Loading map...
ETR → UIO
Which side of the plane to sit from Santa Rosa International Airport (Santa Rosa) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers the most dramatic front-row views of the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes,' including the iconic peaks of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.
Cajas National Park
A high-altitude tundra landscape featuring hundreds of glacial lakes nestled in the southern Andes.
Mount Chimborazo
Ecuador's highest peak and the point on Earth closest to the sun, rising majestically above the central highlands.
Mount Cotopaxi
One of the world's highest active volcanoes, famous for its nearly perfect symmetrical snow-covered cone.
Quito Inter-Andean Valley
A stunning perspective of the high-altitude valleys, patchwork fields, and dense urban sprawl of the capital.
Sitting on the right side provides the classic 'Avenue of Volcanoes' experience. To see the snow-capped summits of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi clearly, book a flight scheduled before 9:00 AM, as clouds typically congregate around these massive peaks by midday. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes before landing for the best shot of Cotopaxi.
Gulf of Guayaquil
Aerial views of the mangrove forests and the expansive estuary where the Guayas River meets the Pacific.
The Illiniza Twin Peaks
Observe the distinct peaks of Illiniza Norte and Illiniza Sur as you approach the Pichincha province.
Pichincha Volcano
The active stratovolcano flanking the city of Quito, visible during the final descent into the valley.
Western Cloud Forests
The lush, green transition zone where the high Andes drop off into the coastal lowlands.
The left side is ideal for observing the geographical transition from the Pacific coast to the rugged Western Cordillera. For the best visibility of the crater of Pichincha during the approach to UIO, try to fly during the early morning before the afternoon mist rises from the tropical forests.
Distance: 411 km (255 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 41 min
Departure: ETR (-3.441986, -79.996957)
Arrival: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.