeared.

The flight is thermic and dynamic. In dry season you find cloud bases of 3.000m (9.000 feet). During flight, watch out for the vultures, because they will show you where the thermals are. Standing at the take off, looking at the right, along the soaring hill you'll see a little chain that goes SE, and it's called el Portaaviones (The airplane carrier). There you have a chance to land if you didn't find anything, but you have high chances of finding the local thermal that will take you up to enjoy the view of Caracas, Avila Mountain and Tuy Valleys. From here it's possible to take flights to el Hatillo, flying above the golf course of la Lagunita, and continue to la Union, and further, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of a huge waterfall of Guaire River, which is a totally polluted river coming from the City, but anyhow, the view is fantastic.

You can also fly towards Simon Bolivar University, and land on its beautiful gardens.

Caracas itself is the air corridor for Carlota Airport, so it's forbidden for paragliders to fly above the City without proper authorization.

If you want to land, either try to make toplanding, being careful of the new wall that has been constructed along the take off, or at the Portaaviones, or if you are way too low, try to land in any free spot you find!

I only advise experienced pilots to fly here.

 

Check out our Oripoto Video here...