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MEA → VCP
Which side of the plane to sit from Macaé Airport (Macaé) to Viracopos International Airport (Campinas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular vantage point of the Rio de Janeiro coastline, the famous city skyline including the iconic Guanabara Bay, and the industrial transformation of the São Paulo countryside.
Região dos Lagos
Stunning views of the turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches of Araruama and Saquarema shortly after takeoff.
Rio de Janeiro Skyline
A distant but clear view of the Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer as the flight bypasses the city to the north.
Guanabara Bay
The massive bay area with the Rio-Niterói Bridge and various islands visible before turning inland.
Baixada Fluminense
The dense urban sprawl of Greater Rio nestled against the foothills of the coastal mountains.
Campinas Industrial Belt
The intricate network of highways and massive logistics centers as you descend into the VCP airport area.
Sit on the left for the best chance to spot Rio de Janeiro's landmarks. Early morning flights are ideal as the sun rises behind the plane, illuminating the coastline perfectly. In the summer, look for cumulus clouds forming over the mountains while the coast remains clear.
Serra do Mar
Dense, lush Atlantic Forest covering the steep mountain ridges that separate the coast from the interior.
Vale do Paraíba
The historic valley corridor between the Serra do Mar and Serra da Mantiqueira, featuring the Paraíba do Sul River.
São José dos Campos
Spot the aerospace hub of Brazil, including the large Embraer manufacturing facilities and its long runway.
Mantiqueira Mountains
On clear days, the distant high peaks of the Mantiqueira range are visible to the north, marking the border with Minas Gerais.
Interior Paulista
Rolling hills and organized agricultural patterns typical of the rich São Paulo countryside during the final approach.
The right side is best for geography enthusiasts interested in the rugged mountain terrain. Afternoon flights provide excellent golden-hour lighting on the Serra do Mar. Keep a keen eye out for the Dutra Highway (BR-116), which serves as a navigational landmark throughout the flight.
Distance: 556 km (345 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 56 min
Departure: MEA (-22.343000412, -41.7659988403)
Arrival: VCP (-23.0074005127, -47.1344985962)
Route Type: Domestic
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