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ASU → VVI
Which side of the plane to sit from Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (Asuncion) to Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer views of the vast Gran Chaco, the right side provides a superior vantage point for the Paraguay River after takeoff and the unique sand dunes of Lomas de Arena during the descent into Santa Cruz.
Paraguay River
Immediately after takeoff from ASU, enjoy views of the massive, winding Paraguay River and its complex network of wetlands.
Kaa-Iya National Park
Fly over the massive Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park, the largest protected area in Bolivia, known for its untouched biodiversity.
Lomas de Arena
A stunning sight near VVI, these massive natural sand dunes surrounded by tropical forest are best seen from the right side.
Bañados de Izozog
Vast seasonal wetlands that appear as shimmering patches of water and marshland in the middle of the dry plains.
Viru Viru Approach
Get a great view of the airport's surrounding tropical savannah and the northern industrial corridor of Santa Cruz.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The highlight is definitely the Lomas de Arena sand dunes located just south of Santa Cruz; they are most prominent during the descent. If the flight path takes a northern loop for arrival, the right side also offers a better view of the airport infrastructure.
Dry Chaco Forest
The dense, thorny scrubland of the Gran Chaco stretches to the horizon, showcasing one of South America's last great wildernesses.
Trans-Chaco Highway
Look for the thin line of the Ruta 9 cutting through the vast green landscape, connecting Asuncion to the Bolivian border.
Mennonite Colonies
Near the middle of the flight, observe the geometric patterns of agricultural fields around Filadelfia and Loma Plata.
Parapetí River
As you enter Bolivian airspace, the meandering, often sandy bed of the Parapetí River becomes visible.
Santa Cruz Expansion
The sprawling suburban growth of Santa Cruz de la Sierra is visible as the plane aligns for the final approach.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy the warm lighting over the Chaco plains. Keep an eye out for the distinct square-shaped agricultural clearings which indicate the industrial Mennonite colonies in the middle of the Paraguayan wilderness. During the winter months (June-August), expect some haze due to seasonal clearing fires.
Distance: 1,025 km (637 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: ASU (-25.239999771118164, -57.52000045776367)
Arrival: VVI (-17.6448, -63.135399)
Route Type: International
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