Santiago to Copiapo is 424 miles (682 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The right side keeps the Andes mountain chain in view for nearly the entire flight, from Santiago's foothills through the high desert peaks near Copiapo, offering dramatic and continuously changing terrain. The left side faces the flat, largely featureless coastal desert and open Pacific with little visual variety.
Flight Path
The flight path runs along the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, roughly parallel to the Andes, passing near the arid Copiapo river basin and the high-altitude volcanic peaks of the Andean cordillera to the east.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTDeparting SCL to the south before turning north, the right side reveals the Andes front range rising sharply just east of Santiago, with snow-capped peaks visible almost immediately after climb-out. The left side only shows the flatter Central Valley and hazy coastal range in the distance.
Landing at CPO
RIGHTOn approach into CPO, the flight path tracks along the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, keeping the high Andes and volcanic peaks like the Tres Cruces massif visible to the right throughout descent. The left side shows only the flat, featureless coastal desert plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Copiapo. The right side keeps the Andes mountain chain in view for nearly the entire flight, from Santiago's foothills through the high desert peaks near Copiapo, offering dramatic and continuously changing terrain. The left side faces the flat, largely featureless coastal desert and open Pacific with little visual variety.
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. Departing SCL to the south before turning north, the right side reveals the Andes front range rising sharply just east of Santiago, with snow-capped peaks visible almost immediately after climb-out. The left side only shows the flatter Central Valley and hazy coastal range in the distance. Notable sights include: Andes foothills east of Santiago, Cerro El Plomo, Maipo Valley vineyards, distant high peaks near the Argentine border.
What can I see when landing at Desierto de Atacama Airport in Copiapo?
When landing at Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into CPO, the flight path tracks along the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, keeping the high Andes and volcanic peaks like the Tres Cruces massif visible to the right throughout descent. The left side shows only the flat, featureless coastal desert plain. Notable sights include: Andes high peaks near Copiapo, Nevado Tres Cruces area, Copiapo river valley, arid desert ridgelines.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Copiapo?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Desierto de Atacama Airport (CPO) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 424 miles (682 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Copiapo flight path pass over?
The flight path runs along the eastern edge of the Atacama Desert, roughly parallel to the Andes, passing near the arid Copiapo river basin and the high-altitude volcanic peaks of the Andean cordillera to the east.