Quito to Manta flight pathUIOMEC

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Flight time50m
Distance170
Heading251° → 251°

Quito to Manta is 170 miles (274 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.

Best side
RightMostly right

While takeoff favors left seats for Andean views, the landing approach over the Pacific and coastal approach to Manta is the more visually distinctive segment. Right seats dominate the descent and final approach, which represents the majority of the scenic portion of this short flight.

Takeoff · UIOLEFTWestern Cordillera (Andes range, snow-capped peaks visible 15-20 miles west), Quito urban sprawl in the inter-Andean valley below
Landing · MECRIGHTPacific Ocean, Manta city waterfront and harbor, Coastal plains and mangrove areas inland

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight descends from the inter-Andean valley (9,000+ feet elevation at Quito) westward through the Western Cordillera passes, crossing from highland terrain into the Pacific coastal plain. The transition from high-altitude Andean peaks to lowland tropical/subtropical coastal zones occurs over roughly 100 miles. Cloud formations often build over the western slopes during afternoon hours. The Río Esmeraldas basin and associated river valleys become visible during descent toward the coast. Manta sits on the Santa Elena Peninsula, a distinctive coastal projection visible from altitude.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Quito (left side) — Western Cordillera (Andes range, snow-capped peaks visible 15-20 miles west), Quito urban sprawl in the inter-Andean valley below, Pichincha volcano complex to the southwest

Takeoff from UIO

LEFT

UIO typically departs runway 09L/27R (east-west orientation). A left seat on westbound departure (runway 27) gives direct views of the Western Cordillera and descent toward the Pacific basin. Eastbound departures (runway 09) favor right seats, but westbound is more common for this route to Manta.

Western Cordillera (Andes rangesnow-capped peaks visible 15-20 miles west)Quito urban sprawl in the inter-Andean valley belowPichincha volcano complex to the southwest

Landing at MEC

RIGHT

MEC uses runway 09/27 (east-west). Approach typically comes from the east over the Pacific, descending toward runway 09 (landing westbound). Right-seat passengers see the Pacific coastline, Manta's beachfront, and the approach path over water and coastal terrain.

Pacific OceanManta city waterfront and harborCoastal plains and mangrove areas inlandSanta Elena Peninsula visible to the south on clear days

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Eloy Alfaro International (MEC)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Quito to Manta. While takeoff favors left seats for Andean views, the landing approach over the Pacific and coastal approach to Manta is the more visually distinctive segment. Right seats dominate the descent and final approach, which represents the majority of the scenic portion of this short flight.

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. UIO typically departs runway 09L/27R (east-west orientation). A left seat on westbound departure (runway 27) gives direct views of the Western Cordillera and descent toward the Pacific basin. Eastbound departures (runway 09) favor right seats, but westbound is more common for this route to Manta. Notable sights include: Western Cordillera (Andes range, snow-capped peaks visible 15-20 miles west), Quito urban sprawl in the inter-Andean valley below, Pichincha volcano complex to the southwest.

What can I see when landing at Eloy Alfaro International in Manta?

When landing at Eloy Alfaro International (MEC), sit on the Right side for the best views. MEC uses runway 09/27 (east-west). Approach typically comes from the east over the Pacific, descending toward runway 09 (landing westbound). Right-seat passengers see the Pacific coastline, Manta's beachfront, and the approach path over water and coastal terrain. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean (immediate approach over water), Manta city waterfront and harbor, Coastal plains and mangrove areas inland, Santa Elena Peninsula visible to the south on clear days.

How long is the flight from Quito to Manta?

The flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Eloy Alfaro International (MEC) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 170 miles (274 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Quito to Manta flight path pass over?

The flight descends from the inter-Andean valley (9,000+ feet elevation at Quito) westward through the Western Cordillera passes, crossing from highland terrain into the Pacific coastal plain. The transition from high-altitude Andean peaks to lowland tropical/subtropical coastal zones occurs over roughly 100 miles. Cloud formations often build over the western slopes during afternoon hours. The Río Esmeraldas basin and associated river valleys become visible during descent toward the coast. Manta sits on the Santa Elena Peninsula, a distinctive coastal projection visible from altitude.