Santiago to Foz Do Iguacu is 1,116 miles (1,797 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
While the takeoff offers excellent Andes views on the right, the landing on the left provides the more iconic and visually distinctive landmark—Iguazu Falls is one of the world's most recognizable natural features and is genuinely spectacular from the air. The left side captures the climax of the journey.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Pampas region of Argentina and southern Brazil. Notable features include the Río de la Plata estuary (visible on departure if flying southeast initially), the flat agricultural plains of Entre Ríos and Misiones provinces, and the gradual transition from grassland to subtropical rainforest as the aircraft approaches Iguazu. The Paraná River becomes increasingly visible in the final 45 minutes of flight as a major geographical landmark marking the approach to the falls.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase

Takeoff from SCL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Andes Mountains immediately after departure. Santiago climbs eastward toward the cordillera, so right-side passengers see the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chilean Andes rising dramatically as the aircraft gains altitude.
Landing at IGU
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into Foz do Iguaçu. The approach typically descends from the west, and left-side passengers see the Paraná River and the distinctive horseshoe shape of Iguazu Falls as the aircraft makes its final approach to the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Cataratas International (IGU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Foz Do Iguacu. While the takeoff offers excellent Andes views on the right, the landing on the left provides the more iconic and visually distinctive landmark—Iguazu Falls is one of the world's most recognizable natural features and is genuinely spectacular from the air. The left side captures the climax of the journey.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Andes Mountains immediately after departure. Santiago climbs eastward toward the cordillera, so right-side passengers see the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chilean Andes rising dramatically as the aircraft gains altitude. Notable sights include: Central Chilean Andes (including peaks near San José de Maipo), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl to the west, Aconcagua massif on distant southeastern horizon.
What can I see when landing at Cataratas International in Foz Do Iguacu?
When landing at Cataratas International (IGU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into Foz do Iguaçu. The approach typically descends from the west, and left-side passengers see the Paraná River and the distinctive horseshoe shape of Iguazu Falls as the aircraft makes its final approach to the airport. Notable sights include: Iguazu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu), Paraná River, Iguazu National Park dense rainforest canopy, triple-border region where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Foz Do Iguacu?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Cataratas International (IGU) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,116 miles (1,797 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Foz Do Iguacu flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pampas region of Argentina and southern Brazil. Notable features include the Río de la Plata estuary (visible on departure if flying southeast initially), the flat agricultural plains of Entre Ríos and Misiones provinces, and the gradual transition from grassland to subtropical rainforest as the aircraft approaches Iguazu. The Paraná River becomes increasingly visible in the final 45 minutes of flight as a major geographical landmark marking the approach to the falls.