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BBAPMC

Which side of the plane to sit from Balmaceda Airport (Balmaceda) to El Tepual Airport (Puerto Montt)?

Our Recommendation
9.4

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic spine of the Andes, featuring a continuous chain of snow-capped peaks, hanging glaciers, and some of Patagonia's most iconic stratovolcanoes.

Right Side Highlights
9.4
❄️

Queulat National Park

Watch for the high-altitude peaks and deep valleys that house the famous hanging glaciers of northern Aysén.

🌋

Corcovado Volcano

A stunning, tooth-like peak that rises sharply from the surrounding landscape, often surrounded by a sea of clouds.

🔥

Chaitén Volcano

View the active lava dome and the scars of the massive 2008 eruption that reshaped the surrounding valley.

🏔️

Michinmahuida Volcano

A massive, glacier-covered mountain that dominates the skyline north of Chaitén with its extensive ice cap.

🌲

Pumalín Park

Aerial views of one of the world's largest private nature reserves, featuring untouched temperate rainforests.

The right side is superior for morning flights as the sun illuminates the Andes without creating glare. Keep your eyes peeled halfway through the flight for the 'Volcano Alley,' where several peaks appear in quick succession. Look for the turquoise waters of Lake Yelcho tucked into the mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

Moraleda Channel

A massive salt-water passage separating the mainland from the Aysén archipelago, often filled with turquoise glacial silt.

🏝️

Guaitecas Archipelago

A dense labyrinth of emerald-green islands and intricate waterways that characterize the rugged Patagonian coastline.

🐋

Gulf of Corcovado

A vast expanse of water known for blue whale sightings; on clear days, you can see the distant horizon of the Pacific.

🏔️

Melimoyu Volcano

An ice-capped stratovolcano featuring a broad, glacier-filled caldera visible near the coastline.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy the golden hour light reflecting off the Pacific fjords. This side is also better for spotting the transition from the rugged southern islands to the gentler topography of Chiloé Island as you approach Puerto Montt.

Top Activities in Puerto Montt
Route Information

Distance: 510 km (317 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 51 min

Departure: BBA (-45.91609954833984, -71.68949890136719)

Arrival: PMC (-41.43889999389648, -73.09400177001953)

Route Type: Domestic

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