Takeoff views of the Andes are more dramatic and sustained than landing views. The westbound climb provides 15-20 minutes of unobstructed mountain scenery before the flight turns northeast toward Paraguay. Landing views of the Paraná are notable but briefer and less visually striking.
Flown SCL to ASU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Asuncion is 976 miles (1,571 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Andes foothills, then descends into the Chaco lowlands. Notable features include the Salado River valley (visible around 1 hour into flight), the transition from arid Chaco scrubland to subtropical wetlands near the Paraná, and the Paraguay River system approaching Asunción. The terrain shifts dramatically from high-altitude desert to tropical lowland within 90 minutes of flight time.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTSCL typically departs northbound (runways 07L/07R or 25L/25R depending on wind). Left seats face west initially, giving direct views of the Andes cordillera rising dramatically from the Central Valley. Right seats see the city and eastern suburbs.
Landing at ASU
RIGHTASU approaches from the southwest on final descent (typically runway 13 or 31 depending on wind). Right seats face the Paraná River and the city's eastern waterfront as you descend. Left seats see the western approach over agricultural land and the airport's western side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Asuncion. Takeoff views of the Andes are more dramatic and sustained than landing views. The westbound climb provides 15-20 minutes of unobstructed mountain scenery before the flight turns northeast toward Paraguay. Landing views of the Paraná are notable but briefer and less visually striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL typically departs northbound (runways 07L/07R or 25L/25R depending on wind). Left seats face west initially, giving direct views of the Andes cordillera rising dramatically from the Central Valley. Right seats see the city and eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (Maipo and Cachapoal ranges), Santiago city grid, Mapocho River valley, Cerro San Cristóbal.
What can I see when landing at Silvio Pettirossi International in Asuncion?
When landing at Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU), sit on the Right side for the best views. ASU approaches from the southwest on final descent (typically runway 13 or 31 depending on wind). Right seats face the Paraná River and the city's eastern waterfront as you descend. Left seats see the western approach over agricultural land and the airport's western side. Notable sights include: Paraná River (wide, brown, meandering), Asunción city center, Chaco region wetlands, Puerto Lógistico (port facilities).
How long is the flight from Santiago to Asuncion?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 976 miles (1,571 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Asuncion flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Andes foothills, then descends into the Chaco lowlands. Notable features include the Salado River valley (visible around 1 hour into flight), the transition from arid Chaco scrubland to subtropical wetlands near the Paraná, and the Paraguay River system approaching Asunción. The terrain shifts dramatically from high-altitude desert to tropical lowland within 90 minutes of flight time.