Compete in One of Mexico’s Premier Hang Gliding Destinations
El Peñón is known internationally for its reliable flying conditions, strong thermals, and varied cross-country terrain. Surrounded by mountains and open valleys, the area offers the kind of flying that makes for both challenging and rewarding competition.
February falls within Valle de Bravo’s prime flying season, with conditions that regularly provide opportunities for long tasks, technical racing, and varied routes across the region.
The El Peñón Classic Race brings pilots together for six days of competition in this distinctive setting, combining serious racing with the atmosphere and flying community that have made Valle de Bravo a long-established destination for hang gliding pilots from around the world.
Race classes
Sports Class
Sports Class is the main competition class at El Peñón. Pilots typically fly double-surface hang gliders with a kingpost. These gliders combine responsive handling in thermals with an efficient glide between climbs, and safe and predictable landing. Examples include the Wills Wing Sport 3, Sport 3 Race, the Moyes Gecko and the Icaro MastR.
Floater Class
At El Peñón, Floater Class is the informal name for pilots racing single-surface hang gliders such as the Wills Wing Falcon, Moyes Malibu, Icaro 2000 Piuma and North Wing Freedom. These gliders are known for their predictable handling and ease of take-off and landing. Floater pilots will launch later in the day and fly shorter courses designed to develop pilot skills, finishing in larger landing fields closer to the main El Peñón LZ. This class gives experienced pilots with at least 40 hours of flying time a chance to develop their cross-country skills and compete for prizes.
Six Days of Competition. One Iconic Flying Site.
The El Peñón Classic Race brings together hang glider pilots for six days of competitive flying in one of Mexico’s most established hang gliding destinations.
Daily tasks are set according to the conditions, making the most of the region’s strong thermals and varied cross-country terrain. Expect challenging racing, diverse routes, and a week of flying alongside pilots from Mexico and around the world.
El Peñón Classic Race 2027
February 20–27, 2027
El Peñón · Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Join us for the 2027 edition of the El Peñón Classic Race, featuring six days of competition flying at El Peñón.
Regular Registration: $300 USD
From November 1, 2026.
Retrieval Service: $40 USD per pilot, per day.
Includes daily transportation from Santa María (in town) and full-day retrieval support throughout the competition.
The service is optional. Pilots can select the days they need and pay online using the BOOK RETRIEVAL button below.
