While left offers good coastal views during departure, right provides the more dramatic and sustained scenery during approach into São Paulo, including the metropolitan area and surrounding mountains. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flown MCO to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Sao Paulo is 4,268 miles (6,869 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and northern South America. Notable features include the Yucatan Peninsula (visible during early climb), the Caribbean coastline of Colombia and Venezuela, the Andes Mountains foothills as you approach Brazil, and the Amazon Basin transition zone. The Atlantic coast of Brazil becomes visible during descent, with the Serra do Mar escarpment visible approaching São Paulo.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and barrier islands as the aircraft climbs out over the Florida peninsula. You'll see the contrast between developed coastal areas and inland lakes that characterize central Florida.
Landing at GRU
RIGHTRight side provides views of the São Paulo metropolitan area and the surrounding escarpment terrain as you descend into Guarulhos. You'll see the urban sprawl of South America's largest city and the dramatic topography of the Serra da Mantiqueira in the distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Sao Paulo. While left offers good coastal views during departure, right provides the more dramatic and sustained scenery during approach into São Paulo, including the metropolitan area and surrounding mountains. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and barrier islands as the aircraft climbs out over the Florida peninsula. You'll see the contrast between developed coastal areas and inland lakes that characterize central Florida. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean and barrier islands, Lake Apopka (large freshwater lake west of Orlando), Brevard County coastal development, Indian River Lagoon system.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the São Paulo metropolitan area and the surrounding escarpment terrain as you descend into Guarulhos. You'll see the urban sprawl of South America's largest city and the dramatic topography of the Serra da Mantiqueira in the distance. Notable sights include: São Paulo metropolitan area urban grid, Cantareira Mountains (Serra da Cantareira) to the north, Pinheiros River valley, Atlantic Forest remnants on surrounding hills.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,268 miles (6,869 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and northern South America. Notable features include the Yucatan Peninsula (visible during early climb), the Caribbean coastline of Colombia and Venezuela, the Andes Mountains foothills as you approach Brazil, and the Amazon Basin transition zone. The Atlantic coast of Brazil becomes visible during descent, with the Serra do Mar escarpment visible approaching São Paulo.