While takeoff offers Rio's iconic coastal scenery, the landing descent over the Serra do Mar escarpment provides more dramatic and geologically distinctive views. The mountain range's scale and the transition from forest to plateau are more visually compelling than the relatively flat departure over the bay.
Flown GIG to CWB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio De Janeiro to Curitiba is 418 miles (673 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses inland from Rio's coastal mountains, passing over the Paraíba do Sul River valley and the transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and agricultural regions of São Paulo state. The terrain gradually rises southwestward toward the Paraná plateau. No major cities are directly on the route, but the landscape shifts from mountainous coastal terrain to rolling plateau topography.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GIG
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out over Rio's eastern approach. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape and the city's beachfront districts receding beneath you.
Landing at CWB
RIGHTRight seats provide clear views of the Serra do Mar mountain range as you descend into Curitiba from the northeast. The escarpment's dramatic elevation change and forested slopes are visually striking during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Afonso Pena (CWB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Curitiba. While takeoff offers Rio's iconic coastal scenery, the landing descent over the Serra do Mar escarpment provides more dramatic and geologically distinctive views. The mountain range's scale and the transition from forest to plateau are more visually compelling than the relatively flat departure over the bay.
What can I see during takeoff from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
During takeoff from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out over Rio's eastern approach. You'll see the bay's distinctive shape and the city's beachfront districts receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Atlantic Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Afonso Pena in Curitiba?
When landing at Afonso Pena (CWB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide clear views of the Serra do Mar mountain range as you descend into Curitiba from the northeast. The escarpment's dramatic elevation change and forested slopes are visually striking during final approach. Notable sights include: Serra do Mar escarpment, Atlantic Forest vegetation, Paraná plateau, Curitiba city sprawl.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Curitiba?
The flight from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Afonso Pena (CWB) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 418 miles (673 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Curitiba flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses inland from Rio's coastal mountains, passing over the Paraíba do Sul River valley and the transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and agricultural regions of São Paulo state. The terrain gradually rises southwestward toward the Paraná plateau. No major cities are directly on the route, but the landscape shifts from mountainous coastal terrain to rolling plateau topography.