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IQQ → ANF
Which side of the plane to sit from Diego Aracena Airport (Iquique) to Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (Antofagasta)?
Left Side of the Plane
Flying south from Iquique, the left side provides an unparalleled view of the rugged Coastal Range and the vast, otherworldly textures of the Atacama Desert, accented by the distant peaks of the Andes.
Cordillera de la Costa
Dramatic view of the coastal mountain range rising sharply from the Pacific edge.
Atacama Landscapes
Endless stretches of the world's driest desert, featuring unique geological folds and rust-colored plateaus.
Mining Operations
Massive open-pit mines and industrial infrastructure visible across the high desert plains.
Salar de Llamara
Glimpses of bright white salt crusts and seasonal evaporation ponds in the distance.
Andean Volcanic Arc
On clear days, the high peaks of the Andes are visible on the far eastern horizon.
Morning flights are ideal for the left side as the sun illuminates the desert textures and highlights the contours of the mountain ranges. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for the best desert vistas.
Pacific Coastline
The striking contrast where the arid desert cliffs drop vertically into the deep blue ocean.
Ruta 1 Coast Road
The narrow coastal highway winding precariously between the mountains and the sea.
Tocopilla
The industrial coastal town tucked into a narrow strip of land beneath the mountains.
Mejillones Peninsula
A prominent geographic feature and wildlife haven visible during the descent into Antofagasta.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon or evening flights to experience the sun setting over the Pacific. During the descent, watch for the steep 'cliffs of the sea' which are a hallmark of this region's geography.
Distance: 325 km (202 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: IQQ (-20.535200119018555, -70.18129730224611)
Arrival: ANF (-23.444501, -70.445099)
Route Type: Domestic
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