While the Andes departure is dramatic, it lasts only a short portion of the climb before giving way to hours of flat Argentine and Brazilian plateau on both sides. The right-side approach into Rio delivers a longer, more famous sequence of scenery — Sugarloaf, Corcovado, the bay, and the beaches — making it the stronger side overall.
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Flight Path
Santiago to Rio De Janeiro is 1,823 miles (2,934 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
After the Andes crossing near Santiago, the route passes over the flat Argentine Pampas and the Paraná River basin, then continues across the Brazilian Highlands (Planalto) before descending toward the Serra do Mar coastal range and Guanabara Bay near Rio.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTDeparting SCL to the south before turning east toward Argentina, the left side faces the high Andes rising immediately behind Santiago's valley. Snow-capped volcanic peaks dominate the skyline for the first 10-15 minutes of the climb before the range falls away to the east.
Landing at GIG
RIGHTOn final approach into GIG heading roughly east, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward central Rio, where Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the beaches sit just beyond the edge of Guanabara Bay. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in South America.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Rio De Janeiro. While the Andes departure is dramatic, it lasts only a short portion of the climb before giving way to hours of flat Argentine and Brazilian plateau on both sides. The right-side approach into Rio delivers a longer, more famous sequence of scenery — Sugarloaf, Corcovado, the bay, and the beaches — making it the stronger side overall.
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. Departing SCL to the south before turning east toward Argentina, the left side faces the high Andes rising immediately behind Santiago's valley. Snow-capped volcanic peaks dominate the skyline for the first 10-15 minutes of the climb before the range falls away to the east. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera front range, Maipo and Tupungato volcanoes, Santiago's valley floor, Aconcagua massif visible in the distance to the north.
What can I see when landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On final approach into GIG heading roughly east, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward central Rio, where Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the beaches sit just beyond the edge of Guanabara Bay. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in South America. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Copacabana and Botafogo coastline, Guanabara Bay islands.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,823 miles (2,934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
After the Andes crossing near Santiago, the route passes over the flat Argentine Pampas and the Paraná River basin, then continues across the Brazilian Highlands (Planalto) before descending toward the Serra do Mar coastal range and Guanabara Bay near Rio.