The takeoff from Chachapoyas offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—high-altitude Andean terrain, river gorges, and cloud forest—than the landing approach to Melbourne, which is primarily suburban sprawl and bay views. Right-side seats capture the more memorable portion of this long transoceanic flight.
Flown CHH to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chachapoyas to Melbourne is 8,348 miles (13,435 km), a flight of about 13 hours.
This route crosses the Pacific Ocean for the majority of its distance. Notable geographic transitions include: departure from the Peruvian Andes and Amazon Basin; crossing the Pacific with no significant landmarks visible for 8–10 hours; approach to Australia via the Tasman Sea; arrival over southeastern Australia with views of the Great Dividing Range (inland, not directly on approach), coastal ranges, and finally Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Marañón River valley and the eastern Andes as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Chachapoyas. The terrain immediately surrounding the airport is dramatic high-altitude cloud forest with deep river gorges.
Landing at MEL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Port Phillip Bay approach, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the sprawling Melbourne metropolitan area during descent. The bay and coastal geography are distinctive and clearly visible on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chachapoyas (CHH) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chachapoyas to Melbourne. The takeoff from Chachapoyas offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—high-altitude Andean terrain, river gorges, and cloud forest—than the landing approach to Melbourne, which is primarily suburban sprawl and bay views. Right-side seats capture the more memorable portion of this long transoceanic flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Chachapoyas in Chachapoyas?
During takeoff from Chachapoyas (CHH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Marañón River valley and the eastern Andes as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Chachapoyas. The terrain immediately surrounding the airport is dramatic high-altitude cloud forest with deep river gorges. Notable sights include: Marañón River (visible as a winding ribbon below), Eastern Cordillera peaks (6,000–8,000 ft ridgelines), Utcubamba River confluence, cloud forest canopy.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Port Phillip Bay approach, the Dandenong Ranges to the east, and the sprawling Melbourne metropolitan area during descent. The bay and coastal geography are distinctive and clearly visible on final approach. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (large enclosed water body), Dandenong Ranges (forested ridgeline east of the city), Yarra River (visible winding through central Melbourne), Melbourne CBD skyline.
How long is the flight from Chachapoyas to Melbourne?
The flight from Chachapoyas (CHH) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 13 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 8,348 miles (13,435 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chachapoyas to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This route crosses the Pacific Ocean for the majority of its distance. Notable geographic transitions include: departure from the Peruvian Andes and Amazon Basin; crossing the Pacific with no significant landmarks visible for 8–10 hours; approach to Australia via the Tasman Sea; arrival over southeastern Australia with views of the Great Dividing Range (inland, not directly on approach), coastal ranges, and finally Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne.