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CNF → RAO
Which side of the plane to sit from Tancredo Neves International Airport (Belo Horizonte) to Leite Lopes Airport (Ribeirao Preto)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the iconic Serra da Canastra plateau and the vast turquoise expanses of the Furnas Reservoir during the mid-flight cruise.
Serra da Canastra
The massive, flat-topped plateau of the National Park, home to the source of the São Francisco River.
Represa de Furnas
Known as the 'Sea of Minas,' this massive reservoir features stunning blue-green water and intricate shorelines.
Rio Grande Crossing
The flight path crosses the wide Rio Grande, which defines the border between Minas Gerais and São Paulo states.
Red Soil Landscapes
The characteristic 'Terra Roxa' (red soil) of the Ribeirão Preto region becomes highly visible during the descent.
The right side is essential for seeing the Serra da Canastra. Choose an afternoon flight for the best photographic lighting on the plateau's cliffs. On the descent into RAO, watch for the shift to intensive sugarcane cultivation that dominates the Ribeirão Preto landscape.
Belo Horizonte Urban Sprawl
A clear view of the industrial and residential outskirts of the capital, including Contagem and Betim.
Serra do Curral
The jagged mountain ridge that serves as the iconic backdrop and protective wall of the state capital.
Agribusiness Patchwork
Geometric patterns of coffee and soybean plantations characteristic of the southern Minas Gerais region.
Franca Cityscape
As you approach the border of São Paulo state, the city of Franca is often visible on the southern horizon.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct sun glare and get the best lighting on the urban landscapes of the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition from rugged mountains to flatter agricultural plains.
Distance: 431 km (268 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: CNF (-19.62444305419922, -43.97194290161133)
Arrival: RAO (-21.136388778686523, -47.77666854858398)
Route Type: Domestic
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