Argentina
Introduction
Our trip to Argentina in 2023 was going to be my last long haul trip with a group but, oh my god, it was so good that I’m going to do it again in 2024 (but this will definitely be the last one).
Argentina is a vast, diverse and beautiful country. It stretches from Bolivia to the Antarctic, almost every climate can be found somewhere on Argentinian soil. We’ll introduce you to the culture and history, eat outstanding local food and (of course) drink some of their amazing wine.
The part that we will be visiting is just north-west of central Argentina. We’ll meet in the city of Cordoba and from there we’ll head into the Central Sierras to a small town called La Cumbre. We’ll be staying in some stunning cottages with a communal swimming pools. The local flying sites are incredible.
Cuchi Corral looks down on an unspoiled plain and next to the landing field is a bar and a river that is very good for swimming. There are lots of large birds of prey that like to play here, including Condors. Actually, it looks pretty much like Jurassic Park.
From there we’ll be heading to Traslasierra, further along the central Sierras. Here the mountains become more rugged and there is a much wilder feel. The town of Nono is small and quite eclectic with a number of art studios and modern bars along side much more traditional places. While here we’ll be staying in cottages at Los Nogales which is just jaw droopingly beautiful. Wild horses wander around outside and if you’d like to horse ride, we can arrange it.
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included as are all drinks unless we go out. We’ll introduce you to asado, the Argentinian style of bar-b-q and way of life.
The Flying
Both of these sites offer amazing flying opportunities; many people who’ve been with us make their first cross country flights here. For those who’ve flown XC before, personal bests are quite common. All that said, this is not a difficult place to fly and suits a wide range of piloting ability. Should conditions look more favourable, we’ll head over to Merlo San Luis which offers a 1200 m take off above the landing field.
We will explore both the theory and practice of thermic flying in more depth with you whilst we are away. Learning to thermal is an endless journey. We can work from your level and you will notice improvements in your flying as you practice under our guidance. We’ll introduce you to phone apps and alti varios. Once you are thermalling happily, should conditions be favourable, we will take you cross country. If you’re more experienced, 100 + Km XC’s are achievable.
Some of you may well have flown cross country in the past and some not. The sites we fly in Argentina are not close to controlled airspace, they are big, with friendly thermals and a lot of potential. We have retrieve drivers to pick you up when you land.
In addition to being good for xc’s the sites themselves are breathtakingly beautiful. Playing with thermals can be a lot of fun; we will introduce you to them progressively and it’s quite normal to share thermals with condors.
Argentina is a land of extremes, although we will be travelling in a relatively small part of it, you should be prepared for really hot weather in the plains, and colder conditions at night. This is particularly apparent when we fly. Getting dressed up into flying suits and gloves when it is thirty degrees on take off feels a little strange, but once you have climbed a couple of thousand feet you will need the extra layers!
Whilst the take off and landing sites that we use are generally well prepared, you must fly in boots. Should you fly cross country or land in the wrong place you will need them. The other things that you will need are to protect you from the sun. A pair of sunglasses (and some spares if possible), a sun hat, and some good sun cream.
All site fees are included.
Accomodation
I’ll be in Cordoba a couple of days early and you’re welcome to join me, otherwise we’ll meet at noon in front of the NH Urbano hotel before heading to our cottage accommodation in La Cumbre.
The cottages are simply stunning and you will have your own room (no being kept awake by snoring). you will wake in the morning to the most incredible backdrop and a wonderful breakfast waiting. Lunch’s are picnic style or we’ll take you to a local cantina for local specialities like empanadas, locra, humita and lomito completos,
At the end of the day we’ll return to a stunning meal prepared by our local chef. There will be pre dinner drinks and of course stunning Argentinian wine with dinner.
Suitability
- This trip is suitable for CP+ level pilots
- This trip is suitable for advanced level pilots
Cost
£2125 for fliers and £1650 for non flying partners
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