About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Sucre International (UIO) to Seymour (GPS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Quito to Galapagos. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Andean departure and offer better views during the ocean crossing of the Galápagos archipelago's western islands on approach. The takeoff scenery is significantly more striking than landing views.
What can I see during takeoff from Mariscal Sucre International in Quito?
During takeoff from Mariscal Sucre International (UIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. UIO typically departs runway 28 (westbound). Right-side seats face the Andes as you climb out, with the Western Cordillera dominating the view. Left seats see the city and eastern valleys but miss the dramatic mountain relief. Notable sights include: Western Cordillera peaks (Pichincha, Cotopaxi visible on clear days), Quito city grid below, Interandean Valley floor, Nono-Mindo cloud forest region to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Seymour in Galapagos?
When landing at Seymour (GPS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seymour (Baltra) sits on the north side of the central Galápagos archipelago. Approach vectors typically come from the east or northeast. Left seats on descent see the island's volcanic terrain, the narrow Itabaca Channel to the south, and Santa Cruz Island beyond—the geographic heart of the archipelago. Notable sights include: Baltra Island's flat volcanic plateau and airstrip, Itabaca Channel (narrow strait), Santa Cruz Island with Academy Bay, North Seymour Island to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Quito to Galapagos?
The flight from Mariscal Sucre International (UIO) to Seymour (GPS) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Quito to Galapagos flight path pass over?
After climbing out over the Andes, the flight crosses the Pacific coastal plain (largely obscured by cloud cover typical for this route). The midpoint crosses open ocean with no visible landmarks. As you approach the Galápagos, Isabela Island's distinctive seahorse shape may be visible on the left (southern) side of the flight path, with its western volcanoes appearing as dark peaks. The archipelago's scattered islands become visible roughly 30 minutes before landing, with Fernandina Island's dark cone often visible to the left/southwest, and the central islands (Santa Cruz, Baltra) appearing ahead.