Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andean departure with Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes, which are the most visually striking features of this route. While left seats have the Río de la Plata estuary on arrival, the volcanic scenery at departure is more distinctive and memorable.
Flown UIO to EZE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Quito to Buenos Aires is 2,717 miles (4,373 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the southern Andes (Chimborazo region visible to the south around 1 hour out), then transitions over the Amazon basin and eastern lowlands of Peru and Bolivia. Around the 2.5-hour mark, the terrain flattens dramatically as the aircraft crosses into the Chocó region and Brazilian highlands. The final 2 hours cross the Paraná River basin and Argentine pampas, with the Paraná River itself visible as a wide brown ribbon approximately 45 minutes before landing at Ezeiza.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from UIO
RIGHTQuito typically departs runway 28 (westbound). Right-side seats face the Andes spine running north-south, with Pichincha volcano and the western cordillera dominating the initial climb. Left seats see the eastern slopes and less dramatic terrain.
Landing at EZE
LEFTBuenos Aires approaches typically use runway 09 (eastbound, landing from the west). Left-side seats face the Río de la Plata estuary and the city's eastern waterfront districts during descent. Right seats see the western suburbs and inland terrain with less dramatic water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Quito to Buenos Aires. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andean departure with Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes, which are the most visually striking features of this route. While left seats have the Río de la Plata estuary on arrival, the volcanic scenery at departure is more distinctive and memorable.
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 typically departs runway 28 (westbound). Right-side seats face the Andes spine running north-south, with Pichincha volcano and the western cordillera dominating the initial climb. Left seats see the eastern slopes and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano (5,897 m, immediately west of airport), Cotopaxi volcano (5,897 m, visible 50 km south along the Inter-Andean Valley), Quito city sprawl in the valley floor below, western Andean ridge line.
What can I see when landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Buenos Aires approaches typically use runway 09 (eastbound, landing from the west). Left-side seats face the Río de la Plata estuary and the city's eastern waterfront districts during descent. Right seats see the western suburbs and inland terrain with less dramatic water features. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (muddy brown water, 50+ km wide), Puerto Madero district and docklands (eastern waterfront), Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (smaller airport visible on the north bank), La Boca neighborhood (distinctive colorful buildings along the Riachuelo).
How long is the flight from Quito to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,717 miles (4,373 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Quito to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the southern Andes (Chimborazo region visible to the south around 1 hour out), then transitions over the Amazon basin and eastern lowlands of Peru and Bolivia. Around the 2.5-hour mark, the terrain flattens dramatically as the aircraft crosses into the Chocó region and Brazilian highlands. The final 2 hours cross the Paraná River basin and Argentine pampas, with the Paraná River itself visible as a wide brown ribbon approximately 45 minutes before landing at Ezeiza.