The right side tracks the Andes the entire flight — glacial lakes and icefields near El Calafate, the Southern Patagonian Andes during cruise, and the dramatic Darwin Range and Beagle Channel on arrival into Ushuaia. The left side only offers flat steppe and open water with no comparable landmarks.
Flown FTE to USH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
El Calafate to Ushuaia is 352 miles (567 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Southern Patagonian Icefield, Torres del Paine massif (visible to the west), Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego island
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from FTE
RIGHTDeparting FTE on runway 25, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning south toward Ushuaia, giving right-side passengers a view back over Lago Argentino and the jagged Southern Patagonian Andes, including the ice-capped peaks near the Perito Moreno Glacier region. The left side shows only the flat, empty Patagonian steppe stretching toward the Atlantic.
Landing at USH
RIGHTOn approach into Ushuaia, the aircraft threads between the Darwin Mountain Range and the Beagle Channel, with the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego dominating the right side as the plane banks toward the peninsula runway. The left side mostly shows open channel water with Chilean islands in the far distance, less dramatic than the close mountain wall on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) to Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas (USH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from El Calafate to Ushuaia. The right side tracks the Andes the entire flight — glacial lakes and icefields near El Calafate, the Southern Patagonian Andes during cruise, and the dramatic Darwin Range and Beagle Channel on arrival into Ushuaia. The left side only offers flat steppe and open water with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport in El Calafate?
During takeoff from El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing FTE on runway 25, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning south toward Ushuaia, giving right-side passengers a view back over Lago Argentino and the jagged Southern Patagonian Andes, including the ice-capped peaks near the Perito Moreno Glacier region. The left side shows only the flat, empty Patagonian steppe stretching toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Lago Argentino, Southern Patagonian Icefield peaks, Perito Moreno Glacier vicinity, Patagonian steppe (left side).
What can I see when landing at Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas in Ushuaia?
When landing at Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas (USH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Ushuaia, the aircraft threads between the Darwin Mountain Range and the Beagle Channel, with the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Tierra del Fuego dominating the right side as the plane banks toward the peninsula runway. The left side mostly shows open channel water with Chilean islands in the far distance, less dramatic than the close mountain wall on the right. Notable sights include: Darwin Mountain Range, Beagle Channel, Martial Glacier above Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego peaks.
How long is the flight from El Calafate to Ushuaia?
The flight from El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) to Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas (USH) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 352 miles (567 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the El Calafate to Ushuaia flight path pass over?
Southern Patagonian Icefield, Torres del Paine massif (visible to the west), Strait of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego island