Concepcion to Calama is 1,017 miles (1,637 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right side, the landing approach offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The contrast between the Atacama Desert and the El Loa River oasis is more striking than the departure views, and left-side seats capture this better during the final descent.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Chilean Central Valley, transitioning from the Bío Bío region through the Maule and Ñuble regions, then enters the Atacama Desert. Notable features include the Andes mountain chain running parallel to the east throughout the flight, the transition from green agricultural valleys to arid steppe around the Antofagasta Region boundary, and the gradual appearance of the El Loa River drainage system as the aircraft approaches Calama from the southeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CCP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Andes foothills and the Bío Bío River valley as the aircraft climbs northward from Concepción. The terrain rises progressively to the east, making the right side the scenic advantage during departure.
Landing at CJC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Atacama Desert landscape and the approach to Calama over the El Loa River valley. As the aircraft descends from the east, the left side faces the dramatic desert terrain and the city's location in the river oasis.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Carriel Sur International (CCP) to El Loa (CJC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Concepcion to Calama. While takeoff favors the right side, the landing approach offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The contrast between the Atacama Desert and the El Loa River oasis is more striking than the departure views, and left-side seats capture this better during the final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Carriel Sur International in Concepcion?
During takeoff from Carriel Sur International (CCP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Andes foothills and the Bío Bío River valley as the aircraft climbs northward from Concepción. The terrain rises progressively to the east, making the right side the scenic advantage during departure. Notable sights include: Bío Bío River estuary, Andes foothills, Nahuelbuta Range, Concepción urban area.
What can I see when landing at El Loa in Calama?
When landing at El Loa (CJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Atacama Desert landscape and the approach to Calama over the El Loa River valley. As the aircraft descends from the east, the left side faces the dramatic desert terrain and the city's location in the river oasis. Notable sights include: El Loa River valley, Atacama Desert, Calama oasis, Sierra de Moreno foothills.
How long is the flight from Concepcion to Calama?
The flight from Carriel Sur International (CCP) to El Loa (CJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,017 miles (1,637 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Concepcion to Calama flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Chilean Central Valley, transitioning from the Bío Bío region through the Maule and Ñuble regions, then enters the Atacama Desert. Notable features include the Andes mountain chain running parallel to the east throughout the flight, the transition from green agricultural valleys to arid steppe around the Antofagasta Region boundary, and the gradual appearance of the El Loa River drainage system as the aircraft approaches Calama from the southeast.