Santarém to Belem is 442 miles (712 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The right side wins for the whole flight: it captures the dramatic Tapajós-Amazon river confluence near Santarém on departure and Belém's bay, port, and island scenery on arrival, while the left side spends most of the short flight facing uniform rainforest canopy.
Flight Path
The direct route crosses the broad Amazon River floodplain between Santarém and Belém, passing near the riverside towns of Monte Alegre, Almeirim, and Gurupá, over dense várzea forest, sandbars, and scattered river islands before the terrain opens into the Amazon delta near Belém.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STM
RIGHTDeparting STM to the east, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward Santarém's waterfront and the famous 'Encontro das Águas,' where the dark blue Tapajós River merges with the muddy brown Amazon. This striking color contrast is one of the most photographed sights in the region and is visible for the first minute or two of climb-out.
Landing at BEL
RIGHTOn approach into BEL, the right side offers views over Guajará Bay and Belém's compact downtown skyline, with numerous forested river islands scattered across the water and Marajó Island visible as a low green landmass across the bay. The left side mostly shows flat, undifferentiated rainforest on the approach path.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santarém - Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM) to Val De Caes (BEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santarém to Belem. The right side wins for the whole flight: it captures the dramatic Tapajós-Amazon river confluence near Santarém on departure and Belém's bay, port, and island scenery on arrival, while the left side spends most of the short flight facing uniform rainforest canopy.
What can I see during takeoff from Santarém - Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport in Santarém?
During takeoff from Santarém - Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing STM to the east, the right side of the aircraft faces south toward Santarém's waterfront and the famous 'Encontro das Águas,' where the dark blue Tapajós River merges with the muddy brown Amazon. This striking color contrast is one of the most photographed sights in the region and is visible for the first minute or two of climb-out. Notable sights include: Encontro das Águas (Tapajós-Amazon confluence), Santarém riverfront, Ilha do Tapará, Tapajós River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Val De Caes in Belem?
When landing at Val De Caes (BEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into BEL, the right side offers views over Guajará Bay and Belém's compact downtown skyline, with numerous forested river islands scattered across the water and Marajó Island visible as a low green landmass across the bay. The left side mostly shows flat, undifferentiated rainforest on the approach path. Notable sights include: Guajará Bay, Belém downtown waterfront, river islands of the Pará estuary, Ilha de Marajó (distant).
How long is the flight from Santarém to Belem?
The flight from Santarém - Maestro Wilson Fonseca International Airport (STM) to Val De Caes (BEL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 442 miles (712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santarém to Belem flight path pass over?
The direct route crosses the broad Amazon River floodplain between Santarém and Belém, passing near the riverside towns of Monte Alegre, Almeirim, and Gurupá, over dense várzea forest, sandbars, and scattered river islands before the terrain opens into the Amazon delta near Belém.