While left offers the Melbourne departure scenery, the right side captures the most dramatic and visually distinctive portion of the flight—the Andes approach and Marañón River gorge during descent into Chachapoyas, which is geographically more striking than the Australian departure.
Flown MEL to CHH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Chachapoyas is 8,348 miles (13,435 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
This route typically routes northwest across the Tasman Sea, then across the Pacific toward Fiji or similar hub before heading to South America. The most notable midpoint features would be the Tasman Sea (if visible during daylight), the Pacific Ocean (predominantly water), and potentially the Andes cordillera as you approach Peru from the east. The actual scenic highlight occurs during the final descent into the Marañón valley system in northern Peru.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTMelbourne International typically departs to the northwest. Left-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs volcanic range as the aircraft climbs. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at CHH
RIGHTApproach to Chachapoyas typically comes from the east, descending over the Marañón River valley. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andes foothills and the river gorge cutting through the terrain as you descend toward the airstrip.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to Chachapoyas (CHH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Chachapoyas. While left offers the Melbourne departure scenery, the right side captures the most dramatic and visually distinctive portion of the flight—the Andes approach and Marañón River gorge during descent into Chachapoyas, which is geographically more striking than the Australian departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne International typically departs to the northwest. Left-side seats offer views of Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs volcanic range as the aircraft climbs. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (immediate west), You Yangs volcanic peaks (northwest, ~40 km away), Dandenong Ranges (northeast, receding), Macedon Ranges (north-northwest, distant).
What can I see when landing at Chachapoyas in Chachapoyas?
When landing at Chachapoyas (CHH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to Chachapoyas typically comes from the east, descending over the Marañón River valley. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andes foothills and the river gorge cutting through the terrain as you descend toward the airstrip. Notable sights include: Marañón River (visible as a winding ribbon in the valley), Eastern Cordillera peaks (right side, rising steeply), Chachapoyas town (small settlement in the valley floor), cloud-covered western Andes (left, distant).
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Chachapoyas?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to Chachapoyas (CHH) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 8,348 miles (13,435 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Chachapoyas flight path pass over?
This route typically routes northwest across the Tasman Sea, then across the Pacific toward Fiji or similar hub before heading to South America. The most notable midpoint features would be the Tasman Sea (if visible during daylight), the Pacific Ocean (predominantly water), and potentially the Andes cordillera as you approach Peru from the east. The actual scenic highlight occurs during the final descent into the Marañón valley system in northern Peru.