Right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Miami you get the bay and skyline, and over Quito you get the dramatic Pichincha volcano and the city in its valley. The mid-flight stretch over the Caribbean and northern Colombia is largely ocean and cloud, so the endpoints drive the decision.
Flown MIA to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Miami to Quito is 1,796 miles (2,890 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
After departing Miami the route crosses Cuba or the western Caribbean, then passes over the Colombian coast near Cartagena or Barranquilla, crosses the northern Andes of Colombia, and descends into Ecuador. The Colombian Andes are visible as a broad corrugated mountain mass on clear days. The Caribbean coast of Colombia shows a distinct transition from blue ocean to green coastal lowlands. Cloud cover over the ITCZ near the equator is often heavy in the final hour of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MIA
RIGHTMIA typically departs east on runway 08R/09, then turns south over Biscayne Bay. The right side gives you a clear look at downtown Miami's skyline, the Port of Miami, and the causeway islands before heading over open water. Left side faces the Everglades, which is flat and featureless at this stage.
Landing at UIO
RIGHTQuito sits in a narrow Andean valley running north-south, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast descending toward runway 18 heading south. The right side faces west toward the volcanic peaks of Pichincha and the city of Quito itself draped along the valley floor. The left side looks east over the Andean foothills dropping toward the Amazon basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Miami International (MIA) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Miami to Quito. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Miami you get the bay and skyline, and over Quito you get the dramatic Pichincha volcano and the city in its valley. The mid-flight stretch over the Caribbean and northern Colombia is largely ocean and cloud, so the endpoints drive the decision.
What can I see during takeoff from Miami International in Miami?
During takeoff from Miami International (MIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. MIA typically departs east on runway 08R/09, then turns south over Biscayne Bay. The right side gives you a clear look at downtown Miami's skyline, the Port of Miami, and the causeway islands before heading over open water. Left side faces the Everglades, which is flat and featureless at this stage. Notable sights include: Downtown Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, Port of Miami, Fisher Island and the causeway chain.
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. Quito sits in a narrow Andean valley running north-south, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast descending toward runway 18 heading south. The right side faces west toward the volcanic peaks of Pichincha and the city of Quito itself draped along the valley floor. The left side looks east over the Andean foothills dropping toward the Amazon basin. Notable sights include: Volcán Pichincha (4,784m), Quito city center in the valley, the Andean cordillera ridgeline, Cotopaxi visible on the southern horizon on clear days.
How long is the flight from Miami to Quito?
The flight from Miami International (MIA) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,796 miles (2,890 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Miami to Quito flight path pass over?
After departing Miami the route crosses Cuba or the western Caribbean, then passes over the Colombian coast near Cartagena or Barranquilla, crosses the northern Andes of Colombia, and descends into Ecuador. The Colombian Andes are visible as a broad corrugated mountain mass on clear days. The Caribbean coast of Colombia shows a distinct transition from blue ocean to green coastal lowlands. Cloud cover over the ITCZ near the equator is often heavy in the final hour of flight.