Takeoff scenery from Quito's high-altitude Andean setting is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The volcanic peaks and mountain terrain during climb-out provide more dramatic and varied views than Rio's coastal approach, which, while iconic, is more uniform.
Flown UIO to GIG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Quito to Rio De Janeiro is 2,831 miles (4,556 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Amazon Basin and transitions from Andean highlands to lowland rainforest. Notable features include the descent from 13,000-foot Quito altitude over the western Andes slopes, the vast green expanse of the Amazon rainforest canopy (relatively featureless from altitude), the Rio Negro and Amazon River systems (visible as dark linear features through forest), and the gradual transition toward Brazil's Atlantic coastal plateau as the aircraft approaches Rio de Janeiro from the northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from UIO
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Andes peaks surrounding Quito, including Pichincha volcano and the high-altitude plateau terrain. Right side faces away from the dramatic topography.
Landing at GIG
RIGHTRight side provides views of Rio's iconic geography: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Atlantic coastline. Left side faces inland away from the scenic coastal approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Quito to Rio De Janeiro. Takeoff scenery from Quito's high-altitude Andean setting is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The volcanic peaks and mountain terrain during climb-out provide more dramatic and varied views than Rio's coastal approach, which, while iconic, is more uniform.
What can I see during takeoff from Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
During takeoff from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Andes peaks surrounding Quito, including Pichincha volcano and the high-altitude plateau terrain. Right side faces away from the dramatic topography. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano (west of airport), Cotopaxi volcano (south, visible during climb), Andean ridge system, Quito city grid below.
What can I see when landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Rio's iconic geography: Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Atlantic coastline. Left side faces inland away from the scenic coastal approach. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay (massive inlet with islands), Sugarloaf Mountain (distinctive granite peak), Rio's coastal neighborhoods, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from Quito to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,831 miles (4,556 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Quito to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Amazon Basin and transitions from Andean highlands to lowland rainforest. Notable features include the descent from 13,000-foot Quito altitude over the western Andes slopes, the vast green expanse of the Amazon rainforest canopy (relatively featureless from altitude), the Rio Negro and Amazon River systems (visible as dark linear features through forest), and the gradual transition toward Brazil's Atlantic coastal plateau as the aircraft approaches Rio de Janeiro from the northwest.