Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery: Guanabara Bay and coastal landmarks during takeoff provide the strongest opening views, and the right side maintains reasonable visibility of the inland terrain during the flight northwest toward Belo Horizonte.
Flown SDU to CNF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio De Janeiro to Belo Horizonte is 232 miles (373 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
As the aircraft climbs northwest from Rio, you'll pass over the Serra da Mantiqueira foothills and the Paraíba River valley. The terrain transitions from coastal lowlands to increasingly mountainous terrain characteristic of the Brazilian Shield. The flight path crosses through the Zona da Mata region with its mix of forested areas and agricultural land before descending into the Belo Horizonte plateau.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SDU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northwest from Santos Dumont. The bay's distinctive geography and surrounding hills are prominent during the initial climb-out.
Landing at CNF
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range and the approach into the Belo Horizonte valley from the southeast. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and visually dramatic as you descend toward CNF.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santos Dumont (SDU) to Tancredo Neves (CNF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Belo Horizonte. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery: Guanabara Bay and coastal landmarks during takeoff provide the strongest opening views, and the right side maintains reasonable visibility of the inland terrain during the flight northwest toward Belo Horizonte.
What can I see during takeoff from Santos Dumont in Rio De Janeiro?
During takeoff from Santos Dumont (SDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northwest from Santos Dumont. The bay's distinctive geography and surrounding hills are prominent during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Corcovado ridge, Atlantic Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Tancredo Neves in Belo Horizonte?
When landing at Tancredo Neves (CNF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Serra do Espinhaço mountain range and the approach into the Belo Horizonte valley from the southeast. The terrain becomes increasingly mountainous and visually dramatic as you descend toward CNF. Notable sights include: Serra do Espinhaço range, Belo Horizonte urban valley, Pampulha Lagoon, surrounding escarpment formations.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Belo Horizonte?
The flight from Santos Dumont (SDU) to Tancredo Neves (CNF) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 232 miles (373 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Belo Horizonte flight path pass over?
As the aircraft climbs northwest from Rio, you'll pass over the Serra da Mantiqueira foothills and the Paraíba River valley. The terrain transitions from coastal lowlands to increasingly mountainous terrain characteristic of the Brazilian Shield. The flight path crosses through the Zona da Mata region with its mix of forested areas and agricultural land before descending into the Belo Horizonte plateau.