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NAT → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (Natal) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Brazilian coastline, including famous coral reefs, historic port cities, and the iconic entry into Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay.
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Ponta do Seixas
View the easternmost point of the Americas as the flight passes the coast of João Pessoa.
Recife & Olinda
The dense urban coastline and the historic hills of Olinda are visible shortly after departure.
Alagoas Reefs
The 'Costa dos Corais' features vibrant turquoise waters and extensive natural pools near Maceió.
Baía de Todos os Santos
A wide view of the largest bay in Brazil and the city of Salvador during the mid-flight segment.
Guanabara Bay
On the final approach to GIG, enjoy sights of the Niterói bridge and the Sugarloaf Mountain.
Book a window seat on the left for the best morning light on the coastline. During the descent into Rio (GIG), this side often provides the best angle of the Niterói coastline and the Rio-Niterói Bridge. If the flight path takes a coastal route, the turquoise waters of Alagoas are a must-see around 40-60 minutes after takeoff.
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The Sertão
The unique semi-arid landscape and xeric shrubland of the Brazilian Northeast interior.
São Francisco River
Look for the winding path of one of Brazil's most important rivers as it flows toward the sea.
Chapada Diamantina
Distal views of the high plateaus and rugged mountain ranges in the heart of Bahia.
Serra dos Órgãos
Dramatic mountain peaks, including the 'God's Finger', visible during the descent into Rio state.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun over the ocean. It offers a unique perspective on the transition from the dry interior to the lush Atlantic Forest. Watch for the dramatic mountain formations of Petrópolis and Teresópolis as the plane begins its final descent into the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.
Book Hotels in Rio De JaneiroDistance: 2,075 km (1,289 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 46 min
Departure: NAT (-5.768056, -35.376111)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: Domestic
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