In the heart of Latin America, nestled amidst the remote and rugged mountains of Ecuador, we unveil a special school where the exhilarating art of speedflying finds its roots in the age-old practice of hiking. 

Casitagua Hike and Fly – the first and only speedflying school in Latin America. Led by Claudia Molestina, a seasoned flyer with over 8 years of experience, and her partner, José Cobo, this aviation school has been a game-changer, especially for women aspiring to take flight. Let’s dive into the captivating journey of this school and Claudia.

Founded during the pandemic, Casitagua Hike and Fly emerged when friends of Claudia and José, yearned to learn speedflying with newfound time on their hands. Their vision materialized into reality, offering introductory courses on the idyllic coast of Ecuador’s Pacific Ocean during the summer when wind conditions are optimal. The coastal location provides a friendlier learning environment with ample oxygen support and constant winds. As students progress, they continue their adventure in the Andes near Quito, Ecuador’s capital at 9,300ft, where they undergo individual lessons until they can fly off the summit of Casitagua mountain at 11,500ft, marking their graduation to the next module. By then, most students have embraced their love for the sport and have acquired their own speedwings.

Now, let’s meet Claudia Molestina – an aviation pioneer and lover of the wind and clouds. Back in 2014, Claudia’s partner,  and co-founder of the school, José introduced her to the world of flying. What enthralls Claudia the most is the thrill of waking up early to embark on a challenging hike before the sun rises. The sheer effort is undoubtedly worth it, for it grants her the opportunity to analyze the clouds and weather conditions, allowing her to be fully present while soaring through the air. Her favorite moment? The exhilarating feeling of taking off – the run, the lift-off – pure bliss. However, even amidst the joy, a hint of fear lingers, which she bravely confronts, finding empowerment in being in control. For Claudia, flying is an escape from everyday life, an extraordinary path to freedom.

The journey at Casitagua Hike and Fly is nothing short of inspirational. Claudia and her team have accomplished awe-inspiring feats, such as completing the challenging Guillaumet spire climb in Patagonia in 2020, followed by a successful flight from its summit, making her the first woman in the world to achieve this feat. This also made her the first woman to ever fly off any summit in the whole Patagonia region. This team of daredevils has also flown from the summits of towering volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Chimborazo, all towering over 18,000ft. With its breathtaking landscapes and untouched hike and fly opportunities, Ecuador, boasting some of South America’s tallest peaks, serves as the perfect destination for aspiring aviators seeking to test their wings.

The success of Casitagua Hike and Fly is evident in its 35+ graduates, including an impressive number of 12+ girls who have fearlessly taken to the skies under Claudia’s guidance. Their flying stories are truly admirable, and it’s high time they be shared on various platforms. These tales will not only empower women in aviation but also provide a voice to the Latin American market in the flying world. Casitagua Hike and Fly continues to break barriers and shatter stereotypes, showing the world that the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

Text by: Anna Nicole Arteaga

Photos by: Anna Nicole Arteaga and Andres Molestina