Spot · tier 3 · Colombia
Lago Calima
Lago Calima is an inland reservoir in Valle del Cauca, roughly 100km northwest of Cali, that catches thermal wind year-round (15-25 knots, strongest November to March) funnelled through the surrounding hills. A thin wetsuit is usually needed as the freshwater lake runs cooler than Colombia's Caribbean spots, and it is a popular weekend destination from Cali.
flat waterfreestylelearning
Wind
| best months |
|
|---|---|
| typical knots | 20 |
| thermal or synoptic | thermal |
Water
| type | flat |
|---|---|
| notes | Artificial hydroelectric reservoir; water around 23°C, cooler than the Caribbean coast. |
Levels
| beginner | yes |
|---|---|
| intermediate | yes |
| advanced | yes |
Launch & crowd
| 0 | m |
|---|---|
| 1 | e |
| 2 | d |
| 3 | i |
| 4 | u |
| 5 | m |
| description | Inland reservoir near the village of El Darién, about a 3-hour bus ride from Cali; schools and hotels are based around the lakeshore. |
Hazards
- gusty, unpredictable wind bursts
Travel basics
Sources: tomplanmytrip.com · kitejungle.com · kitesurftheworld.com