Right-side seats capture the dramatic departure from Medellín's mountain-ringed valley and the approach to the Caribbean's most iconic coastal mountain range. The flight path itself runs roughly north-northeast, so right seats face the Sierra Nevada during the latter half of the flight.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Magdalena River valley (Colombia's principal river, visible as a wide, meandering watercourse), passes over the Cordillera Central's northern foothills, and transitions from interior highlands to coastal lowlands. The Caribbean coastline becomes visible roughly 20 minutes before landing, with the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada (up to 5,730 meters) dominating the landscape as you approach SMR.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDE
RIGHTMDE typically departs runway 01 (northbound). Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Aburrá Valley's urban sprawl and the Western Cordillera ridgeline rising steeply to starboard as you climb northwestward.
Landing at SMR
LEFTSMR uses runway 02 (northbound approach). Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Caribbean coastline, Santa Marta's beachfront development, and the dramatic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta rising inland—the world's highest coastal mountain range.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Simon Bolivar (SMR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio Negro to Santa Marta. Right-side seats capture the dramatic departure from Medellín's mountain-ringed valley and the approach to the Caribbean's most iconic coastal mountain range. The flight path itself runs roughly north-northeast, so right seats face the Sierra Nevada during the latter half of the flight.
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). Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Aburrá Valley's urban sprawl and the Western Cordillera ridgeline rising steeply to starboard as you climb northwestward. Notable sights include: Medellín city grid (directly below during initial climb), Western Cordillera peaks (right/west), Río Cauca valley floor (left/east), surrounding suburban municipalities of Envigado and Sabaneta.
What can I see when landing at Simon Bolivar in Santa Marta?
When landing at Simon Bolivar (SMR), sit on the Left side for the best views. SMR uses runway 02 (northbound approach). Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Caribbean coastline, Santa Marta's beachfront development, and the dramatic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta rising inland—the world's highest coastal mountain range. Notable sights include: Caribbean Sea and coastline (left/west), Santa Marta city waterfront (center-left), Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta peaks (right/south, inland), Gaira River delta and mangrove areas (center).
How long is the flight from Rio Negro to Santa Marta?
The flight from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Simon Bolivar (SMR) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Rio Negro to Santa Marta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Magdalena River valley (Colombia's principal river, visible as a wide, meandering watercourse), passes over the Cordillera Central's northern foothills, and transitions from interior highlands to coastal lowlands. The Caribbean coastline becomes visible roughly 20 minutes before landing, with the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada (up to 5,730 meters) dominating the landscape as you approach SMR.