For most of the cruise, the flight tracks south along the spine of the Andes and the Atacama Desert, giving the left side a long, continuously dramatic view of high peaks, volcanic cones, and desert canyons that the ocean-facing right side cannot match.
Flown PTY to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Santiago is 2,988 miles (4,809 km), a flight of about 6 hours 35 minutes.
Andes Cordillera stretching through Ecuador and Peru, the Atacama Desert's dry salt flats and volcanic peaks in northern Chile, and intermittent views of the Pacific coastline near Arica and Iquique
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
RIGHTDeparting PTY toward the southwest, the initial climb passes over the Bay of Panama with Panama City's skyline and the Pacific-side entrance to the Panama Canal visible to the right. The left side shows mostly interior jungle with no major landmarks.
Landing at SCL
LEFTOn approach into SCL from the north, the aircraft descends along the Andes front range, with snow-capped peaks towering directly east of Santiago clearly visible on the left side. The right side shows the flatter Central Valley with less visual drama.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Santiago. For most of the cruise, the flight tracks south along the spine of the Andes and the Atacama Desert, giving the left side a long, continuously dramatic view of high peaks, volcanic cones, and desert canyons that the ocean-facing right side cannot match.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PTY toward the southwest, the initial climb passes over the Bay of Panama with Panama City's skyline and the Pacific-side entrance to the Panama Canal visible to the right. The left side shows mostly interior jungle with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline, Bay of Panama, Panama Canal Pacific entrance, Bridge of the Americas.
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 SCL from the north, the aircraft descends along the Andes front range, with snow-capped peaks towering directly east of Santiago clearly visible on the left side. The right side shows the flatter Central Valley with less visual drama. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera front range, Cerro El Plomo, Santiago metropolitan skyline, Maipo Valley foothills.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Santiago?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 6 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,988 miles (4,809 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Santiago flight path pass over?
Andes Cordillera stretching through Ecuador and Peru, the Atacama Desert's dry salt flats and volcanic peaks in northern Chile, and intermittent views of the Pacific coastline near Arica and Iquique