Iquique - Alto Hospicio
📍 Tarapaca , Provincia de Iquique · Nearest city: Iquique (8 km)
52 XC score / 100 · takeoff at 506 m · 📍 View on map
Coordinates and external links
-20.28190, -70.10760Forecast next days
Updated: 2026-04-19 16:20 UTC · Source: Open-Meteo · Thermal window 10:00–18:00 local time
Condiciones marginales, base de cúmulos ~366 m, viento 15 km/h.
base ~366m · wind 15 km/hCondiciones marginales, base de cúmulos ~245 m, viento 14 km/h.
base ~245m · wind 14 km/hCondiciones marginales, base de cúmulos ~266 m, viento 14 km/h.
base ~266m · wind 14 km/hComposite flyability score (CAPE + LI + wind + precip + low clouds). Cross-check with local pilots before flying.
Takeoff orientations
Green = good orientation · Yellow = possible · Gray = not suitable
Why this site has thermal potential
| Factor | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot density (5 km) | 6 | Medium |
| Avg thermal probability | 0.80 | Based on thousands of aggregated IGC flights |
| Solar orientation | 0.38 | Slope faces north in southern hemisphere |
| Own flight history | 0.00 | Thermals detected in platform IGC tracks |
Real takeoff terrain
| SRTM elevation | 502 m AMSL |
| Average slope | 16.3° |
| Slope aspect | 285° (W) |
| Hemisphere | south — Orientation unfavorable for direct solar thermals |
Derived from SRTM 30m (NASA).
Takeoff description
Large area with car parking at the top of the mountain. Easy take off. As of January 2015, the place is being 'upgraded' with artificial grass, toilets, shades, etc. 2019: CLOSED
Rules and notes
Ask the local pilots.
Pilot comments
Great site. When I was there at the end of March 2008 the conditions were not too strong and were ideal for me to get a bit of experience with thermals. The down side is that this is the dessert and there is sand everywhere. :<(
Nearby sites
Alto Hospicio (52) · Iquique - Clavijo (41) · Iquique - Palo Buque (37) · Los Verdes (45) · Alto Caleta Buena North (1) · Patillos (34)