While takeoff favors the right for Medellín's valley views, the landing approach into GRU provides superior geography on the left—the Paraíba do Sul River valley and Serra da Mantiqueira are more visually distinctive than the right-side suburban sprawl. Left seats capture the more dramatic final descent.
Flown MDE to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio Negro to Sao Paulo is 2,828 miles (4,551 km), a flight of about 5 hours 55 minutes.
The flight crosses the Cauca River valley (Colombia), then enters the Magdalena River drainage system. You'll pass over the Central Cordillera and Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, then cross into Brazil over the Paraná Plateau. The route generally follows a southeast heading, passing east of the Mantiqueira Mountains before descending into the São Paulo basin. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), individual terrain features blur, but the broad transition from Colombian highlands to Brazilian plateau is visible as a shift from north-south mountain chains to more rolling, plateau-like terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDE
RIGHTMDE typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Aburrá Valley's urban sprawl and the Western Cordillera ridgeline as you climb out. Left seats see mostly the eastern mountains and less developed terrain.
Landing at GRU
LEFTGRU typically uses runways 27L/27R (westbound) or 09L/09R (eastbound). Left-side seats on final approach offer views of the Paraíba do Sul River valley, the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains to the south, and the São Paulo metropolitan sprawl. Right seats see mostly developed suburbs and less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio Negro to Sao Paulo. While takeoff favors the right for Medellín's valley views, the landing approach into GRU provides superior geography on the left—the Paraíba do Sul River valley and Serra da Mantiqueira are more visually distinctive than the right-side suburban sprawl. Left seats capture the more dramatic final descent.
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. MDE typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Aburrá Valley's urban sprawl and the Western Cordillera ridgeline as you climb out. Left seats see mostly the eastern mountains and less developed terrain. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley urban grid (Medellín metropolitan area), Western Cordillera peaks (2,500-3,000m ridgeline), Rio Medellín valley floor, Arví mountain (eastern wall of valley).
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. GRU typically uses runways 27L/27R (westbound) or 09L/09R (eastbound). Left-side seats on final approach offer views of the Paraíba do Sul River valley, the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains to the south, and the São Paulo metropolitan sprawl. Right seats see mostly developed suburbs and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Paraíba do Sul River valley (major drainage system), Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range (southern horizon), São Paulo metropolitan sprawl (urban grid extending to horizon), Cantareira Mountains (northern suburbs, closer range).
How long is the flight from Rio Negro to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 5 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,828 miles (4,551 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio Negro to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Cauca River valley (Colombia), then enters the Magdalena River drainage system. You'll pass over the Central Cordillera and Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, then cross into Brazil over the Paraná Plateau. The route generally follows a southeast heading, passing east of the Mantiqueira Mountains before descending into the São Paulo basin. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), individual terrain features blur, but the broad transition from Colombian highlands to Brazilian plateau is visible as a shift from north-south mountain chains to more rolling, plateau-like terrain.