The left side captures the two most visually rewarding moments of the flight: Miami's skyline and bay at departure, and the dramatic Andes wall during the Santiago approach. The right side offers mostly flat Everglades, open ocean, and Amazonian lowlands with little topographic interest.
Flown MIA to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Miami to Santiago is 4,137 miles (6,658 km), a flight of about 8 hours 25 minutes.
Cruise passes over the Caribbean Sea, northern Colombia/Venezuela lowlands, and the vast flat Amazon Basin rainforest of Brazil and Bolivia before the terrain rises into the eastern Andes foothills near Chile.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
LEFTMIA departures typically head east before curving south, putting downtown Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay on the northern (left) side of the aircraft during the initial climb. The right side mostly shows the flatter Everglades and suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
Landing at SCL
LEFTSCL arrivals descend southbound toward runway 17, putting the towering Andes on the eastern (left) side of the cabin. Snow-capped peaks rising abruptly behind Santiago's valley make for a dramatic final approach unmatched by the flatter coastal range on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Santiago. The left side captures the two most visually rewarding moments of the flight: Miami's skyline and bay at departure, and the dramatic Andes wall during the Santiago approach. The right side offers mostly flat Everglades, open ocean, and Amazonian lowlands with little topographic interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. MIA departures typically head east before curving south, putting downtown Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay on the northern (left) side of the aircraft during the initial climb. The right side mostly shows the flatter Everglades and suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, Port of Miami, Key Biscayne.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL arrivals descend southbound toward runway 17, putting the towering Andes on the eastern (left) side of the cabin. Snow-capped peaks rising abruptly behind Santiago's valley make for a dramatic final approach unmatched by the flatter coastal range on the right. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Cerro El Plomo, Santiago city grid in the valley, foothill ridgelines.
How long is the flight from Miami to Santiago?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 8 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,137 miles (6,658 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Miami to Santiago flight path pass over?
Cruise passes over the Caribbean Sea, northern Colombia/Venezuela lowlands, and the vast flat Amazon Basin rainforest of Brazil and Bolivia before the terrain rises into the eastern Andes foothills near Chile.