Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Calama to La Serena. While takeoff offers dramatic Andes views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more varied and visually interesting geography—the transition from high desert to coastal valleys, plus the Pacific coastline and Coquimbo Bay. The overall flight path favors left-side observers for the most distinctive features.

During takeoff from El Loa (CJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. CJC typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats capture the dramatic escarpment of the Andes as they rise inland, plus the salt flats and mining operations that define the Atacama plateau around Calama. Notable sights include: Andes eastern escarpment, Atacama salt deposits and mining ponds, Sierra de Lascar volcanic complex to the southeast, sparse desert terrain stretching north toward Bolivia.

When landing at La Florida (LSC), sit on the Left side for the best views. LSC approaches from the west over the Pacific coastal plain. Left-side seats offer views of the Andes foothills descending toward La Serena, the Coquimbo Bay coastline, and the transition from desert to the first significant vegetation zones in central Chile. Notable sights include: Coquimbo Bay and Pacific coastline, Andes foothills and valleys, La Serena city sprawl along the coast, Elqui River valley with irrigated agricultural land.

The flight from El Loa (CJC) to La Florida (LSC) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight travels south-southwest across the Atacama plateau, then descends over the transition zone where the Andes foothills begin to lower and vegetation increases. The Elqui River valley becomes visible as a green ribbon cutting through otherwise arid terrain. Coastal mountains and the first significant river systems of central Chile mark the approach to La Serena.