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IAH destination photo
UIO destination photo

IAHUIO

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side provides a spectacular vantage point for the Pacific coastline of Central America and the iconic Avenue of Volcanoes during the high-altitude approach into the Andes.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

Galveston Island

The Texas coastline and the barrier islands disappearing into the Gulf of Mexico.

🌋

Central American Volcanos

Distant views of the volcanic peaks lining the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

⛴️

Panama Canal

The western entrance and the Pacific side of the Isthmus of Panama.

🏔️

Avenue of Volcanoes

The dramatic corridor of the Andes featuring multiple massive peaks in northern Ecuador.

🌋

Pichincha Volcano

The active stratovolcano that looms directly over the city of Quito during the descent.

The right side is superior for sunset views on afternoon flights. As you enter Ecuadorian airspace, the pilots often navigate between Andean ridges; look for the distinct peaks of the Avenue of Volcanoes. Sit forward of the wing for an unobstructed view of the steep, dramatic descent into Mariscal Sucre International.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏙️

Houston Skyline

A sweeping view of downtown Houston and the ship channel immediately after takeoff.

🏝️

Yucatan Peninsula

The eastern tip of Mexico and the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea.

🐍

Magdalena River

The massive, winding waterway that carves through the Colombian landscape.

❄️

Cayambe Volcano

The only snow-capped peak on Earth located directly on the Equator line.

🏘️

Quito Cityscape

A dense view of the city nestled in the Andean valley during the final turn to land.

Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. It is also the best side for spotting the Cayambe volcano, which is a rare sight as it marks the highest point on the Equator. Ensure your window is clear of frost for high-altitude photography of the Colombian mountains.

Top Activities in Quito
Route Information

Distance: 3,801 km (2,362 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 28 min

Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Arrival: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)

Route Type: International

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