While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach and the majority of the flight path over the Llanos Orientales and Arauca region strongly favor left-side seats. The river valley approach and the western Andes foothills views during descent outweigh the São Paulo departure.
Flown GRU to AUC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Arauca is 2,669 miles (4,296 km), a flight of about 5 hours 40 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Brazil and enters Colombia over the Llanos Orientales. Notable features include: the transition from São Paulo's urban zone to the interior plateau (Planalto Paulista) with scattered towns and agricultural areas; the Paraná River basin and its tributaries visible as dark linear features; the vast, flat Llanos Orientales grasslands dominating the central portion of the flight; the Guaviare River and other major waterways appearing as silvery threads through the plains; and the gradual rise of Andean foothills and pre-Andean ranges becoming visible on the western horizon as you approach Arauca. The landscape transitions from humid subtropical to tropical savanna with increasing visibility of water features and vegetation patterns typical of Colombia's eastern plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GRU
RIGHTGRU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Serra da Cantareira mountain range and the sprawling São Paulo metropolitan area as you climb out, with the city's northern districts visible below.
Landing at AUC
LEFTApproaching AUC from the south, left-side seats provide views of the Arauca River valley and the approach path over the Llanos Orientales (eastern plains). The terrain transitions from forested areas to open grassland, and you'll see the Andes foothills beginning to rise to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to Santiago Perez (AUC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Arauca. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach and the majority of the flight path over the Llanos Orientales and Arauca region strongly favor left-side seats. The river valley approach and the western Andes foothills views during descent outweigh the São Paulo departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. GRU typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer views of the Serra da Cantareira mountain range and the sprawling São Paulo metropolitan area as you climb out, with the city's northern districts visible below. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira (northern mountain range), São Paulo city grid and urban sprawl, Represa Billings (reservoir visible as dark water body to the southeast), Atlantic coastal plains in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Santiago Perez in Arauca?
When landing at Santiago Perez (AUC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching AUC from the south, left-side seats provide views of the Arauca River valley and the approach path over the Llanos Orientales (eastern plains). The terrain transitions from forested areas to open grassland, and you'll see the Andes foothills beginning to rise to the west. Notable sights include: Arauca River (meandering watercourse visible as a silvery line), Llanos Orientales grasslands (flat, open terrain with scattered vegetation), Andes foothills rising to the west, scattered settlements and agricultural clearings.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Arauca?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Santiago Perez (AUC) takes about 5 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,669 miles (4,296 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Arauca flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Brazil and enters Colombia over the Llanos Orientales. Notable features include: the transition from São Paulo's urban zone to the interior plateau (Planalto Paulista) with scattered towns and agricultural areas; the Paraná River basin and its tributaries visible as dark linear features; the vast, flat Llanos Orientales grasslands dominating the central portion of the flight; the Guaviare River and other major waterways appearing as silvery threads through the plains; and the gradual rise of Andean foothills and pre-Andean ranges becoming visible on the western horizon as you approach Arauca. The landscape transitions from humid subtropical to tropical savanna with increasing visibility of water features and vegetation patterns typical of Colombia's eastern plains.