Salta to Mendoza is 586 miles (943 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While takeoff offers good views of the Andean foothills, the landing approach provides the more dramatic and sustained scenery—the high Andes cordillera, snow-capped peaks, and the Aconcagua region dominate the left side during descent. The flight path itself runs roughly south-southeast, so left-side seats capture the western Andes throughout most of the journey.
Flight Path
The flight passes over the Precordillera and into the high Andes proper. Notable features include the Río Grande valley system, the transition zone between lower foothills and the main cordillera, and views of multiple peaks in the 4,000–5,500 meter range. The terrain becomes progressively higher and more rugged moving south. On clear days, snow-capped peaks of the central Andes become visible in the distance, particularly toward the Aconcagua region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLA
RIGHTDeparting Salta heading southeast toward Mendoza, right-side seats face the Andes foothills and the Lerma Valley. You'll see the terrain rise immediately as the aircraft climbs, with the eastern slopes of the pre-Andean ranges visible across the right wing.
Landing at MDZ
LEFTApproaching Mendoza from the north, left-side seats face the high Andes spine and the Aconcagua massif region. During descent, you'll see the dramatic transition from the Cuyo Precordillera into the main cordillera, with the highest peaks becoming visible as you approach the landing corridor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salta (SLA) to El Plumerillo (MDZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salta to Mendoza. While takeoff offers good views of the Andean foothills, the landing approach provides the more dramatic and sustained scenery—the high Andes cordillera, snow-capped peaks, and the Aconcagua region dominate the left side during descent. The flight path itself runs roughly south-southeast, so left-side seats capture the western Andes throughout most of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Salta in Salta?
During takeoff from Salta (SLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Salta heading southeast toward Mendoza, right-side seats face the Andes foothills and the Lerma Valley. You'll see the terrain rise immediately as the aircraft climbs, with the eastern slopes of the pre-Andean ranges visible across the right wing. Notable sights include: Lerma Valley floor, Eastern Andean foothills, Río Juramento valley, Pre-Andean ridgelines.
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. Approaching Mendoza from the north, left-side seats face the high Andes spine and the Aconcagua massif region. During descent, you'll see the dramatic transition from the Cuyo Precordillera into the main cordillera, with the highest peaks becoming visible as you approach the landing corridor. Notable sights include: Aconcagua massif region, High Andes peaks, Tunuyán River valley, Precordilleran ridges.
How long is the flight from Salta to Mendoza?
The flight from Salta (SLA) to El Plumerillo (MDZ) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 586 miles (943 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salta to Mendoza flight path pass over?
The flight passes over the Precordillera and into the high Andes proper. Notable features include the Río Grande valley system, the transition zone between lower foothills and the main cordillera, and views of multiple peaks in the 4,000–5,500 meter range. The terrain becomes progressively higher and more rugged moving south. On clear days, snow-capped peaks of the central Andes become visible in the distance, particularly toward the Aconcagua region.