For most of the roughly 3.5-hour flight, the Andes dominate the left side with an almost continuous parade of volcanoes and glaciated peaks from central Chile down through Patagonia, offering far greater landmark density and terrain drama than the right side's ocean, coastal plains, and island archipelago.
Flown SCL to PNT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Puerto Natales is 1,266 miles (2,037 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Around the flight's midpoint near Puerto Montt and Chiloé, the route passes the Chacao Channel and Gulf of Ancud, with the volcanoes Osorno and Corcovado visible along the Andean skyline as the terrain transitions into Chile's fjord-and-island Patagonia region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTDeparting SCL southbound, the Andes rise abruptly just east of Santiago, giving left-side passengers an immediate wall of snow-capped peaks and volcanoes right after liftoff. The right side only shows the lower, less dramatic Coast Range and the flat Central Valley.
Landing at PNT
RIGHTOn approach into PNT, the aircraft typically lands on runway 28, turning to align westward with the wind, which puts the granite spires of Torres del Paine and the Patagonian steppe to the north on the right side of the cabin. The left side mainly shows the flat, featureless pampa south of Puerto Natales.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Puerto Natales. For most of the roughly 3.5-hour flight, the Andes dominate the left side with an almost continuous parade of volcanoes and glaciated peaks from central Chile down through Patagonia, offering far greater landmark density and terrain drama than the right side's ocean, coastal plains, and island archipelago.
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 southbound, the Andes rise abruptly just east of Santiago, giving left-side passengers an immediate wall of snow-capped peaks and volcanoes right after liftoff. The right side only shows the lower, less dramatic Coast Range and the flat Central Valley. Notable sights include: Andes front range peaks near Santiago (Cerro El Plomo area), San José and Tupungato volcanoes, Maipo Valley vineyards below.
What can I see when landing at Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales?
When landing at Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PNT, the aircraft typically lands on runway 28, turning to align westward with the wind, which puts the granite spires of Torres del Paine and the Patagonian steppe to the north on the right side of the cabin. The left side mainly shows the flat, featureless pampa south of Puerto Natales. Notable sights include: Torres del Paine granite towers, Seno Última Esperanza fjord, Dorotea Range foothills, Puerto Natales waterfront.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Lieutenant Julio Gallardo Airport (PNT) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,266 miles (2,037 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Puerto Natales flight path pass over?
Around the flight's midpoint near Puerto Montt and Chiloé, the route passes the Chacao Channel and Gulf of Ancud, with the volcanoes Osorno and Corcovado visible along the Andean skyline as the terrain transitions into Chile's fjord-and-island Patagonia region.