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RIA → POA
Which side of the plane to sit from Santa Maria Airport (Santa Maria) to Salgado Filho Airport (Porto Alegre)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views during the approach to Porto Alegre, featuring the expansive winding Jacuí River and the stunning Guaíba Lake delta just before landing.
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Jacuí River Meanders
The complex, winding path of the Jacuí River follows the flight path, creating beautiful patterns across the landscape.
Guaíba Delta
An intricate network of islands and channels where the Jacuí meets the Guaíba, visible in high detail during descent.
Porto Alegre Skyline
A panoramic view of the capital's downtown area and the historic Public Market as the plane lines up for runway 11.
Lake Guaíba
The massive expanse of the Guaíba 'lake' opens up to the south, often dotted with sailing boats near the sunset.
The right side is unbeatable for the approach into POA. Request a window seat here to see the city's waterfront and the delta. In the afternoon, you may catch a famous Guaíba sunset reflected in the water as you descend.
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Depressão Central
Vast stretches of the Rio Grande do Sul pampas and intensive rice and soy plantations characterizing the regional economy.
Santa Cruz do Sul
A glimpse of this major regional hub known for its German heritage and tobacco industry, visible to the north.
Serra Gaúcha Foothills
The rising terrain of the basaltic plateau begins to appear on the horizon as you move eastward.
Arena do Grêmio
The modern blue-roofed stadium is a prominent landmark on the northern side of the final approach path.
Sit on the left if you want to see the transition from the flat plains to the rolling hills of the north. For morning flights, this side is preferable as it avoids direct sunlight during the eastward journey.
Get eSIMs for Brazil
Get eSIMs for BrazilDistance: 245 km (152 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: RIA (-29.711399, -53.688202)
Arrival: POA (-29.994400024414062, -51.1713981628418)
Route Type: Domestic
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