The left side delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight. The Andes departure from Medellin is genuinely spectacular — a deep urban valley surrounded by steep green ridges is rare anywhere in the world. The left side also tracks the Caribbean coast of Colombia and the Yucatan Peninsula during cruise, offering coastal and water views. The Houston arrival on the right is good but Houston's flat terrain is less compelling than the Andean departure.
Flight Path
After leaving the Andes, the route crosses the lowland Magdalena River valley and the Colombian Caribbean coastal plain before reaching the Caribbean Sea. The flight then passes over the western Caribbean, potentially with views of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico before descending into Houston. The Gulf crossing offers open water views for roughly 45-60 minutes of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDE
LEFTJose Maria Cordova's primary runway 01/19 means northbound departures climb out heading roughly north, putting the dramatic Andes terrain of the Cordillera Central and the Valle de Aburra (Medellin's urban valley) on the left side. You get a direct look down into the city bowl and the surrounding ridgelines before the aircraft turns northwest.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTIAH typically uses runways 26L/26R or 27 for westerly approaches, meaning the aircraft arrives from the east. Right side passengers get a clear view of downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex as the plane descends over the eastern suburbs. Left side faces north toward less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio Negro to Houston. The left side delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight. The Andes departure from Medellin is genuinely spectacular — a deep urban valley surrounded by steep green ridges is rare anywhere in the world. The left side also tracks the Caribbean coast of Colombia and the Yucatan Peninsula during cruise, offering coastal and water views. The Houston arrival on the right is good but Houston's flat terrain is less compelling than the Andean departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Jose Maria Cordova in Rio Negro?
During takeoff from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Jose Maria Cordova's primary runway 01/19 means northbound departures climb out heading roughly north, putting the dramatic Andes terrain of the Cordillera Central and the Valle de Aburra (Medellin's urban valley) on the left side. You get a direct look down into the city bowl and the surrounding ridgelines before the aircraft turns northwest. Notable sights include: Valle de Aburra urban sprawl below, Cerro El Volador ridge, Cordillera Central peaks to the east, Rio Medellin snaking through the valley floor.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. IAH typically uses runways 26L/26R or 27 for westerly approaches, meaning the aircraft arrives from the east. Right side passengers get a clear view of downtown Houston's skyline and the Ship Channel industrial complex as the plane descends over the eastern suburbs. Left side faces north toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel and port facilities, Lake Houston to the northeast, suburban grid of northeast Harris County.
How long is the flight from Rio Negro to Houston?
The flight from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Rio Negro to Houston flight path pass over?
After leaving the Andes, the route crosses the lowland Magdalena River valley and the Colombian Caribbean coastal plain before reaching the Caribbean Sea. The flight then passes over the western Caribbean, potentially with views of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico before descending into Houston. The Gulf crossing offers open water views for roughly 45-60 minutes of the flight.