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SCL → ANF
Which side of the plane to sit from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago) to Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (Antofagasta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled, front-row seat to the majestic Andes Mountains and the dramatic transition into the high-altitude Atacama desert landscapes.
High Andes Peaks
Continuous views of the snow-capped Cordillera de los Andes throughout the entire flight.
Mount Aconcagua
Shortly after takeoff from Santiago, look for the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere to the Northeast.
Atacama Transition
Observe the green central valleys transform into the hyper-arid, reddish-brown terrain of the desert.
Volcanic Chain
Spot numerous volcanic cones along the high plateau near the border with Argentina.
Deep Gorges
View massive alluvial fans and deep river-carved canyons that remain dry for most of the year.
Book a window seat on the right for morning flights when the sun illuminates the western face of the mountains. During winter months, the snow cover extends further south, providing a more dramatic contrast against the desert floor. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff as the plane climbs alongside the highest sections of the range.
Pacific Horizon
Expansive views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean stretching toward the horizon.
Coastal Cities
Aerial perspectives of coastal settlements like La Serena and Coquimbo as the flight progresses north.
Camanchaca Clouds
Witness the unique coastal fog banks that roll off the ocean and get trapped against the coastal range.
Port of Huasco
View the industrial mining ports and the contrasting turquoise waters of the northern bays.
Sit on the left for midday flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun reflecting off the Andes. It is also the best side for observing the dramatic 'Step' topography where the coastal range drops steeply into the sea near Antofagasta.
Distance: 1,107 km (688 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min
Departure: SCL (-33.393001556396484, -70.78579711914062)
Arrival: ANF (-23.444501, -70.445099)
Route Type: Domestic
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