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MOC → CNF
Which side of the plane to sit from Mário Ribeiro Airport (Montes Claros) to Tancredo Neves International Airport (Belo Horizonte)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning Serra do Espinhaço mountain range, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that dominates the landscape between Montes Claros and Belo Horizonte.
Serra do Espinhaço
View the only mountain range in Brazil recognized for its high biodiversity and unique geological formations throughout the flight.
Serra do Cipó National Park
As you approach the metropolitan area, look for the rugged canyons and lush vegetation of this iconic ecological sanctuary.
Diamantina Highlands
The high-altitude plateaus and historic rocky terrains near the heritage city of Diamantina are visible mid-flight.
Hidden Waterfalls
Glints of light reflecting off remote cascades tucked into the deep valleys of the mountain chain.
Atlantic Forest Transition
Witness the shift from the dry Cerrado landscape to the denser, greener foliage of the Atlantic Forest remnants near Confins.
Sit on the left for the morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and get the best shadows on the mountains. This side is consistently more scenic due to the proximity to the Espinhaço range. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes after takeoff for the most dramatic ridge views.
Montes Claros Departure
A clear view of the city of Montes Claros and the 'Sertanejo' landscape immediately after takeoff.
Sertão Sunsets
On late afternoon flights, this side provides spectacular views of the sun dipping below the horizon over the vast plains.
Agricultural Patterns
Geometric patterns of Minas Gerais' diverse farming sectors across the northern plateaus.
CNF Approach
During standard landing patterns, you may see the industrial areas and the expansion of the Lagoa Santa region.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights if you enjoy golden hour photography, as the sun sets over the western horizon. While less mountainous, it offers a wider perspective of the vast Brazilian interior and the sprawling northern Minas plains. Check the wind direction; occasionally, the landing path at CNF provides a view of the airport's massive hangars from this side.
Distance: 325 km (202 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: MOC (-16.706899642899998, -43.818901061999995)
Arrival: CNF (-19.62444305419922, -43.97194290161133)
Route Type: Domestic
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