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ESM → UIO
Which side of the plane to sit from General Rivadeneira Airport (Esmeraldas) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for its spectacular views of the highest peaks in the northern Andes, particularly the snow-covered Cayambe volcano and the volcanic landscape leading into the Quito valley.
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Esmeraldas River Delta
Watch the sediment-rich waters of the Esmeraldas River flow into the Pacific Ocean immediately after takeoff.
Cayambe Volcano
Visible on the left during descent, this massive snow-capped peak is the third highest in Ecuador.
Imbabura Volcano
A prominent dormant volcano near Otavalo that stands out against the northern Andean landscape.
Guayllabamba River Basin
Deep, arid canyons that create a stark contrast with the lush coastal greenery seen earlier.
Book a window seat on the left side for morning flights (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) to maximize visibility of the snow-capped volcanoes. In the rainy season (October to May), morning flights are the only way to avoid heavy afternoon cloud cover over the peaks. Keep your eyes peeled as you cross the mountain range for the white dome of Cayambe.
Get eSIMs for Ecuador
Get eSIMs for EcuadorPacific Coastline
Views of the shoreline and the coastal towns of Atacames and Súa receding in the distance.
Cloud Forest Canopy
The lush, misty forests of the Chocó-Andean corridor as the plane ascends into the mountains.
Pululahua Crater
An enormous volcanic caldera located near the equator, recognizable by its unique farmland interior.
Quito Northern District
The urban sprawl of the capital city and the Pichincha volcano range as the flight aligns for landing.
The right side offers a superior view of the transition from tropical coastline to high-altitude cloud forest. Keep your camera ready about 10 minutes before landing to capture the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve and the jagged peaks of the Pichincha massif that loom over the city.
Book Hotels in QuitoDistance: 187 km (116 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 19 min
Departure: ESM (0.9785190224647522, -79.62660217285156)
Arrival: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Route Type: Domestic
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