The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Rio's dramatic coastal skyline with Sugarloaf and Corcovado during departure, and the towering Andes front range framing the descent into Santiago. The right side sees mostly open ocean or featureless Argentine pampas during cruise, with no comparable landmarks.
Flight Path
The Andes Cordillera crossing between Argentina and Chile, with the high peaks near Mendoza and the arid Argentine pampas visible before the mountains rise into view
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GIG
LEFTDeparting GIG on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west over Guanabara Bay then banks south toward the coast, putting Rio's iconic skyline on the left. Passengers get a sweeping view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema before the city falls away.
Landing at SCL
LEFTOn approach into SCL from the north or east, the jagged snow-capped Andes dominate the eastern horizon, and since the runway alignment is north-south, the mountains sit on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The contrast between the dry Santiago basin and the towering peaks makes for a dramatic 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 Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Santiago. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Rio's dramatic coastal skyline with Sugarloaf and Corcovado during departure, and the towering Andes front range framing the descent into Santiago. The right side sees mostly open ocean or featureless Argentine pampas during cruise, with no comparable landmarks.
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 GIG on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west over Guanabara Bay then banks south toward the coast, putting Rio's iconic skyline on the left. Passengers get a sweeping view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema before the city falls away. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado/Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into SCL from the north or east, the jagged snow-capped Andes dominate the eastern horizon, and since the runway alignment is north-south, the mountains sit on the left side of the aircraft during final descent. The contrast between the dry Santiago basin and the towering peaks makes for a dramatic final approach. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera front range, snow-capped peaks near Cerro El Plomo, Santiago basin, Mapocho River valley.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Santiago?
The flight from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes 4h 20m.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Santiago flight path pass over?
The Andes Cordillera crossing between Argentina and Chile, with the high peaks near Mendoza and the arid Argentine pampas visible before the mountains rise into view