About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Maquehue (ZCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Temuco. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the full Andes escarpment during takeoff and the transition of the cordillera into lower, forested foothills during approach. The flight path runs roughly parallel to the Andes spine, so right seats maintain consistent views of the mountain range throughout.
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 to the north or northeast. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Andes cordillera rising sharply east of Santiago, with the snow-capped peaks of the Central Chilean massif dominating the horizon. Left seats face toward the Pacific coastal plains and are less dramatic during climb-out. Notable sights include: Andes cordillera (eastern escarpment), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, Cerro San Cristóbal.
What can I see when landing at Maquehue in Temuco?
When landing at Maquehue (ZCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to Temuco (Maquehue) typically comes from the north or northwest on descent. Left-side seats provide views of the Andes as they transition southward into lower, more forested terrain, plus the Cautín River valley and the city of Temuco itself nestled in the landscape. Right seats face inland toward Argentina. Notable sights include: Andes foothills (lower, forested), Cautín River valley, Temuco city center, Lake Villarrica (distant, if visible on clear days).
How long is the flight from Santiago to Temuco?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Maquehue (ZCO) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Santiago to Temuco flight path pass over?
The flight passes over the Araucanía region, crossing the transition zone where the Central Andes give way to the lower, wetter foothills of southern Chile. The Biobío River valley and surrounding temperate rainforest become visible in the midpoint of the flight. Multiple small lakes and reservoirs dot the landscape. The terrain progressively becomes greener and more forested as you move south from the drier central zone toward the wetter south.