About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to El Plumerillo (MDZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Mendoza. Takeoff offers superior Andes views on the right, and while landing favors the left, the northbound climb-out provides more sustained and dramatic cordillera exposure. The route crosses directly toward the high mountains, making eastbound seats the better choice 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 Right side for the best views. SCL typically departs northbound (runways 07L/07R or 25L/25R depending on wind). Right-side seats face the Andes as you climb, with the main cordillera rising dramatically to the east. Left seats see the flat central valley and sprawl of Santiago receding westward. Notable sights include: Andes cordillera (eastern escarpment), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, pre-Andean foothills.
What can I see when landing at El Plumerillo in Mendoza?
When landing at El Plumerillo (MDZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to MDZ typically comes from the northwest, descending over the Mendoza plain. Left-side seats face the Andes as you descend toward the airport, with the high cordillera and Aconcagua massif visible to the south and east. Right seats see only the flat, arid plain. Notable sights include: Andes high cordillera, Aconcagua massif (6,961m), Mendoza city and irrigated oasis, pre-Andean foothills.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Mendoza?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to El Plumerillo (MDZ) takes Approximately 1 hour.
What does the Santiago to Mendoza flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central Chilean valley and approaches the main Andes cordillera. Notable features include the Aconcagua massif (6,961m, visible from altitude as the highest peak in the Americas), the Tunuyán River valley cutting through the pre-Andean foothills, and the transition from Chile's irrigated agricultural zone into Argentina's arid Cuyo region. The high cordillera dominates the eastern horizon for most of the flight.