Launches

La Malinche

One of the Casa’s main launches, located just 15 minutes from the house. This is a truly dependable launch, offering great soaring and thermal XC flights. A favourite place for a sunset flight with easy short XC back to the landing field just two blocks from Casa de Piloto.

El Picacho (Malinalco)

Located at the end of the Malinalco Valley, this large groomed grass launch is perfect for kiting and low airtime pilots early in the day, and gets great later day conditions for XC and fun top landings.

Bistro

A smaller launch owned by the producer of Aeratholon… a unique spot to take advantage of flying over the Malinalco Valley suitable to intermediate to advanced pilots, comfortable on smaller launches.

Ixtapan

Located above the historic town of Ixtapan de la Sal, this site offers great flying on days when we have a less common wind direction that can shut down the usual sites.

Toluca Volcano

Looking to add an ultra-high flight adventure to your trip? Fly from 4300m (14,200’) into one of the many small and extraordinary villages located at the foot of this majestic volcano! Launch is only an hour walk from the visitors centre located in the crater of this 4th highest Mexican mountain.

Tepoztlan

A sweet site half way between Puebla and Casa del Piloto, directly south of Mexico City.  It has amazing valley views, as well as spectacular glimpses of  Popo and Izta volcanoes on good days.  You can also check out unique rock formations nearby from the air.

Puebla

An amazing site with strong conditions and good XC potential.  Two landing zones are available, with the ability to fly over the back towards Puebla.

Taxco

A site with an amazing view of the city of Taxco, this rough and exclusive launch site allows access to the skies over the City of Silver, with an amazing LZ located on the golf course of the Montetaxco Hotel.

Iguala

A past host to the PWC and a launch site known for its large XC routes… this site is being re-explored after falling into disuse for several years. It has an amazing LZ located on the shores of a pleasant lake, with an outdoor restaurant right next door.

El Peñon/La Torre

Although we try and offer unique, less traveled sites… Valle offers great flying and culture. We are glad to offer excursions to this world class site… especially off the peak times

Zitacuaro

A small town launch over a lake, just north of Valle. Lots of the charm with none of the crowds. An amazing challenge to fly to Valle from here

 Towns

Tenancingo de Degollado

The home of Casa del Piloto… and home to many flying sites, markets, and other awesome adventures! Wiki

Malinalco

A short distance from Casa… with a historic town centre and more flying sites to be explored. A rich history and cultural notes that will keep you coming back for more. Wiki

Ixtapan de la Sal

With a flying site, thermal springs, and thriving tourism… it’s a great place to go! Accessible within an hour’s drive of Casa, or a very pleasant XC flight. Wiki

Taxco

Located about 2 hours from Casa… this is one of our favorite stops on our road trips! Stay at Monte Taxco, a mountaintop hotel, and land at their golf course… take in the pool or tour the cathedrals of this “Silver City”. Wiki

More!

Puebla
Chelma
El Carmen
Tuxpan
Iguala
Zitácuaro

Excursions

Butterfly Reserves

Come and see the amazing winter resting grounds for the Monarch Butterflies at the Southernmost part of their North American migratory route. Here they rest in high altitude forests, waiting to go north with the spring warmth. Millions coat the trees in several selected spots that are used year after year. High altitude makes this adventure more strenuous. Wiki

Toluca Volcano

Come and explore (or even fly) one of the highest points in Mexico, where there is snow, even at this latitude. One can drive to the tourist centre in the crater of this dormant volcano and hike to its summit at 4680m, or fly from its flanks.  There may be an additional charge to fly from the mountain, paid directly to the Park (this issue is currently under negotiations with the park). High altitude makes this adventure more strenuous and wind and weather harder to predict for a successful flying opportunity. Wiki

Caves


Explore an underground world in one of the largest cave systems in the world. Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park has everything needed for a day of adventure and wonder! Wiki

El Carmen Monastery

A scenic and historic site that can be easily flown to! Go for a flight, explore this site, then take a pleasant drive home though the countryside back to Casa. Wiki

Town Markets

Mexico knows how to do markets! Expect the option to check out many along the way. Farmer’s markets, street shops, food markets, special festival markets and more! Wiki

Food/Drink tours

Did someone say tequila?! Lets go get a taste of what small-town Mexico has to offer! Expect lots of local flavours and offerings Wiki

Cultural Sites

Check out both local and more well-known sites where you can get a glimpse into the deep and rich history of Mexico. Xochicalco Historic Site, amongst many others are along many of our tour routes. Wiki

Mexico City

One of the largest and most interesting cities in the world… make sure to give the city a quick spin while you are in the area! Lots of recommendations and possible guide options to help you maximize your experience are offered. Wiki

Hot Springs and Swimming

Nothing like getting into some nice water on hot day… Lets get lost at a secret swimming hole, or a private spring.

Hiking/Climbing

Lots of levels of challenge to be had… from a hike up to a launch, to full or rock climbing! There are many sites where you can challenge yourself to get to the top, with great views and adventures to be had!

Sample Itinerary 

This is 14-day sample itinerary with a rotating schedule. Itinerary is subject to change at coordinator’s discretion

  • Day 1  (Sunday)
    – Pick-up and arrival to Casa del Piloto.
    – Orientation and logistics set-up for the trip.
    – Evening flight (when weather and arrival times allow)… or check out the night market, right at the front door of Casa.
    – Welcoming BBQ – Carne Asada tacos with all the trimmings… and a famous Casa Margarita!

  • Day 2  (Monday)
    Family Breakfast – Chilaquiles!
    Depart to check out Bistro Launch for a morning flight.
    Fly or shuttle over to El Picacho.  Have a picnic lunch on launch and have some fun kiting and top landing with some local XC flying. Explore the local cinder cones from the air and take in the amazing view of the Malinalco Valley.
    Shuttle back to La Malinche for an evening glass-off.  Top land and have a beer, or fly a short XC back to Casa.
    Enjoy a Casa Margarita and share your day’s stories
    Head out to the evening food market to enjoy the local dinner offerings, including the amazing “taco row”.

  • Day 3  (Tuesday)
    Family Breakfast – Pemberton Parfait, a la Mexico!
    Head out to La Malinche.  Fly out to the antennas, get high and head for Malinalco.  Get high again (or just stay high!) and cross the valley to Chalma, then follow the high ridge up to Cuernivaca. Turn around and land back at Malinalco for a late lunch.
    Hop the bus back to Casa, then head up for a glass-off flight at La Malinche. Suffer the biggest dilemma of the day; to top land or fly back to Casa…
    …either way you get your Casa Margarita!
    Market dinner, then sit around the fireplace at Casa with a nightcap and some good flying stories.

  • Day 4  (Wednesday)
    Family Breakfast – Guy’s Mile-High French Toast
    Depart for Iguala. Get there for a beautiful afternoon flight. Have dinner lakeside, next to the LZ.
    Check-in to our hotel in Taxco for two nights. Montetaxco Hotel overlooks the mountainside town of Taxco.  Take in the views from the pool or deck, or take the tram down to the streets below for a night of cocktails, music  and dancing.

  • Day 5  (Thursday)
    Breakfast Buffet @ Montetaxco
    Head out for a flight from our exclusive launch site above Taxco.  Check out the mountain range and cliffs above the city before flying back and landing at the Montetaxco Golf Course.
    Grab a quick lunch
    Head back to Iguala for a second flight… attempt an XC back to Taxco, or get picked up by the shuttle on the way back.
    Dinner and Drinks at a rooftop restaurant, overlooking the lights of Taxco.

  • Day 6 (Friday)
    Breakfast Buffet @ Montetaxco
    Morning flight above Taxco…. taking in the amazing view and perhaps flying over to check out Christo Rey before landing back at the hotel golf course.
    Pack and depart Montetaxco for Casa del Piloto.
    Grab lunch and explore the caves of Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park along the way.
    Arrive back at Casa del Piloto in time for evening glass-off and an evening drink.
    Market dinner, or group reservation at one of the finer restaurants. (still very reasonably priced!)

  • Day 7  (Saturday)
    Family Breakfast @ Casa – Bacon, eggs, toast and fresh fruit salad.
    Fly La Malinche and attempt an XC route to Ixtapan de la Sal.
    Land or shuttle over to check out the town and/or the thermal springs.
    Check out the local launch site, or head back for an evening flight from La Malinche.
    Family Dinner – Homemade Pazole, or Guy’s famous Double Decker Tostadas.

  • Day 8  (Sunday) 
    *Some pilots join or depart from 7night/8day tour options during this day*
    *orientation and logistics for new pilots*

    Family Breakfast – Pancakes with fresh fruit or preserves.
    Fly La Malinche and go XC to El Carmen, Malinanlco or Chalma.  Check out the local monastery or town. Or feel free to soar and top-land, then check out the local rock climbing and repelling right down the ridge from launch!
    Head back and meet up with new intake of pilots
    Shuttle up for a glass-off flight from La Malinche. Top land and enjoy a welcome BBQ and beer while enjoying the sunset and watching local pilots soar the picturesque ridge.
    Head back to Casa after the festivities and check out the night market.

  • Day 9 (Monday) 
    Family Breakfast – Sausage and vegetable hash with poached eggs.
    Head over to the Malinalco Valley and play on El Picacho launch. A great place to get a good feel for the Mexican air, practice top landing to your hearts content… and lots of options for short XC, might it be out and back or a sweet triangle… or perhaps you will just fly all the way home.
    Head back for an evening launch off of La Malinche.
    Dinner in the market, or local eatery.

  • Day 10 (Tuesday) 
    Early Family Breakfast – Buttered eggs and toast with fresh fruit.
    Depart before dawn to fly the Toluca Volcano.  Arrive at the visitor’s center in the crater of the mountain at sunrise and go for a slow, high-altitude walk to the launch at 4420m. As long as weather allows, fly to one of the towns at the base of the volcano.  If we cannot fly, check out the crater lakes and trails, or summit the mountain at 4680m.
    Have lunch in our town of choice.
    Get back in time for an evening flight at La Malinche
    Drinks at Casa, followed by a dinner in town, and a fire and nightcap to end off the day.

  • Day 11  (Wednesday) 
    *Pilots from 10night/11day tour depart this day*
    *limited 4night/5day plan pilots may join this day*

    Family Breakfast – Avocado toast with sautéed bacon, onion and mushrooms. Topped with a poached egg and queso de fresco.
    Depart for Malinche and aim for some fun XC and visit one of the great local towns…. Ixtapan, Malinalco, Chalma, El Carmen or even Cuernavaca.
    Fly or shuttle back for another amazing evening flight from La Malinche… join up with new pilots joining us.
    …the age old conundrum… beer on launch then shuttle back to Casa, or fly and land at the house and have the infamous Rum & Horchata?
    Family Dinner – Guy’s famous Roasted Chicken in Milk!

  • Day 12 (Thursday) 
    Family Breakfast – A big and complete continental breakfast with local fruit and pastries.
    Depart for Zitacuaro. Stop by the Monach Butterfly Reserve and ride the donkeys up to the wintering grounds of these amazing insects. On warmer days, the air is full of them… on the cool days, you see them clinging by the millions to the large trees found at this altitude.
    Fly Zitacuaro and land by the lake. Enjoy a celebratory beer, then off to dinner and local accommodation.

  • Day 13 (Friday)
    Local hotel breakfast.
    Hop into the truck and head for Valle de Bravo.  On the way, check out some local ruins.
    Drop into Valle, then head for one of the launches that have the best forecast for the day. Plan on nailing the El Peñon to the lake run while you are here.  Take in all the gliders in the air and pimp some nice XC off the locals…. or go and pick your own line for adventure.
    Check-in to the local accommodations and  go for a walk through town. Hit some night spots… eat, drink and be merry.  Join the flying circus!

  • Day 14 (Saturday) 
    Local hotel breakfast
    Head out to the launch with the best forecast for the day… Fly more XC and bank up lots of airtime to carry you though the rest of the winter. Land down at the lake and enjoy the festive LZ atmosphere.
    Have a great meal, then back into the truck for a return to Casa.
    A nice nightcap with dessert around the fireplace once we get home.  Perhaps a run around town to take in the last of the local night life.

  • Day 15 (Sunday)
    Family Breakfast – Omelettes.
    A lazy morning to relax before departure. Run though the town to pick up some last minute items or enjoy one last coffee under Christo Rey.
    Shuttle back to airport, or onward on your adventure.
    *Alternate two day tour to Puebla and the Xochicalco Historic Site would replace Valle during peak season*
    *Itinerary is subject to change, sites and destinations will be shuffled for weather or specific group preference (when possible). Give us notice and ask for details*