While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach into Cali on the left side offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Cauca River valley, extensive agricultural patterns, and the approach over distinctive terrain make the left side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown MDE to CLO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio Negro to Cali is 193 miles (310 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Central Cordillera between Medellín and Cali, passing over high-altitude terrain including peaks above 10,000 feet. The descent crosses from the Cauca River drainage basin into the Pacific-slope agricultural valleys. Intermediate terrain includes cloud-prone mountain passes and the transition from Andean highlands to lower-elevation sugarcane country.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDE
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Aburrá Valley floor and the surrounding Andes ridgelines as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Medellín. The valley's urban sprawl and the dramatic elevation changes are most visible on the right wing during initial climb.
Landing at CLO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Cali, showing the Cauca River valley, surrounding sugarcane fields, and the approach path over the flat Pacific-slope terrain. The descent path from the northeast gives left-side passengers direct views of the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International (CLO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio Negro to Cali. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach into Cali on the left side offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Cauca River valley, extensive agricultural patterns, and the approach over distinctive terrain make the left side the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Jose Maria Cordova in Rio Negro?
During takeoff from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Aburrá Valley floor and the surrounding Andes ridgelines as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Medellín. The valley's urban sprawl and the dramatic elevation changes are most visible on the right wing during initial climb. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley urban corridor, Western Cordillera ridgelines to the west, Rio Medellín valley floor, Arví Peak to the east.
What can I see when landing at Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International in Cali?
When landing at Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International (CLO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Cali, showing the Cauca River valley, surrounding sugarcane fields, and the approach path over the flat Pacific-slope terrain. The descent path from the northeast gives left-side passengers direct views of the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Cauca River valley, Sugarcane plantation fields (Valle del Cauca agricultural zone), Cristo Rey hill near Cali, Western Cordillera foothills to the west.
How long is the flight from Rio Negro to Cali?
The flight from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International (CLO) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 193 miles (310 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio Negro to Cali flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Central Cordillera between Medellín and Cali, passing over high-altitude terrain including peaks above 10,000 feet. The descent crosses from the Cauca River drainage basin into the Pacific-slope agricultural valleys. Intermediate terrain includes cloud-prone mountain passes and the transition from Andean highlands to lower-elevation sugarcane country.