While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides superior views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Caribbean transition zone—geographically more distinctive than the Medellín valley departure.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses from the Aburrá Valley over the Central Cordillera's northern extension, then descends across the Caribbean coastal plain. Notable midpoint features include the transition from interior mountains to the Caribbean lowlands, the Magdalena River valley visible to the east, and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta appearing progressively larger on the northern horizon as the aircraft descends toward the coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EOH
RIGHTRight side captures the immediate climb-out over the Aburrá Valley and the western slopes of the Central Cordillera. Olaya Herrera typically departs to the north or northeast, and right-side seats will show the dramatic terrain rising immediately beyond the airport.
Landing at SMR
LEFTLeft side provides the best view during descent into Santa Marta. The approach typically comes from the southwest over the Caribbean, and left-side seats will show the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta's northern face and the coastal approach to Simón Bolívar Airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Olaya Herrera (EOH) to Simon Bolivar (SMR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Medellin to Santa Marta. While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides superior views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Caribbean transition zone—geographically more distinctive than the Medellín valley departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Olaya Herrera in Medellin?
During takeoff from Olaya Herrera (EOH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the immediate climb-out over the Aburrá Valley and the western slopes of the Central Cordillera. Olaya Herrera typically departs to the north or northeast, and right-side seats will show the dramatic terrain rising immediately beyond the airport. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley floor (Medellín city center to the south), western face of the Central Cordillera, Río Medellín winding through the valley, Arví Peak (2,480 m) visible on the eastern ridge.
What can I see when landing at Simon Bolivar in Santa Marta?
When landing at Simon Bolivar (SMR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best view during descent into Santa Marta. The approach typically comes from the southwest over the Caribbean, and left-side seats will show the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta's northern face and the coastal approach to Simón Bolívar Airport. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (snow-capped peaks visible in clear conditions), Caribbean Sea coastline, Magdalena River delta, Santa Marta city and harbor.
How long is the flight from Medellin to Santa Marta?
The flight from Olaya Herrera (EOH) to Simon Bolivar (SMR) takes Approximately 45-55 minutes.
What does the Medellin to Santa Marta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses from the Aburrá Valley over the Central Cordillera's northern extension, then descends across the Caribbean coastal plain. Notable midpoint features include the transition from interior mountains to the Caribbean lowlands, the Magdalena River valley visible to the east, and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta appearing progressively larger on the northern horizon as the aircraft descends toward the coast.