Right seats capture the dramatic Andes approach during landing, which is the visual highlight of this route. While left seats offer the Río de la Plata estuary during takeoff, the mountain scenery during descent into Santiago is more striking and sustained.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Pampas region of Argentina (flat, agricultural terrain with sparse settlement visible from 25,000+ feet), then transitions into the foothills of the Andes as it approaches Chile. The Tunuyán and Mendoza river valleys become visible in the final 45 minutes of flight, appearing as dark linear features cutting through increasingly mountainous terrain. The snow line on the Andes becomes visible from roughly 100 kilometers east of Santiago during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Right seats capture the dramatic Andes approach during landing, which is the visual highlight of this route. While left seats offer the Río de la Plata estuary during takeoff, the mountain scenery during descent into Santiago is more striking and sustained.
What can I see during takeoff from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires?
During takeoff from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), sit on the Left side for the best views. AEP typically departs northbound (Runway 09/27 operations, but northbound climb is standard). Left seats face west across the Río de la Plata estuary toward Uruguay, offering immediate water views and the city sprawl of Buenos Aires receding behind. Right seats see the urban grid inland with less geographic distinction. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata (wide brown estuary immediately below), Buenos Aires urban grid (receding eastward), Tigre Delta distributaries (visible as thin waterways north of the airport), Uruguayan coastline (distant, low on horizon to the west).
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching SCL from the northeast (typical arrival routing), right seats face south and southwest toward the Andes. The Cordillera Central and its highest peaks become increasingly prominent during descent, with the snow-capped summits visible from 25,000 feet onward. Left seats see the Central Valley and Santiago city sprawl, which is less visually dramatic. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera Central (dominant snow-capped ridge, bearing 180-220° from approach path), Maipo River valley (dark linear feature cutting through foothills), Santiago metropolitan area (urban grid in the foreground during final approach), Aconcagua massif region (visible as the highest peaks on the southern horizon during cruise descent).
How long is the flight from Buenos Aires to Santiago?
The flight from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes Approximately 2 hours.
What does the Buenos Aires to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pampas region of Argentina (flat, agricultural terrain with sparse settlement visible from 25,000+ feet), then transitions into the foothills of the Andes as it approaches Chile. The Tunuyán and Mendoza river valleys become visible in the final 45 minutes of flight, appearing as dark linear features cutting through increasingly mountainous terrain. The snow line on the Andes becomes visible from roughly 100 kilometers east of Santiago during descent.