UIO

Best window seat landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

LandingRIGHT

Cayambe volcano, Antisana volcano, Guayllabamba river valley

🛬 Landing at Quito (UIO)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 36 means approaching from the south and flying north into the Tababela valley where the new Quito airport sits. On the right (east) side you get clear views of the snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana, which flank the valley to the northeast and southeast — dramatic peaks that dominate the horizon on approach. The left side mostly shows lower, less distinct ridgelines toward Pichincha and the older city, which is farther away from this airport's location.
Look forCayambe volcano (northeast), Antisana volcano (southeast), Guayllabamba river valley, eastern Andean ridge foothills
Left window seat view during landing at Quito (UIO), Cayambe volcano (northeast), Antisana volcano (southeast), Guayllabamba river valley, eastern Andean ridge foothillsLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Quito (UIO), Cayambe volcano (northeast), Antisana volcano (southeast), Guayllabamba river valley, eastern Andean ridge foothillsRight Side

Mariscal Sucre International Airport sits in the Tababela valley east of Quito, replacing the old in-city airport in 2013 due to terrain constraints. It has a single modern runway and one main terminal, and its high elevation (about 7,800 ft) and surrounding mountains require special aircraft performance considerations.

⛰️ Elevation7,842 ft
🛫 Runways1 (18/36)
✈️ HubAvianca Ecuador, LATAM Ecuador
📍 NearbyLTX 57 miTUA 78 miIPI 83 mi

Connecting at UIO?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?

When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 36 means approaching from the south and flying north into the Tababela valley where the new Quito airport sits. On the right (east) side you get clear views of the snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana, which flank the valley to the northeast and southeast — dramatic peaks that dominate the horizon on approach. The left side mostly shows lower, less distinct ridgelines toward Pichincha and the older city, which is farther away from this airport's location. Notable sights include: Cayambe volcano (northeast), Antisana volcano (southeast), Guayllabamba river valley, eastern Andean ridge foothills.

What can I see when arriving at Quito?

Arriving at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, passengers on the Right side enjoy views of Cayambe volcano (northeast), Antisana volcano (southeast), Guayllabamba river valley, eastern Andean ridge foothills. Landing on runway 36 means approaching from the south and flying north into the Tababela valley where the new Quito airport sits. On the right (east) side you get clear views of the snow-capped volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana, which flank the valley to the northeast and southeast — dramatic peaks that dominate the horizon on approach. The left side mostly shows lower, less distinct ridgelines toward Pichincha and the older city, which is farther away from this airport's location.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport?

The best window seat landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Quito (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.