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MIA → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Miami International Airport (Miami) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the Left Side offers beautiful Caribbean reefs early on, the Right Side is the clear winner for the iconic final approach into Rio de Janeiro, providing views of the Christ the Redeemer and the dense Amazonian interior.
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The Everglades
A view of the sprawling wetlands of South Florida if the plane departs towards the west.
Amazon Rainforest
Hours of flight over the world's largest tropical rainforest, featuring massive winding rivers like the Madeira.
Serra dos Órgãos
Jagged, mist-covered granite peaks visible during the descent into the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer
On the standard approach to GIG, the right side often catches a glimpse of Corcovado Mountain and the statue.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The iconic Pão de Açúcar standing at the mouth of Guanabara Bay is often visible during the final turn.
The right side is essential for seeing Rio's landmarks. Most flights arrive early morning; as the plane descends, the right side usually faces the city side of the bay. Be aware that the Amazon may be obscured by clouds, but the winding 'silver' rivers are often visible through gaps.
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Biscayne Bay
Aerial views of Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and the bright blue Florida coastline immediately after takeoff.
Exuma Cays
Spectacular turquoise waters and coral formations of the Bahamas chain visible in the first hour of flight.
Atlantic Sunrise
Since many MIA-GIG flights are overnight, the left side provides a front-row seat to the sunrise over the open ocean.
Rio-Niterói Bridge
A view of the longest bridge in the Southern Hemisphere as you cross into Guanabara Bay for landing.
Niterói Skyline
Look for the futuristic Niterói Contemporary Art Museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer on the bay's edge.
The left side is superior for sunrise photography during the final hours of the flight. If the flight departs MIA during the day, keep your camera ready for the Bahamas. During the approach, look for the coastline of the 'Região dos Lagos' if the flight path comes in from the east.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for BrazilDistance: 6,717 km (4,174 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 54 min
Departure: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: International
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