Right-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic terrain at departure (Pichincha, Western Cordillera) and provide better views during the northbound cruise phase across Ecuador's inter-Andean valley before transitioning to Colombia's mountainous terrain.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses from Ecuador's inter-Andean valley northward into southern Colombia. Notable features include the Cauca River valley (visible as a linear depression), the transition from Ecuador's volcanic peaks to Colombia's Cordillera Central, and the Patía River system. The terrain becomes progressively more complex and forested as the aircraft moves north. Around the midpoint, the Nariño Department's high plateau appears as elevated terrain before descending into the Aburrá Valley approach zone. Cloud cover typically increases over the Cordillera Central ridges, particularly in afternoon hours.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from UIO
RIGHTQuito's primary runway (09R/27L) typically departs northbound. Right-side seats face west toward the Western Cordillera, offering dramatic views of the snow-capped volcanic peaks that define Quito's immediate geography during climb-out.
Landing at EOH
LEFTOlaya Herrera's primary runway (01/19) typically receives aircraft on approach from the north. Left-side seats during descent into Medellín offer views of the Aburrá Valley's urban geography and the surrounding Cordillera Central peaks that frame the city.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Olaya Herrera (EOH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Quito to Medellin. Right-side seats capture the dramatic volcanic terrain at departure (Pichincha, Western Cordillera) and provide better views during the northbound cruise phase across Ecuador's inter-Andean valley before transitioning to Colombia's mountainous terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
During takeoff from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Quito's primary runway (09R/27L) typically departs northbound. Right-side seats face west toward the Western Cordillera, offering dramatic views of the snow-capped volcanic peaks that define Quito's immediate geography during climb-out. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano (active, often with steam visible), Western Cordillera ridge line, Quito city grid sprawling across the inter-Andean valley floor, Cotopaxi volcano appearing on the northern horizon during climb.
What can I see when landing at Olaya Herrera in Medellin?
When landing at Olaya Herrera (EOH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Olaya Herrera's primary runway (01/19) typically receives aircraft on approach from the north. Left-side seats during descent into Medellín offer views of the Aburrá Valley's urban geography and the surrounding Cordillera Central peaks that frame the city. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley urban corridor (Medellín's main city district), Cordillera Central ridge to the east, Río Medellín winding through the valley floor, surrounding forested hillsides rising steeply from the valley.
How long is the flight from Quito to Medellin?
The flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Olaya Herrera (EOH) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Quito to Medellin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses from Ecuador's inter-Andean valley northward into southern Colombia. Notable features include the Cauca River valley (visible as a linear depression), the transition from Ecuador's volcanic peaks to Colombia's Cordillera Central, and the Patía River system. The terrain becomes progressively more complex and forested as the aircraft moves north. Around the midpoint, the Nariño Department's high plateau appears as elevated terrain before descending into the Aburrá Valley approach zone. Cloud cover typically increases over the Cordillera Central ridges, particularly in afternoon hours.