The left side wins on both ends: dramatic Torres del Paine and fjord scenery at departure, and a sustained view of the snow-capped Andes during the Santiago approach. The right side offers mostly flat steppe and valley farmland with far fewer distinctive features.
Flight Path
The route parallels the Andes for much of its length, passing over Patagonian steppe, the Chacabuco and Aysén foothills, and the northern stretches of Chilean Patagonia before crossing into the Central Valley near Santiago.
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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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Natales to Santiago. The left side wins on both ends: dramatic Torres del Paine and fjord scenery at departure, and a sustained view of the snow-capped Andes during the Santiago approach. The right side offers mostly flat steppe and valley farmland with far fewer distinctive features.
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 Puerto Natales northbound, the left side faces west toward the Torres del Paine massif and the Patagonian Andes, with fjords and glacial lakes like Sarmiento and Toro visible below. The right side faces the flat Patagonian steppe, which is comparatively featureless. Notable sights include: Torres del Paine towers, Lago Sarmiento, Última Esperanza Sound, Patagonian Andes foothills.
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. On approach into Santiago from the south, the left side offers views of the snow-capped Andes running parallel to the flight path, with peaks near Cerro El Plomo visible before the final turn. The right side mostly shows the flatter Central Valley farmland and coastal range foothills, less dramatic in comparison. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera skyline, Cerro El Plomo, Maipo River valley, Santiago basin.
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 3h 10m.
What does the Puerto Natales to Santiago flight path pass over?
The route parallels the Andes for much of its length, passing over Patagonian steppe, the Chacabuco and Aysén foothills, and the northern stretches of Chilean Patagonia before crossing into the Central Valley near Santiago.