Balsamar
📍 La Libertad · Nearest city: La Libertad (23 km)
20 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 168 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
13.50030, -89.53530Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-21 02:21 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Very favorable day for XC, cloud base ~1252 m, wind 22 km/h, beware of thunderstorms (high CAPE)!.
base ~1252m · wind 22 km/hVery favorable day for XC, cloud base ~965 m, wind 17 km/h, beware of thunderstorms (high CAPE)!.
base ~965m · wind 17 km/hNot recommended for flying, cloud base ~609 m, wind 12 km/h, precipitation 4.0 mm, beware of thunderstorms (high CAPE)!.
base ~609m · wind 12 km/h · precip 4.0mmComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
🌬 Daily wind (next days)
Daily summary (10m wind). Full hour × altitude chart is being added progressively.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 0 | Low |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.00 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.65 | Slope faces south in northern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Real takeoff terrain
| SRTM elevation | 178 m AMSL |
| Average slope | 17.7° |
| Slope aspect | 348° (N) |
| Hemisphere | north — Orientation unfavorable for direct solar thermals |
Derived from SRTM 30m (NASA).
Takeoff description
This takeoff is managed by “Los Zopilotosâ€, your local flying club. All Zopilotos can fly without restrictions. Very easy take-off ideal for both paragliders and hangliders with the possibility of being 180º if improved. Good access road that drives right to the launch. It is ideal field for top landings. Excellent for ridge soaring. With light wind excellent spot for top to bottom beginner flights. With 12 km + winds, excellent for rigde soaring. There is a house thermal to the left of the launch. Ideal for tandem flights as well. Spectacular views of the pacific ocean. Dry Season Nov-May with the incidence of strong north winds in 2-4 day periods specially through Nov-Feb, but because it sits right on the coast, sometimes south winds are able to creep in anyways. Flyable year round as the rainy season tends to rain at night in general. *GPS coordinates *: take off : 13°30'1.06'N; 89°32' 7.02' W - Elevation : 170 m.
Rules and notes
Contact Los Zopilotos
Pilot comments
Beautiful region of El Salvador, offering world class surfing and flying conditions. Lots of extra activities to do for non-pilots like kayaking, fishing, moto tours, hiking, etc Don't come through Central America without visiting this beautiful country. While you are here, and if you have your wing with you give us a call.
Nearby sites
El Zonte (17) · Loma Kerim (47) · San Julian (2) · Coatepeque (18) · Volcan de Santa Ana (18) · El Cuyanausul (17)