Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers dramatic Andean escarpment views, and the northbound route along the inter-Andean valley keeps the Western Cordillera and volcanic peaks visible on the right throughout much of the cruise phase before descent.
Flown UIO to MDE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Quito to Rio Negro is 479 miles (771 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight tracks north through the inter-Andean valley between the Western and Eastern Cordilleras. Visible landmarks during cruise include the Cauca River valley system, multiple volcanic peaks of the Nudo de Pasto region (Puracé, Sotará), and the transition from Ecuador's high plateau into Colombia's more rugged mountainous terrain. The landscape remains predominantly Andean throughout, with deep valleys and high ridgelines. Cloud cover typically increases as the aircraft moves north into Colombia's wetter climate zone.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from UIO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over Quito's elevated terrain and the Western Cordillera. You'll see the city nestled in the inter-Andean valley, then the dramatic western escarpment as the aircraft gains altitude northbound.
Landing at MDE
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Medellín. You'll see the Aburrá Valley's dramatic topography, the Cauca River winding through the valley floor, and the city's urban layout spread across the valley before final approach into José María Córdoba.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Jose Maria Cordova (MDE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Quito to Rio Negro. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers dramatic Andean escarpment views, and the northbound route along the inter-Andean valley keeps the Western Cordillera and volcanic peaks visible on the right throughout much of the cruise phase before descent.
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. Right-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over Quito's elevated terrain and the Western Cordillera. You'll see the city nestled in the inter-Andean valley, then the dramatic western escarpment as the aircraft gains altitude northbound. Notable sights include: Quito city center and surrounding inter-Andean basin, Western Cordillera (Cordillera Occidental) ridge line to the west, Pichincha volcanic complex to the northwest, descent into the Cauca River valley ahead.
What can I see when landing at Jose Maria Cordova in Rio Negro?
When landing at Jose Maria Cordova (MDE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Medellín. You'll see the Aburrá Valley's dramatic topography, the Cauca River winding through the valley floor, and the city's urban layout spread across the valley before final approach into José María Córdoba. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley and surrounding Andes peaks, Cauca River meandering through the valley, Medellín city sprawl across the valley floor, Central Cordillera ridgelines framing the valley.
How long is the flight from Quito to Rio Negro?
The flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 479 miles (771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Quito to Rio Negro flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north through the inter-Andean valley between the Western and Eastern Cordilleras. Visible landmarks during cruise include the Cauca River valley system, multiple volcanic peaks of the Nudo de Pasto region (Puracé, Sotará), and the transition from Ecuador's high plateau into Colombia's more rugged mountainous terrain. The landscape remains predominantly Andean throughout, with deep valleys and high ridgelines. Cloud cover typically increases as the aircraft moves north into Colombia's wetter climate zone.