Takeoff offers superior views of the dramatic Andes departure, which is more visually striking than the landing approach over the lake. However, if you prioritize the landing, left is better. Right seats capture the most iconic moment of this route.
Flown SCL to BRC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to San Carlos De Bariloch is 536 miles (863 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the spine of the Andes, passing over or near the Laguna del Diamante region and multiple snow-capped peaks in the 13,000-15,000 foot range. The landscape transitions from the drier, higher central cordillera to the wetter, forested western slopes as you approach Bariloche. The Río Limay valley becomes visible in the final descent phase, running north-south through the Patagonian foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTSCL typically departs to the west or northwest. Right-side seats face the Andes Mountains immediately, with the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chilean cordillera rising dramatically. Left seats see the flat Central Valley and urban sprawl of Santiago receding.
Landing at BRC
LEFTApproach to BRC typically comes from the northeast, descending over Lago Nahuel Huapi. Left-side seats face the lake directly, with the Andes foothills and the town nestled on the shoreline. Right seats see only the forested terrain inland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to San Carlos De Bariloche (BRC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to San Carlos De Bariloch. Takeoff offers superior views of the dramatic Andes departure, which is more visually striking than the landing approach over the lake. However, if you prioritize the landing, left is better. Right seats capture the most iconic moment of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Right side for the best views. SCL typically departs to the west or northwest. Right-side seats face the Andes Mountains immediately, with the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chilean cordillera rising dramatically. Left seats see the flat Central Valley and urban sprawl of Santiago receding. Notable sights include: Andes Mountain chain (snow-capped peaks), Central Valley floor, Santiago urban grid, Mapocho River valley.
What can I see when landing at San Carlos De Bariloche in San Carlos De Bariloch?
When landing at San Carlos De Bariloche (BRC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to BRC typically comes from the northeast, descending over Lago Nahuel Huapi. Left-side seats face the lake directly, with the Andes foothills and the town nestled on the shoreline. Right seats see only the forested terrain inland. Notable sights include: Lago Nahuel Huapi (large glacial lake), Andes foothills, San Carlos de Bariloche town, Circuito Chico peninsula.
How long is the flight from Santiago to San Carlos De Bariloch?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to San Carlos De Bariloche (BRC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 536 miles (863 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to San Carlos De Bariloch flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the spine of the Andes, passing over or near the Laguna del Diamante region and multiple snow-capped peaks in the 13,000-15,000 foot range. The landscape transitions from the drier, higher central cordillera to the wetter, forested western slopes as you approach Bariloche. The Río Limay valley becomes visible in the final descent phase, running north-south through the Patagonian foothills.