Mendoza to San Carlos De Bariloch is 589 miles (948 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While takeoff favors the right for Andes views, the landing approach over Lago Nahuel Huapi—one of South America's most visually striking glacial lakes—combined with the Circuito Chico peaks makes left-side seating the stronger overall choice for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the high Andes spine between 10,000-14,000 feet, passing over the Neuquén Province plateau. Notable features include the Río Limay valley (visible as a darker green corridor cutting through the plateau), scattered Patagonian lakes (Lago Traful, Lago Espejo visible on clear days), and the transition from the drier Central Andes to the wetter, forested Patagonian region. The terrain descends progressively southeastward toward Bariloche.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDZ
RIGHTMDZ typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats capture the Andes spine immediately, with the high peaks of the Central Andes rising sharply east of the airport. Left side shows the lower, drier terrain of the Cuyo region extending westward toward Chile.
Landing at BRC
LEFTBRC approaches from the west or northwest, typically landing on runways aligned east-west. Left-side seats offer direct views of Lago Nahuel Huapi—the dominant visual feature—and the Circuito Chico mountain terrain that frames the airport. Right side shows the Andes interior plateau, less distinctive on approach.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Plumerillo (MDZ) to San Carlos De Bariloche (BRC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mendoza to San Carlos De Bariloch. While takeoff favors the right for Andes views, the landing approach over Lago Nahuel Huapi—one of South America's most visually striking glacial lakes—combined with the Circuito Chico peaks makes left-side seating the stronger overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from El Plumerillo in Mendoza?
During takeoff from El Plumerillo (MDZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. MDZ typically departs to the north or northeast. Right-side seats capture the Andes spine immediately, with the high peaks of the Central Andes rising sharply east of the airport. Left side shows the lower, drier terrain of the Cuyo region extending westward toward Chile. Notable sights include: Central Andes peaks (Aconcagua massif region), Río Mendoza valley floor, Pre-Andean foothills, Cuyo desert plains to the west.
What can I see when landing at San Carlos De Bariloche in San Carlos De Bariloch?
When landing at San Carlos De Bariloche (BRC), sit on the Left side for the best views. BRC approaches from the west or northwest, typically landing on runways aligned east-west. Left-side seats offer direct views of Lago Nahuel Huapi—the dominant visual feature—and the Circuito Chico mountain terrain that frames the airport. Right side shows the Andes interior plateau, less distinctive on approach. Notable sights include: Lago Nahuel Huapi (large glacial lake), Cerro Campanario, Isla Huemul, Andes foothills surrounding the lake basin.
How long is the flight from Mendoza to San Carlos De Bariloch?
The flight from El Plumerillo (MDZ) to San Carlos De Bariloche (BRC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 589 miles (948 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mendoza to San Carlos De Bariloch flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the high Andes spine between 10,000-14,000 feet, passing over the Neuquén Province plateau. Notable features include the Río Limay valley (visible as a darker green corridor cutting through the plateau), scattered Patagonian lakes (Lago Traful, Lago Espejo visible on clear days), and the transition from the drier Central Andes to the wetter, forested Patagonian region. The terrain descends progressively southeastward toward Bariloche.