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BBA → SCL
Which side of the plane to sit from Balmaceda Airport (Balmaceda) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft provides an incredible, continuous panorama of the Andes Mountains, featuring massive glaciers, active volcanoes, and the turquoise waters of the Chilean Lake District.
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Northern Ice Field
Early in the flight, look for the massive expanses of the Campo de Hielo Norte and its hanging glaciers.
Volcano Alley
A spectacular sequence of snow-capped peaks including Osorno, Villarrica, Llaima, and Lonquimay.
The Lake District
Clear views of massive glacial lakes like Llanquihue, Panguipulli, and Ranco nestled against the mountains.
Active Craters
On clear days, you can often see plumes of volcanic smoke rising from the Villarrica or Copahue volcanoes.
High Central Andes
As you approach Santiago, the mountains grow significantly taller, featuring peaks like the massive Tupungato.
This is widely considered one of the most scenic flight paths in the world. For the best experience, book a window seat well clear of the wing. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the western faces of the Andes. In winter, the entire range is covered in deep snow, making the volcanic craters stand out in sharp relief. Have your camera ready from the moment of takeoff until the final descent.
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Aysén Archipelago
A stunning view of the intricate network of islands, fjords, and channels that define the rugged Patagonian coast.
Chiloé Island
The large, mystical island of Chiloé is visible to the west as you cross the Gulf of Corcovado.
Coastal Range
The 'Cordillera de la Costa' appears as a series of lower, greener mountains separating the central valley from the Pacific.
Valparaíso Region
On the final descent into Santiago, you can often see the coastline near the major port city of Valparaíso.
Choose the left side if you are flying in the late afternoon to avoid the direct glare of the sun reflecting off the Andes. It offers a great perspective on the transition from the wet, forested islands of the south to the Mediterranean landscapes of central Chile. Keep an eye out for the marine layer clouds often hugging the Pacific shoreline.
Get eSIMs for Chile
Get eSIMs for ChileDistance: 1,395 km (867 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: BBA (-45.91609954833984, -71.68949890136719)
Arrival: SCL (-33.393001556396484, -70.78579711914062)
Route Type: Domestic
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