While takeoff offers Mississippi River views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Arauca River and transition from Colombian highlands to llanos plains are visually distinctive. Left seats capture the most geographically significant moment of the flight.
Flown MSP to AUC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Arauca is 2,941 miles (4,732 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico (roughly 2 hours into flight), then passes over the Yucatan Peninsula and Caribbean coast of Mexico. Over central Mexico, the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range is visible to the west. The flight then crosses into Central America, passing near or over Guatemala and Belize. As the aircraft approaches Colombia, the Andes Mountains become visible on the western horizon before descent into the Arauca region. The Magdalena River valley in Colombia may be visible during the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River valley and the Minnesota River confluence as the aircraft climbs southwestward out of MSP. The river systems are clearly visible from altitude and provide good visual reference during the initial climb phase.
Landing at AUC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Arauca River and the surrounding llanos (plains) landscape as the aircraft descends toward Santiago Pérez Airport. The river is a major visual landmark in this region and the flat terrain offers unobstructed views during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Santiago Perez (AUC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Arauca. While takeoff offers Mississippi River views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Arauca River and transition from Colombian highlands to llanos plains are visually distinctive. Left seats capture the most geographically significant moment of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River valley and the Minnesota River confluence as the aircraft climbs southwestward out of MSP. The river systems are clearly visible from altitude and provide good visual reference during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Minnesota River confluence, Minneapolis-St Paul urban sprawl, Minnesota lakes (Chain of Lakes visible to the west).
What can I see when landing at Santiago Perez in Arauca?
When landing at Santiago Perez (AUC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Arauca River and the surrounding llanos (plains) landscape as the aircraft descends toward Santiago Pérez Airport. The river is a major visual landmark in this region and the flat terrain offers unobstructed views during final approach. Notable sights include: Arauca River, Colombian llanos (plains), Arauca city, vegetation transition zones between river and savanna.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Arauca?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Santiago Perez (AUC) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,941 miles (4,732 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Arauca flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico (roughly 2 hours into flight), then passes over the Yucatan Peninsula and Caribbean coast of Mexico. Over central Mexico, the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range is visible to the west. The flight then crosses into Central America, passing near or over Guatemala and Belize. As the aircraft approaches Colombia, the Andes Mountains become visible on the western horizon before descent into the Arauca region. The Magdalena River valley in Colombia may be visible during the final descent phase.