Loading map...
MDE → UIO
Which side of the plane to sit from Jose Maria Córdova International Airport (Rio Negro) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the snow-capped giants of the Central Cordillera and the stunning Cayambe volcano as you enter Ecuadorian airspace.
Search flights from MDE to UIO
Nevado del Ruiz
A prominent active volcano in the Central Cordillera, often seen venting steam.
Nevado del Tolima
A striking, symmetrical snow-capped peak visible shortly after departing Rionegro.
Nevado del Huila
Colombia's highest volcanic peak, featuring a massive, permanent glacier.
Galeras Volcano
An active volcano located near the city of Pasto, visible as you approach the border.
Cayambe Volcano
A massive glaciated volcano that marks the equator, visible just before landing in Quito.
Early morning flights between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM are highly recommended as the Andean peaks are usually obscured by heavy cloud cover by midday. The left side is superior for viewing the highest glaciated volcanoes. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes before landing to capture Cayambe, one of the most iconic sights in the northern Ecuadorian Andes.
Get eSIMs for Colombia
Get eSIMs for Ecuador
Cauca River Valley
The lush, wide valley floor located between the Central and Western mountain ranges.
Farallones de Cali
Rugged, blue-tinted rock formations that define the skyline near the city of Cali.
Cumbal and Chiles
Twin volcanoes that serve as a natural geographic border between Colombia and Ecuador.
Quito Northern Districts
Views of the urban expansion and greenhouses in the valleys surrounding the airport.
Pichincha Volcano
The massive volcanic complex that guards the western edge of the Quito basin.
Choose the right side for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Western Cordillera and the Pacific horizon. While less snow-capped than the left, this side offers better views of the deep valley topographies. During the descent into UIO, look out for the sharp ridges of the Pichincha volcano which provides a dramatic sense of scale as the plane enters the highland plateau.
Book Hotels in QuitoDistance: 772 km (480 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 17 min
Departure: MDE (6.164540000000001, -75.4231)
Arrival: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.