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CCS → MDE
Which side of the plane to sit from Simón Bolívar International Airport (Caracas) to Jose Maria Córdova International Airport (Rio Negro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the winner for this route as it offers a more dramatic perspective of the Venezuelan coastal mountain ranges and the spectacular transition into the heart of the Colombian Andes.
Cordillera de la Costa
The rugged mountain range that separates the valley of Caracas from the Caribbean Sea, visible immediately after takeoff.
Valencia Lake & Valley
The industrial heartland of Venezuela and the shimmering waters of the country's second-largest natural lake.
Andean Foothills
The initial ridges of the Colombian Cordillera Oriental as the flight enters Colombian airspace.
Magdalena River
A bird's-eye view of Colombia's most important river as it winds through the tropical valley floor.
Antioquian Highlands
The lush, high-altitude green landscapes and steep ridges as the plane descends into the Rionegro plateau.
Opt for a morning flight to minimize the heavy cloud cover that frequently develops over the Andes in the afternoon. Sitting on the left provides a better angle for the scenic approach into the MDE airport, which is situated on a high-altitude plateau surrounded by peaks. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Magdalena River for some of the best contrast between jungle and water.
Caribbean Shoreline
Stunning views of the turquoise coastline and white beaches of the Venezuelan central coast.
Médanos de Coro
The rare sight of massive sand dunes in the Falcón State, where the desert meets the Caribbean.
Lake Maracaibo Bridge
The 8.7km long General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge crossing the narrow neck of the massive lake.
La Guajira Peninsula
The northernmost tip of South America, characterized by its stark arid beauty and desert landscapes.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
On exceptionally clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the highest coastal mountain range in the world are visible.
The right side is ideal for photographers interested in coastal geography and the unique desert landscapes of Coro and La Guajira. To avoid the glare of the southern sun during westbound afternoon flights, the right side is more comfortable. Look closely when crossing the mouth of Lake Maracaibo to spot the massive oil infrastructure and the iconic bridge connecting the shores.
Distance: 1,050 km (652 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: CCS (10.601194, -66.991222)
Arrival: MDE (6.164540000000001, -75.4231)
Route Type: International
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