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MAD → SCL
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for the arrival phase, offering an unparalleled, close-up view of the towering Andes Mountains and the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, Aconcagua, as the plane descends into the Santiago basin.
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Madrid Metropolis
Bird's-eye view of the Spanish capital's urban grid and the historic city center shortly after takeoff from Barajas.
Amazon Rainforest
A vast, emerald carpet of the Brazilian Amazon visible after crossing the equator as the morning light breaks.
Aconcagua Peak
The highest mountain outside of Asia, standing at 6,961 meters, often visible as a massive monolith during the descent.
Central Andes Spine
A dramatic wall of snow-capped peaks and high-altitude glaciers stretching as far as the eye can see.
Maipo Valley
Lush green vineyards in the valleys surrounding Santiago just before the wheels touch down.
Most flights are overnight, so the 'show' begins after sunrise over South America. Choose a seat well ahead of or behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Andes during the final 45 minutes of the flight. During the morning arrival, the sun will be behind the plane or to the right, providing excellent, direct lighting for photos of the mountain range.
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Spanish Coastline
The final glimpse of the Iberian Peninsula and the transition into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Gran Chaco
Views of the diverse landscapes of Paraguay and Northern Argentina, featuring unique dry forests and wetlands.
Santiago Panorama
A wide view of the sprawling Santiago metropolitan area nestled within the valley during the final approach.
Coastal Range
The smaller but rugged Cordillera de la Costa which separates the Santiago valley from the Pacific Ocean.
SCL Airport Approach
Clear views of the airport infrastructure and the western suburbs of the city during the landing flare.
While you miss the direct face-to-face view of the highest Andes peaks, the right side offers better views of the city layout and the coastal mountains. This side is also preferable if you want to avoid direct sunlight in your window during the morning descent, as the sun will be hitting the left side of the aircraft more intensely.
Book Hotels in SantiagoDistance: 10,718 km (6,660 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 37 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: SCL (-33.393001556396484, -70.78579711914062)
Route Type: International
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