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RAO → SDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Leite Lopes Airport (Ribeirao Preto) to Santos Dumont Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer views of the lush Serra da Mantiqueira, the right side is significantly superior during the final approach into Rio de Janeiro, providing iconic views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
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Serra da Mantiqueira
Dramatic views of the southern slopes of one of Brazil's highest mountain ranges, often shrouded in a beautiful morning mist.
Paraiba do Sul River
The winding river that carves the valley between the Mantiqueira and the Serra do Mar coastal ranges.
Christ the Redeemer
The world-famous statue atop Corcovado Mountain is frequently visible during the circling approach into SDU.
Sugarloaf Mountain
An intimate view of the Pao de Acucar as the plane banks over the water to line up with the short SDU runway.
Flamengo Park & Beach
The sprawling urban park and the city's coastline are visible just seconds before touchdown on the water-surrounded runway.
The right side is essential for the 'scenic route' into Rio. For the best lighting on the Christ the Redeemer statue, choose an afternoon flight. Be prepared for a sharp right turn over the bay; this is when the most iconic landmarks appear. Use a fast shutter speed on your camera to capture the city skyline against the mountains during the rapid descent.
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Sugarcane Heartland
Vast agricultural landscapes of the Ribeirao Preto region, known as the 'California of Brazil' for its high productivity.
Pocos de Caldas Massif
The circular geological formation of an ancient volcanic caldera located near the border of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Serra dos Orgaos
On clear days, the jagged peaks of the 'Organ Pipes' range, including the famous 'Dedo de Deus', are visible to the north.
Rio-Niteroi Bridge
A clear view of the 13km bridge connecting Rio to Niteroi across the Guanabara Bay during the final descent.
Sit on the left if you want a better view of the mountainous interior and the northern reaches of the Guanabara Bay. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the sun's glare on this side. Keep an eye out for the Macae-Campos basin oil infrastructure visible in the far distance during high-altitude cruising.
Get eSIMs for Brazil
Get eSIMs for BrazilDistance: 515 km (320 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: RAO (-21.136388778686523, -47.77666854858398)
Arrival: SDU (-22.910499572800003, -43.1631011963)
Route Type: Domestic
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