XC Challenge @ Algodonales

We provide the logistics, a robust pre-trip briefing, cultural knowledge, local hazards, and the XC learning that inevitably happens when you fly XC with a team of like-minded pilots.

XC Challenge

Go farther, when flying XC with other pilots and organized retrieve.
Algodonales has incredible XC options. Each day we'll define an XC task for the group based on the day's conditions. But no pressure, you're only competing against yourself, which makes team flying fun, and takes off the pressure. The obective is to challenge ourselves with XC, while supporting and learning from each other.

why Algodonales

Algodonales is one of the most beautiful places to fly in Spain. This mountainous region is loved for its flying and hiking. And the cultural experience with the surrounding area, will leave you changed. Algodonales is a frequent site for competitions, including Paragliding World Cub (PWC), but don't let that intimidate you: there is fun flying to be had by all levels of pilots.
Algodonales has launches facing all directions.
For those wanting to hike-and-fly, there's a well established trail leading to all three main launches. Leave your kit in the van, or take it with you. It's about an hour hike to the top.
If you're bringing a partner, there are so many beautiful places to visit. Within a fifteen minute drive, there are the beautiful white towns of Zaharra de la Sierra, El Gastor, and Olvera. Within an hour drive you can visit Sevilla, Malaga, and Ronda. And Spain is at the foothills of the rest of Europe, so many people continue their journey to Barcelona, Madrid, or Paris.

trip dates

The best XC seasons for Algodonales are: March/April, and September/October. Algodonales is very flyable almost all year round, with the exception of July and August, when the conditions aren't great and the heat is exhausting.

• Fri Apr 17 - Sun Apr 26, 2026 (OPEN, accepting signups)
• Fri Sept 18 - Sun Sept 27, 2026 (OPEN, accepting signups)
• Fri Oct 2 - Sun Oct 11, 2026 (OPEN, accepting signups)

pilot experience required

These trips are ideal for paragliding pilots wanting to go XC with support of retrieve, that don't need launch assistance. As with all XC, pilots need to already have developed the skill of, and being comfortable with, landing out. Pilots from all over the world are welcome to join the fun, with the ability to communicate in English or Spanish a must.

pre-trip briefing

We'll hold an online pilot briefing a few weeks prior to the trip start date, where you'll meet the other pilots joining the adventure, we'll review Algodonales's geography using Google Earth, share waypoints, review specific XC tasks that we've defined, known landing areas, and any prohibited landing areas. We'll also review the live tracking technologies that we'll use on the trip, including all communications that we plan to leverage (Whatsapp, radio, GPS devices).

trip logistics

We handle all logistics. The trip dates include travel days, so you should arrive to the Malaga airport (AGP) on the start date of the trip, no later than 4 PM local time. We'll take the private shuttle from the airport to Algodonales, which is about 1.5 hrs.
We'll drive to launch together every day, and we'll have a personal driver to perform retrieves.
Your departure flight from AGP should be on the last day of the trip. We'll leave very early, and your airline departure time should not be before 9 AM.
For anyone having to deviate from these travel times or airports, we'll help you make alternate arrangements.

where we stay

We'll stay right in the heart of the Algodonales pueblo. This town is full of pilots from all over the world. We have several locations that we choose from, all are clean and not extravagant. If you're looking to stay at a grand hotel, we can't help you, they don't exist in Algodonales!

trip leader

Lucas Soler has been flying Algodonales since 2014, where he learned to fly. Lucas is an USHPA P4 rated pilot, with 450+ hrs of airtime. He'll choose flying XC with buddies any day, over pursuing site distance records alone.
Born in Spain, Lucas has lived in the United States for over four decades, and speaks both English and Spanish natively. Lucas will share local knowledge on XC routes, landing options, where to get the best cafe con leche and the most refreshing tinto de verano (sangria type beverage).

trip cost

The trip cost is $1,500 USD. A deposit of $800 USD will save your spot. Remainder of payment is due no later than two (2) months before the trip start date. Deposits are non-refundable unless a suitable replacement is found for your spot. Please see our Refund Policy accessible at the footer of this page.

the sign up process

1. Submit the Sign Up form (button below)
2. We'll reach out to answer questions, and to collect your deposit, which then reserves your spot
3. Once we give you the green light, buy your airfare
4. You'll receive an invitation for the online pre-trip briefing

what's included

• Pre-trip briefing: waypoints, introduction to geography, XC routes, known landing areas, prohibited landing areas, safety, etc.
• Accommodations (if you already have a place to stay, we'll reduce our cost to you)
• Daily XC tasks with varying levels of difficulty, and based on the day's conditions, to meet the specific experience levels of the pilots on the trip
• Logistics: private shuttle from/to Malaga airport (AGP), rides to launch, and retrieves
• Trip leader with native proficiency in Spanish and English, knows Algodonales super well, and has relationships with local rescue teams
• Cultural experience that will have you wondering how you can relocate to this place
• Immeasurable stoke from flying with like minded pilots

What's not included: airfare, food, travel/health insurance, and paragliding equipment (wing, helmet, radio, vario, etc.).