CJC

Best window seat at El Loa

Which side of the plane?

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

Taking offRIGHT

Licancabur volcano, Andes volcanic chain, Atacama desert plateau

LandingRIGHT

Chuquicamata open-pit copper mine, Calama city grid, Atacama desert plains

🛫 Taking Off from Calama (CJC)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 10 heads the aircraft east-southeast, putting the Andean volcanic chain almost directly ahead and to the right. Passengers on the right get a good view of Licancabur volcano and the high Andes peaks near San Pedro de Atacama as the plane climbs, while the left side just shows flat desert.
Look forLicancabur volcano, Andes volcanic chain, Atacama desert plateau, distant Salar de Atacama basin

🛬 Landing at Calama (CJC)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 28 means approaching from the east, flying west into Calama, which puts north on the right side of the cabin. That's the side facing the massive Chuquicamata copper mine terraces just north of the airport, one of the most distinctive man-made features in the Atacama.
Look forChuquicamata open-pit copper mine, Calama city grid, Atacama desert plains, distant Andean volcanic peaks on the eastern horizon

El Loa is a modest single-runway airport with one terminal, handling a steady flow of domestic flights connecting Calama to Santiago given its importance as a mining and tourism hub.

⛰️ Elevation7,543 ft
🛫 Runways1 (10/28)

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at El Loa (CJC)?

At El Loa in Calama: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Licancabur volcano, Andes volcanic chain, Atacama desert plateau, distant Salar de Atacama basin.

What can I see during takeoff from El Loa in Calama?

When taking off from El Loa (CJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 10 heads the aircraft east-southeast, putting the Andean volcanic chain almost directly ahead and to the right. Passengers on the right get a good view of Licancabur volcano and the high Andes peaks near San Pedro de Atacama as the plane climbs, while the left side just shows flat desert. Notable sights include: Licancabur volcano, Andes volcanic chain, Atacama desert plateau, distant Salar de Atacama basin.

What can I see when landing at El Loa in Calama?

When landing at El Loa (CJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 28 means approaching from the east, flying west into Calama, which puts north on the right side of the cabin. That's the side facing the massive Chuquicamata copper mine terraces just north of the airport, one of the most distinctive man-made features in the Atacama. Notable sights include: Chuquicamata open-pit copper mine, Calama city grid, Atacama desert plains, distant Andean volcanic peaks on the eastern horizon.

What factors affect the best window seat at El Loa?

The best window seat at El Loa (CJC) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Calama (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.