Right seats capture the dramatic approach to Manaus over the Rio Negro and Amazon rainforest, which is more visually striking than the departure. The takeoff offers good Guanabara Bay views on the left, but the landing view is more unique and geographically significant.
Flight Path
The flight path travels northwest over the Atlantic, then inland across central Brazil. Notable features include: the Brazilian Plateau (Serra da Mantiqueira) visible as a distant ridge 1-2 hours into flight on the right; the Paraíba River valley (thin linear feature, difficult to distinguish); vast agricultural and cerrado landscape (tan and green patchwork) dominating the midpoint; transition to denser green vegetation as the Amazon basin approaches; the Negro River system becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, with its characteristic dark water color distinguishing it from surrounding terrain.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Eduardo Gomes International (MAO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Manaus. Right seats capture the dramatic approach to Manaus over the Rio Negro and Amazon rainforest, which is more visually striking than the departure. The takeoff offers good Guanabara Bay views on the left, but the landing view is more unique and geographically significant.
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. GIG typically departs runway 10L/10R (northwesterly heading). Left seats face the Atlantic Ocean initially, then the northern suburbs and Guanabara Bay. Right seats see the southern mountains and urban sprawl of Rio's south zone. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay (immediate left after rotation), Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado ridge (right side, receding), Serra da Carioca mountain range (right, inland), Atlantic coastline north toward Niterói (left).
What can I see when landing at Eduardo Gomes International in Manaus?
When landing at Eduardo Gomes International (MAO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to MAO typically uses runway 09 (easterly heading). Right seats face the Rio Negro and the dense Amazon rainforest canopy approaching the airport. Left seats see the city of Manaus and urban sprawl, which is less visually distinctive at altitude. Notable sights include: Rio Negro (massive dark-water river, primary visual feature), Amazon rainforest canopy (unbroken green expanse), Manaus city center (urban grid on north bank), Meeting of Waters confluence zone (visible as color contrast in river, 10+ miles upstream).
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Manaus?
The flight from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Eduardo Gomes International (MAO) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Manaus flight path pass over?
The flight path travels northwest over the Atlantic, then inland across central Brazil. Notable features include: the Brazilian Plateau (Serra da Mantiqueira) visible as a distant ridge 1-2 hours into flight on the right; the Paraíba River valley (thin linear feature, difficult to distinguish); vast agricultural and cerrado landscape (tan and green patchwork) dominating the midpoint; transition to denser green vegetation as the Amazon basin approaches; the Negro River system becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, with its characteristic dark water color distinguishing it from surrounding terrain.