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CUE → UIO
Which side of the plane to sit from Mariscal Lamar Airport (Cuenca) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the Ecuadorian 'Avenue of the Volcanoes,' the right side provides the most iconic views of the perfectly symmetrical Cotopaxi and the highly active Sangay and Tungurahua volcanoes.
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Sangay Volcano
One of the most active volcanoes in the world; passengers can often see plumes of ash or steam rising from its peak.
El Altar
An extinct volcano with a collapsed caldera featuring jagged, cathedral-like spires that are arguably the most beautiful in the Andes.
Tungurahua
The 'Throat of Fire,' an imposing active volcano located near the adventure hub of Baños.
Cotopaxi
The crown jewel of the flight; a perfectly symmetrical, snow-capped cone that is one of the world's highest active volcanoes.
Antisana
A massive, glacier-covered volcano that dominates the landscape just before the descent into the Tababela plateau.
The right side is the 'volcano side' for this route. For the clearest views of Cotopaxi's crater, book a morning flight. During the dry season (June to September), the air is exceptionally clear, providing sharp visibility of the eastern cordillera. Look out for ash plumes from Sangay, which are common year-round.
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El Cajas National Park
Visible shortly after takeoff from Cuenca, featuring high-altitude tundra and a complex of over 200 glacial lakes.
Mount Chimborazo
The highest point in Ecuador and the point on Earth closest to the sun, recognizable by its massive ice-capped summit.
Ilinizas Twin Peaks
Two distinct volcanic peaks (North and South) that often stand out above the cloud line during the mid-flight cruise.
Pichincha Volcano
The active stratovolcano complex that looms directly over the city of Quito as the plane begins its final approach.
Quito City Skyline
On specific flight paths, the left side offers a panoramic view of the elongated city nestled in the Andean valley.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to get an unobstructed view of Chimborazo. Early morning flights (before 08:00 AM) are essential, as the massive peaks on the west often become shrouded in thick clouds by midday. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes after takeoff for the best mountain profiles.
Get eSIMs for Ecuador
Get eSIMs for EcuadorDistance: 315 km (196 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 32 min
Departure: CUE (-2.88947, -78.984398)
Arrival: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Route Type: Domestic
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