While takeoff offers North Sea views, the landing approach into Quito provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—the Andes Mountains and volcanic peaks are far more visually striking than the flat Dutch landscape. Left side captures this best.
Flown AMS to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Amsterdam to Quito is 5,935 miles (9,551 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with minimal visible landmarks (open ocean, occasional cloud formations). Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the Azores archipelago if the flight passes near that latitude (around 38°N). As the aircraft approaches South America, the Amazon Basin becomes visible—a vast expanse of dense green forest with river systems (Rio Negro, Rio Amazonas) appearing as dark winding lines through the canopy. The transition from Amazon lowlands to the rising Andes terrain occurs in the final 1.5-2 hours of flight, with the mountain range becoming increasingly prominent and dramatic as altitude decreases toward Quito.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTRight side seats offer views of the North Sea coastline and the Dutch coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Schiphol. The flat polder landscape with its distinctive canal networks is visible on the left initially, but the right side captures the transition to open water and the northern European coast.
Landing at UIO
LEFTLeft side seats provide views of the Andes Mountains during the descent into Quito. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the dramatic volcanic peaks and high-altitude terrain that surrounds the city. The right side faces away from the mountains toward lower terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Quito. While takeoff offers North Sea views, the landing approach into Quito provides the most dramatic and memorable scenery—the Andes Mountains and volcanic peaks are far more visually striking than the flat Dutch landscape. Left side captures this best.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats offer views of the North Sea coastline and the Dutch coast as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Schiphol. The flat polder landscape with its distinctive canal networks is visible on the left initially, but the right side captures the transition to open water and the northern European coast. Notable sights include: North Sea, Dutch polder canal systems, Wadden Islands (distant), Belgian/German coastline.
What can I see when landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats provide views of the Andes Mountains during the descent into Quito. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, and left-side passengers see the dramatic volcanic peaks and high-altitude terrain that surrounds the city. The right side faces away from the mountains toward lower terrain. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antisana volcanoes), Quito basin, Inter-Andean Valley.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Quito?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,935 miles (9,551 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Amsterdam to Quito flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with minimal visible landmarks (open ocean, occasional cloud formations). Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the Azores archipelago if the flight passes near that latitude (around 38°N). As the aircraft approaches South America, the Amazon Basin becomes visible—a vast expanse of dense green forest with river systems (Rio Negro, Rio Amazonas) appearing as dark winding lines through the canopy. The transition from Amazon lowlands to the rising Andes terrain occurs in the final 1.5-2 hours of flight, with the mountain range becoming increasingly prominent and dramatic as altitude decreases toward Quito.