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ARI destination photo
IQQ destination photo

ARIIQQ

Which side of the plane to sit from Chacalluta Airport (Arica) to Diego Aracena Airport (Iquique)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic topography of the Atacama Desert, specifically the deep 'quebradas' (canyons) and the stark contrast between the high pampas and the rising Andes foothills.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

Atacama Plateau

Vast, martian-like landscapes of the world's driest non-polar desert stretching toward the horizon.

🏞️

Quebrada de Camarones

A massive, deep canyon that cuts through the desert floor, showing rare greenery at its base.

🛣️

Pan-American Highway

The iconic Route 5 appearing as a tiny thread winding across the desolate pampa.

🕳️

Quebrada de Chiza

Stunning geological formations and deep shadows created by the high-altitude desert rifts.

🏔️

Pre-Altiplano Foothills

The beginning of the Andean ascent visible in the distance with distinct volcanic soil colors.

Sit on the left for the best geological views. Afternoon flights are spectacular as the low sun angle creates long shadows in the canyons, emphasizing the depth of the quebradas. Look closely for ancient geoglyphs on the hillsides near the valleys.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Pacific Coastline

The dramatic meeting point where the 1,000-meter coastal cliffs drop directly into the ocean.

☁️

Camanchaca Mist

Dense coastal fog banks that often cling to the cliffs, creating a sea of clouds below the wing.

🏙️

Iquique Peninsula

Views of the city's modern high-rises and the historical port area during the southern approach.

🏜️

Cerro Dragon

The world's largest urban sand dune, a massive golden landform bordering the city of Iquique.

⚓

Port of Iquique

Industrial maritime activity and ships anchored in the bay as the aircraft descends into IQQ.

Choose the right side to avoid the harsh sun glare on afternoon flights. This side is superior for the final approach into Diego Aracena Airport, as it provides a clear view of the unique urban geography of Iquique squeezed between the dunes and the sea.

Top Activities in Iquique
Route Information

Distance: 244 km (152 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 24 min

Departure: ARI (-18.348499, -70.338699)

Arrival: IQQ (-20.535200119018555, -70.18129730224611)

Route Type: Domestic

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