Sao Paulo to Manaus flight pathCGHMAO

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 45m
Distance1,681
Heading326° → 329°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 2.5 left·★ 2.5 right

Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's geography: the departure from São Paulo is urban-focused (left advantage), but the cruise phase over central Brazil offers minimal drama on either side—flat to gently rolling terrain, sparse settlements, and limited landmarks. The landing at Manaus, however, provides the flight's most visually distinctive moment: the Rio Negro's massive dark water and the sudden appearance of Manaus within rainforest. Right-side passengers capture this arrival spectacle more directly, giving the right side a slight practical edge for the overall experience.

Takeoff · CGHLEFTPinheiros River, São Paulo metropolitan sprawl, Serra da Cantareira foothills to the north
Landing · MAORIGHTRio Negro (dark water, 6+ miles wide), Amazon rainforest canopy

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Tocantins River valley (sparse, forested), transition from São Paulo plateau to Amazon Basin lowlands, scattered settlements along BR-163 highway corridor, gradual shift from cerrado grassland to dense rainforest canopy, Rio Negro tributary system approaching Manaus

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from CGH

LEFT

Departures from CGH typically use runway 17 heading south, which routes aircraft over residential São Paulo suburbs and the Pinheiros River valley. Left-side passengers see the urban sprawl and river corridor during initial climb. Right side faces away from the city center.

Pinheiros RiverSão Paulo metropolitan sprawlSerra da Cantareira foothills to the northGuarulhos industrial zone

Landing at MAO

RIGHT

Approaches to MAO typically descend over the Rio Negro and surrounding Amazon rainforest. Right-side passengers on descent and approach see the massive river system, its dark water, and dense forest canopy. The river's scale and the transition from forest to urban Manaus are visually striking. Left side faces similar forest but with less river visibility depending on approach vector.

Rio Negro (dark water6+ miles wide)Amazon rainforest canopyManaus city waterfront

Will your flight be in sunlight?

See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Congonhas (CGH) to Eduardo Gomes International (MAO)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Manaus. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the route's geography: the departure from São Paulo is urban-focused (left advantage), but the cruise phase over central Brazil offers minimal drama on either side—flat to gently rolling terrain, sparse settlements, and limited landmarks. The landing at Manaus, however, provides the flight's most visually distinctive moment: the Rio Negro's massive dark water and the sudden appearance of Manaus within rainforest. Right-side passengers capture this arrival spectacle more directly, giving the right side a slight practical edge for the overall experience.

What can I see during takeoff from Congonhas in Sao Paulo?

During takeoff from Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from CGH typically use runway 17 heading south, which routes aircraft over residential São Paulo suburbs and the Pinheiros River valley. Left-side passengers see the urban sprawl and river corridor during initial climb. Right side faces away from the city center. Notable sights include: Pinheiros River, São Paulo metropolitan sprawl, Serra da Cantareira foothills to the north (receding), Guarulhos industrial zone.

What can I see when landing at Eduardo Gomes International in Manaus?

When landing at Eduardo Gomes International (MAO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaches to MAO typically descend over the Rio Negro and surrounding Amazon rainforest. Right-side passengers on descent and approach see the massive river system, its dark water, and dense forest canopy. The river's scale and the transition from forest to urban Manaus are visually striking. Left side faces similar forest but with less river visibility depending on approach vector. Notable sights include: Rio Negro (dark water, 6+ miles wide), Amazon rainforest canopy, Manaus city waterfront, river islands and tributaries.

How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Manaus?

The flight from Congonhas (CGH) to Eduardo Gomes International (MAO) takes 3h 45m.

What does the Sao Paulo to Manaus flight path pass over?

Tocantins River valley (sparse, forested), transition from São Paulo plateau to Amazon Basin lowlands, scattered settlements along BR-163 highway corridor, gradual shift from cerrado grassland to dense rainforest canopy, Rio Negro tributary system approaching Manaus