The right side tracks the Andes Cordillera for nearly the entire route north from Patagonia through the Lake District's volcanoes and into the dramatic mountain backdrop of Santiago's approach, giving it more sustained and varied scenery than the left side's brief but spectacular Patagonian departure.
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Flight Path
Puerto Natales to Santiago is 1,266 miles (2,037 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Andes Cordillera with snow-capped volcanoes such as Osorno and Villarrica, the lakes of Chile's Lake District (Llanquihue, Todos los Santos), and the transition from Patagonian fjords to temperate forested foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PNT
LEFTDeparting PNT on runway 28, the aircraft climbs out over Última Esperanza Sound, putting the Torres del Paine granite towers and the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field on the left side of the plane. This is one of the most dramatic departure sequences in South American commercial aviation.
Landing at SCL
RIGHTOn descent into Santiago, the Andes Cordillera dominates the horizon to the right, with sharp snow-capped peaks rising abruptly behind the city as the plane crosses the Maipo Valley's vineyards. This mountain wall is far more visually striking than the flatter Pacific-side terrain on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Natales to Santiago. The right side tracks the Andes Cordillera for nearly the entire route north from Patagonia through the Lake District's volcanoes and into the dramatic mountain backdrop of Santiago's approach, giving it more sustained and varied scenery than the left side's brief but spectacular Patagonian departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales?
During takeoff from Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PNT on runway 28, the aircraft climbs out over Última Esperanza Sound, putting the Torres del Paine granite towers and the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field on the left side of the plane. This is one of the most dramatic departure sequences in South American commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Torres del Paine towers, Balmaceda Glacier, Última Esperanza Fjord, Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
What can I see when landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
When landing at Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On descent into Santiago, the Andes Cordillera dominates the horizon to the right, with sharp snow-capped peaks rising abruptly behind the city as the plane crosses the Maipo Valley's vineyards. This mountain wall is far more visually striking than the flatter Pacific-side terrain on the left. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Cerro El Plomo area, Maipo Valley vineyards, Santiago basin skyline.
How long is the flight from Puerto Natales to Santiago?
The flight from Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,266 miles (2,037 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Puerto Natales to Santiago flight path pass over?
Andes Cordillera with snow-capped volcanoes such as Osorno and Villarrica, the lakes of Chile's Lake District (Llanquihue, Todos los Santos), and the transition from Patagonian fjords to temperate forested foothills.