The left side wins overall because the cruise segment tracks along the eastern edge of the Andes, keeping the dramatic peaks, glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in view for most of the flight, in addition to the strong mountain views at takeoff from Ushuaia.
Flown USH to FTE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ushuaia to El Calafate is 352 miles (567 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Andes foothills and Southern Patagonian Ice Field to the west, Patagonian steppe to the east, glimpses of Torres del Paine massif near the Chilean border, and Lago Argentino coming into view near El Calafate
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from USH
LEFTDeparting USH on runway 07, the initial climb and turn put the Martial Mountains and the glacier-carved peaks right above Ushuaia on the left side, a dramatic close-up of jagged granite peaks rising straight from the Beagle Channel shoreline.
Landing at FTE
RIGHTOn the approach into FTE using runway 25, the aircraft banks so the Andes front range and the turquoise expanse of Lago Argentino appear on the right, offering a last dramatic mountain-and-glacial-lake view before touchdown on the flat steppe.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas (USH) to El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ushuaia to El Calafate. The left side wins overall because the cruise segment tracks along the eastern edge of the Andes, keeping the dramatic peaks, glaciers, and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in view for most of the flight, in addition to the strong mountain views at takeoff from Ushuaia.
What can I see during takeoff from Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas in Ushuaia?
During takeoff from Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas (USH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing USH on runway 07, the initial climb and turn put the Martial Mountains and the glacier-carved peaks right above Ushuaia on the left side, a dramatic close-up of jagged granite peaks rising straight from the Beagle Channel shoreline. Notable sights include: Martial Range, Martial Glacier, Cerro Cinco Hermanos, Beagle Channel shoreline.
What can I see when landing at El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport in El Calafate?
When landing at El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into FTE using runway 25, the aircraft banks so the Andes front range and the turquoise expanse of Lago Argentino appear on the right, offering a last dramatic mountain-and-glacial-lake view before touchdown on the flat steppe. Notable sights include: Lago Argentino, Andes foothills toward Torres del Paine, Southern Patagonian Ice Field edge, El Calafate town.
How long is the flight from Ushuaia to El Calafate?
The flight from Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas (USH) to El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 352 miles (567 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ushuaia to El Calafate flight path pass over?
Andes foothills and Southern Patagonian Ice Field to the west, Patagonian steppe to the east, glimpses of Torres del Paine massif near the Chilean border, and Lago Argentino coming into view near El Calafate