The landing approach into Medellín's dramatic Aburrá Valley offers more visually striking scenery than the Houston departure. The Andean topography and river gorge provide superior views compared to the relatively flat Texas coast.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as flat, low-lying terrain with cenotes and limestone features), then traverses the Caribbean Sea and the Cayman Islands region before reaching Central America. As you approach Colombia, the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Central American highlands become visible, followed by the descent into the Cordillera Occidental and the Aburrá Valley approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Galveston Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the bay's shallow waters, barrier islands, and coastal development receding below.
Landing at MDE
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Medellín. You'll see the Aburrá Valley's dramatic topography, the Cauca River gorge, and the city nestled between steep Andean ridges as you approach from the north.
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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 George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Jose Maria Cordova (MDE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Rio Negro. The landing approach into Medellín's dramatic Aburrá Valley offers more visually striking scenery than the Houston departure. The Andean topography and river gorge provide superior views compared to the relatively flat Texas coast.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Galveston Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the bay's shallow waters, barrier islands, and coastal development receding below. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Trinity Bay, Bolivar Peninsula, Houston Ship Channel.
What can I see when landing at Jose Maria Cordova in Rio Negro?
When landing at Jose Maria Cordova (MDE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Medellín. You'll see the Aburrá Valley's dramatic topography, the Cauca River gorge, and the city nestled between steep Andean ridges as you approach from the north. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley, Cauca River, Cordillera Occidental (Western Range), Medellín city center.
How long is the flight from Houston to Rio Negro?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Houston to Rio Negro flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as flat, low-lying terrain with cenotes and limestone features), then traverses the Caribbean Sea and the Cayman Islands region before reaching Central America. As you approach Colombia, the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Central American highlands become visible, followed by the descent into the Cordillera Occidental and the Aburrá Valley approach.