When the pandemic hit and Ecuador went into lock down, most of us were stuck indoors. But not José and Claudia. Living right at the base of Casitagua mountain, they saw an opportunity. Every day, during the few hours they were allowed out, they’d hike up and then fly down. It wasn’t just about the thrill; it was a way to break free, even if just for a little while.

Word spread. People, cooped up and craving some excitement, started asking, “Hey, can you teach us to do that?” And just like that, Casitagua Hike and Fly was born.

Their first course in Quito was, well, a bit intense. Imagine learning to speed fly at nearly 8,000 feet! It was tough on everyone. So, they had an idea: why not start beginners off at the beach, where the air’s a bit thicker and things are a tad easier? It was a hit. Students got the hang of it at sea level before taking on the challenges of higher altitudes.

Now, after teaching 60 students and counting, Jose and Claudia aren’t just those cool kids (even dough they are not kids any more, but sure play like kids) who fly down mountains. They’ve started something big, something unique in Ecuador. And through it all, they’ve shown that even in tough times, there’s always a way to find a bit of adventure.

When the pandemic hit and Ecuador went into lock down, most of us were stuck indoors. But not Jose and Claudia. Living right at the base of Casitagua mountain, they saw an opportunity. Every day, during the few hours they were allowed out, they’d hike up and then fly down. It wasn’t just about the thrill; it was a way to break free, even if just for a little while.

Word spread. People, cooped up and craving some excitement, started asking, “Hey, can you teach us to do that?” And just like that, Casitagua Hike and Fly was born.

Their first course in Quito was, well, a bit intense. Imagine learning to speed fly at nearly 8,000 feet! It was tough on everyone. So, they had an idea: why not start beginners off at the beach, where the air’s a bit thicker and things are a tad easier? It was a hit. Students got the hang of it at sea level before taking on the challenges of higher altitudes.

Now, after teaching 60 students and counting, Jose and Claudia aren’t just those cool kids (even dough they are not kids any more, but sure play like kids) who fly down mountains. They’ve started something big, something unique in Ecuador. And through it all, they’ve shown that even in tough times, there’s always a way to find a bit of adventure.

When the pandemic hit and Ecuador went into lock down, most of us were stuck indoors. But not Jose and Claudia. Living right at the base of Casitagua mountain, they saw an opportunity. Every day, during the few hours they were allowed out, they’d hike up and then fly down. It wasn’t just about the thrill; it was a way to break free, even if just for a little while.

Word spread. People, cooped up and craving some excitement, started asking, “Hey, can you teach us to do that?” And just like that, Casitagua Hike and Fly was born.

Their first course in Quito was, well, a bit intense. Imagine learning to speed fly at nearly 8,000 feet! It was tough on everyone. So, they had an idea: why not start beginners off at the beach, where the air’s a bit thicker and things are a tad easier? It was a hit. Students got the hang of it at sea level before taking on the challenges of higher altitudes.

Now, after teaching 60 students and counting, Jose and Claudia aren’t just those cool kids (even dough they are not kids any more, but sure play like kids) who fly down mountains. They’ve started something big, something unique in Ecuador. And through it all, they’ve shown that even in tough times, there’s always a way to find a bit of adventure.