The left side wins primarily on the strength of Rio's dramatic urban and mountain scenery during takeoff, which outshines the relatively flat, forested interior of the cruise phase and the modest river glimpse on landing.
Flight Path
Flat agricultural plateau of interior São Paulo and Paraná states, scattered river valleys feeding the Paraná basin, patchwork farmland with little topographic relief
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GIG
LEFTDeparting runway 28 to the west, the initial climb keeps Rio's iconic skyline on the left: Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer, and Guanabara Bay all fall away to the south side of the aircraft as it climbs and banks southwest toward the interior.
Landing at IGR
RIGHTOn approach into Iguazu, the runway alignment typically brings the aircraft in from the southeast, putting the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers—and glimpses of the famous falls themselves—on the right side of the cabin during the final descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Cataratas Del Iguazu (IGR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Iguazu Falls. The left side wins primarily on the strength of Rio's dramatic urban and mountain scenery during takeoff, which outshines the relatively flat, forested interior of the cruise phase and the modest river glimpse on landing.
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. Departing runway 28 to the west, the initial climb keeps Rio's iconic skyline on the left: Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer, and Guanabara Bay all fall away to the south side of the aircraft as it climbs and banks southwest toward the interior. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado/Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, Rio's Zona Sul beaches (Copacabana/Ipanema).
What can I see when landing at Cataratas Del Iguazu in Iguazu Falls?
When landing at Cataratas Del Iguazu (IGR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Iguazu, the runway alignment typically brings the aircraft in from the southeast, putting the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers—and glimpses of the famous falls themselves—on the right side of the cabin during the final descent. Notable sights include: Iguazu Falls, Iguazu River, Paraná River confluence, dense Atlantic Forest canopy.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Iguazu Falls?
The flight from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Cataratas Del Iguazu (IGR) takes 1h 50m.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Iguazu Falls flight path pass over?
Flat agricultural plateau of interior São Paulo and Paraná states, scattered river valleys feeding the Paraná basin, patchwork farmland with little topographic relief