The left side wins overall because the Andes crossing right after takeoff is the singular dramatic highlight of this otherwise flat route, offering far more terrain drama and landmark density than the largely featureless Argentine pampas and cruise-altitude plains seen on the right.
Flown SCL to GRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Sao Paulo is 1,625 miles (2,615 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
Andes foothills giving way to the flat Argentine Pampas, the Parana River basin, and rolling terrain of southern Brazil before descending into the Sao Paulo plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTDeparting SCL to the south, the aircraft banks east almost immediately to cross the Andes, putting the towering snow-capped peaks and the Maipo Valley directly on the left side of the aircraft during climb-out. This is the most dramatic terrain on the entire route.
Landing at GRU
RIGHTOn approach into GRU from the west, the aircraft descends over the Sao Paulo metropolitan sprawl, and the right side offers views of the city's dense skyline, reservoirs, and the green ridgeline of the Serra da Cantareira before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Guarulhos (GRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Sao Paulo. The left side wins overall because the Andes crossing right after takeoff is the singular dramatic highlight of this otherwise flat route, offering far more terrain drama and landmark density than the largely featureless Argentine pampas and cruise-altitude plains seen on the right.
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, the aircraft banks east almost immediately to cross the Andes, putting the towering snow-capped peaks and the Maipo Valley directly on the left side of the aircraft during climb-out. This is the most dramatic terrain on the entire route. Notable sights include: Andes Cordillera, Cerro El Plomo, Maipo Valley foothills, Santiago basin.
What can I see when landing at Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into GRU from the west, the aircraft descends over the Sao Paulo metropolitan sprawl, and the right side offers views of the city's dense skyline, reservoirs, and the green ridgeline of the Serra da Cantareira before touchdown. Notable sights include: Sao Paulo skyline, Serra da Cantareira hills, Billings/Guarapiranga reservoirs, Tiete River corridor.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Sao Paulo?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Guarulhos (GRU) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,625 miles (2,615 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
Andes foothills giving way to the flat Argentine Pampas, the Parana River basin, and rolling terrain of southern Brazil before descending into the Sao Paulo plateau