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CPO destination photo
CJC destination photo

CPOCJC

Which side of the plane to sit from Desierto de Atacama Airport (Copiapo) to El Loa Airport (Calama)?

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the majestic Andes Mountains, featuring towering volcanoes, colorful mineral deposits, and the sprawling Salar de Atacama during the approach to Calama.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Andean Cordillera

An unbroken chain of high-altitude peaks, many reaching over 6,000 meters, stretching along the horizon.

🌋

Llullaillaco Volcano

One of the world's highest active volcanoes, known for its perfectly conical shape and high-altitude archaeological sites.

🧂

Salar de Atacama

Chile's largest salt flat, appearing as a massive white crust on the desert floor as you descend toward Calama.

🎨

Mineral Rainbows

Stunning geological formations showcasing vibrant reds, purples, and yellows caused by high mineral content in the rocks.

⛰️

Domeyko Range

The rugged pre-Andean mountains that provide a complex textured foreground to the higher peaks behind them.

Sit on the right side for the entire duration. Morning flights provide the best lighting on the Andes, highlighting the textures of the volcanoes. Watch for the massive tailing dams of the Chuquicamata mine as you make your final descent into Calama.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
🌊

Pacific Coastline

Dramatic views of the rugged cliffs and the cold Pacific waters near the departure at Caldera.

🏜️

Atacama Plains

The stark, martian-like landscape of the intermediate depression, characterized by vast expanses of sand and rock.

🏭

Copper Mines

Massive open-pit mining operations and tailings ponds visible as geometric scars on the desert floor.

🌫️

Camanchaca Fog

The unique coastal fog banks that often hug the hills of the Coastal Range in the early morning.

The left side is best during late afternoon flights when the sun is behind the plane, illuminating the desert colors without glare. It is the better side if you want to see the contrast between the desert and the ocean early in the flight.

Top Activities in Calama
Route Information

Distance: 562 km (349 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 56 min

Departure: CPO (-27.2611999512, -70.7791976929)

Arrival: CJC (-22.498199462890625, -68.90360260009766)

Route Type: Domestic

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