While the takeoff offers good urban and valley views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and distinctive natural scenery—the Pichincha volcanic complex and Quito's spectacular high-altitude basin setting make for more memorable window views overall.
Flown MDE to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio Negro to Quito is 479 miles (771 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cauca River valley (visible as a linear feature in the western lowlands), transition from Colombian Pacific-facing slopes to Ecuadorian Andean terrain, Cordillera Occidental (Western Cordillera) running north-south, high-altitude páramo grasslands above 10,000 feet, scattered volcanic peaks including Ruiz and Tolima massifs on the western horizon
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDE
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Aburrá Valley and Medellín's urban landscape as you climb out northwestward. The right side faces the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera, which are heavily forested and less visually distinctive.
Landing at UIO
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Pichincha volcanic complex and the approach into Quito's high-altitude basin. As you descend from the north, the right side faces the western cordillera and the dramatic terrain surrounding the capital.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio Negro to Quito. While the takeoff offers good urban and valley views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and distinctive natural scenery—the Pichincha volcanic complex and Quito's spectacular high-altitude basin setting make for more memorable window views overall.
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. Left side offers immediate views of the Aburrá Valley and Medellín's urban landscape as you climb out northwestward. The right side faces the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera, which are heavily forested and less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley urban sprawl, Río Medellín winding through the city, Central Cordillera (Andes) ridge to the east, Arví Peak (4,680 ft) on the valley's eastern rim.
What can I see when landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Pichincha volcanic complex and the approach into Quito's high-altitude basin. As you descend from the north, the right side faces the western cordillera and the dramatic terrain surrounding the capital. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano (15,728 ft) and its western slopes, Quito's urban basin nestled between eastern and western cordilleras, Río Machángara valley, Cotopaxi volcano visible on the southern horizon in clear conditions.
How long is the flight from Rio Negro to Quito?
The flight from Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 479 miles (771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio Negro to Quito flight path pass over?
Cauca River valley (visible as a linear feature in the western lowlands), transition from Colombian Pacific-facing slopes to Ecuadorian Andean terrain, Cordillera Occidental (Western Cordillera) running north-south, high-altitude páramo grasslands above 10,000 feet, scattered volcanic peaks including Ruiz and Tolima massifs on the western horizon