Loading map...
BGA → MDE
Which side of the plane to sit from Palonegro Airport (Bucaramanga) to Jose Maria Córdova International Airport (Rio Negro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic perspective of the Cordillera Oriental's rugged edges and the deep ascent into the highlands of Antioquia.
Search flights from BGA to MDE
Mesa de los Santos
Glimpse the massive limestone plateau south of Bucaramanga shortly after takeoff.
Magdalena Depression
Watch the dramatic drop-off from the Eastern Andes into the tropical valley below.
Cordillera Central
The rising peaks of the central range come into focus as you cross the Magdalena River.
Rionegro Plateau
The final descent offers views of the lush, temperate landscapes surrounding the destination airport.
Book a morning flight between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to avoid typical afternoon cloud buildup over the Andes. The sun will be behind you on the left side, providing perfect lighting for photos of the mountain ridges without glare. A seat forward of the wing is ideal to capture the rapid transition from the Santander plateau to the deep river valley.
Get eSIMs for Colombia
Get eSIMs for Colombia
Bucaramanga Skyline
Excellent views of the metropolitan area and its unique plateau geography during departure.
Magdalena River
See the massive, winding brown ribbon of Colombia's primary waterway cutting through the valley.
Serranía de los Yariguíes
Observe the dense, protected cloud forests lining the western slopes of Santander.
Guatapé Reservoirs
On specific flight paths, the vast blue network of the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir may be visible to the north.
Sit on the right for the best view of Bucaramanga's urban layout and the 'City of Parks' right after takeoff. Keep an eye out for the Magdalena River mid-flight; its scale is best appreciated from this side. Note that during the rainy seasons of April-May and October-November, visibility can be significantly reduced by afternoon cumulus clouds building over the river valley.
Book Hotels in Rio NegroDistance: 269 km (167 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 27 min
Departure: BGA (7.1265, -73.1848)
Arrival: MDE (6.164540000000001, -75.4231)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.