Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Copiapo. The northbound departure from SCL offers superior Andean views immediately after takeoff. While the landing at CPO favors the right side, the takeoff experience is more dramatic and sustained, making left seats the better overall choice for this short route.

During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL typically departs northbound (Runway 07L/25R or 07R/25L). Left-side seats face west toward the Andes during initial climb, offering immediate views of the cordillera rising from the Central Valley. Right seats look back toward the city and eastern suburbs with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (western escarpment), Mapocho River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, pre-cordilleran foothills.

When landing at Chamonate (CPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to CPO typically comes from the south (Runway 18/36 orientation). Right-side seats during descent face west toward the Andes and the dramatic transition from the Atacama Desert to higher elevations. Left seats see the flat desert plateau with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (eastern wall), Atacama Desert plain, Copiapo River valley, pre-Andean foothills.

The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Chamonate (CPO) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Andes at roughly 10,000-12,000 feet, passing over the high desert plateau and volcanic terrain. Notable features include the transition from the Central Valley's irrigated agriculture to the arid Atacama, the Elqui River valley (visible to the east around midpoint), and the increasingly barren, rocky landscape as you approach Copiapo. The Andes here are lower and less snow-covered than near Santiago, with exposed dark volcanic rock and sparse vegetation.