While the takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into Santiago provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Andes Mountains dominate the final descent, offering views unavailable on the northeastbound departure.
Flown REC to SCL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Recife to Santiago is 2,875 miles (4,627 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses inland over northeastern Brazil, passing over the interior plateau and semi-arid sertão region. As the aircraft continues southwestward at cruise altitude, it crosses the border into Bolivia and then into northern Argentina. The Altiplano (high plateau) becomes visible in the final approach to Chile. Notable features along the route include the Brazilian interior plateau, the transition zone between tropical and semi-arid climates, and eventually the Andes foothills and high-altitude terrain as the aircraft approaches the Chilean border.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from REC
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Recife's coastal geography as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the Atlantic coastline, the Capibaribe River delta, and the city's urban sprawl receding beneath you.
Landing at SCL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Santiago. You'll see the Andes Mountains rising dramatically to the east, the Central Valley floor, and the city nestled between the cordillera and coastal range.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guararapes (REC) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Recife to Santiago. While the takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into Santiago provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Andes Mountains dominate the final descent, offering views unavailable on the northeastbound departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Guararapes in Recife?
During takeoff from Guararapes (REC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Recife's coastal geography as the aircraft climbs southwestward. You'll see the Atlantic coastline, the Capibaribe River delta, and the city's urban sprawl receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, Capibaribe River delta, Recife metropolitan area, Pernambuco coastal plains.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Santiago. You'll see the Andes Mountains rising dramatically to the east, the Central Valley floor, and the city nestled between the cordillera and coastal range. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Cordillera Principal), Santiago metropolitan area, Central Valley agricultural plains, Maipo River valley.
How long is the flight from Recife to Santiago?
The flight from Guararapes (REC) to Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,875 miles (4,627 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Recife to Santiago flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses inland over northeastern Brazil, passing over the interior plateau and semi-arid sertão region. As the aircraft continues southwestward at cruise altitude, it crosses the border into Bolivia and then into northern Argentina. The Altiplano (high plateau) becomes visible in the final approach to Chile. Notable features along the route include the Brazilian interior plateau, the transition zone between tropical and semi-arid climates, and eventually the Andes foothills and high-altitude terrain as the aircraft approaches the Chilean border.