The Andes on approach into Santiago from the right seat is one of the most dramatic mountain views in commercial aviation — a 7,000-meter wall of snow and rock filling the entire window. The Paris departure view from the left is excellent but relatively brief. The Andes view lasts 30-40 minutes on descent and is simply more spectacular in scale.
Flown CDG to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Santiago is 7,253 miles (11,673 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), then the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8-9 hours passing near the Canary Islands and Cape Verde archipelago, crosses the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal, traverses the Amazon basin and Brazilian interior plateau (Cerrado), crosses Bolivia and the Altiplano, then descends over the Andes into Santiago. The Amazon basin crossing offers occasional views of the river system and rainforest canopy on clear days.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTCDG departures on runways 26L/26R head westward, putting Paris city center on the left (south) side. You get a clear view of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense Haussmann grid of central Paris as you climb out over the Île-de-France.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTSCL sits at the foot of the Andes, and aircraft typically land on runway 17 heading south or runway 35 heading north. On approach from the north or northeast, the right side faces east directly toward the Andes wall — the snow-capped Cordillera including Aconcagua and the high peaks rise dramatically above the Santiago basin. The left side faces west toward the flat Pacific coastal plain with far less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Santiago. The Andes on approach into Santiago from the right seat is one of the most dramatic mountain views in commercial aviation — a 7,000-meter wall of snow and rock filling the entire window. The Paris departure view from the left is excellent but relatively brief. The Andes view lasts 30-40 minutes on descent and is simply more spectacular in scale.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG departures on runways 26L/26R head westward, putting Paris city center on the left (south) side. You get a clear view of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense Haussmann grid of central Paris as you climb out over the Île-de-France. Notable sights include: Seine river meanders through central Paris, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars district, La Défense business cluster to the west, Bois de Boulogne forest patch.
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. SCL sits at the foot of the Andes, and aircraft typically land on runway 17 heading south or runway 35 heading north. On approach from the north or northeast, the right side faces east directly toward the Andes wall — the snow-capped Cordillera including Aconcagua and the high peaks rise dramatically above the Santiago basin. The left side faces west toward the flat Pacific coastal plain with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Aconcagua (6,961m) and the main Andean Cordillera wall to the east, Santiago urban grid spread across the basin, Mapocho river cutting through the city, smog layer over the Santiago bowl.
How long is the flight from Paris to Santiago?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,253 miles (11,673 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), then the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8-9 hours passing near the Canary Islands and Cape Verde archipelago, crosses the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal, traverses the Amazon basin and Brazilian interior plateau (Cerrado), crosses Bolivia and the Altiplano, then descends over the Andes into Santiago. The Amazon basin crossing offers occasional views of the river system and rainforest canopy on clear days.