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CJC → CPO
Which side of the plane to sit from El Loa Airport (Calama) to Desierto de Atacama Airport (Copiapo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a spectacular front-row seat to the high Andes mountains, featuring some of the world's tallest volcanoes and vast, shimmering salt flats.
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Licancabur Volcano
A near-perfect conical stratovolcano that dominates the horizon shortly after departure from Calama.
Salar de Atacama
The largest salt flat in Chile, appearing as a massive white crust dotted with turquoise lagoons.
Andean Cordillera
A continuous chain of 6,000-meter peaks stretching along the eastern horizon for the duration of the flight.
Salar de Punta Negra
A remote and high-altitude salt flat that provides striking visual contrast against the dark volcanic soil.
Nevado Ojos del Salado
The highest active volcano in the world, visible as you approach the Atacama region near Copiapo.
For the most vibrant colors, select a morning flight when the sun is behind the aircraft, illuminating the red and ochre tones of the mountains. Look for the small green patches of Andean oases nestled in the valleys. In winter months, the snow line descends, creating a dramatic white-to-orange gradient across the landscape.
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Chuquicamata Mine
One of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world, visible as a massive tiered crater near Calama.
Domeyko Range
The lower coastal mountain range featuring unique geological folds and mineral-rich colorful earth.
Pacific Coastline
Depending on the flight path, glimpses of the rugged cliffs where the desert meets the sea may be visible.
Camanchaca Fog
A thick layer of coastal clouds often seen trapped against the mountain ridges near the shore.
The right side is ideal for afternoon or sunset flights to witness the desert floor turning deep shades of purple and gold. Keep your eyes peeled immediately after takeoff to spot the scale of the mining operations around Calama. This side offers better views of the unique coastal geography if the flight path tracks closer to the ocean.
Book Hotels in CopiapoDistance: 562 km (349 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 56 min
Departure: CJC (-22.498199462890625, -68.90360260009766)
Arrival: CPO (-27.2611999512, -70.7791976929)
Route Type: Domestic
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