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SCL → ARI
Which side of the plane to sit from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago) to Chacalluta Airport (Arica)?
Right Side of the Plane
Flying north along the spine of Chile, the right side provides an unparalleled panorama of the high Andes, snow-capped volcanoes, and the unique geology of the Atacama Altiplano.
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Mount Aconcagua
Visible shortly after takeoff from Santiago; it is the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres.
Atacama Volcanoes
A continuous chain of massive volcanoes, including Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano in the world.
Salar de Atacama
The massive white crust of the salt flats shimmering against the brown desert floor near the San Pedro de Atacama region.
Deep Quebradas
Vast, deep canyons like the Quebrada de Humahuaca that slice through the desert, creating stunning shadows and textures.
Altiplano Plateaus
High-altitude plains and turquoise lagoons tucked between the Andean peaks at over 4,000 meters above sea level.
This is the premier side for this route. Sit on the right to see the Andes in all their glory. For the best light on the mountains, morning flights are superior as the sun illuminates the eastern faces. If flying in winter (June-August), the snow line descends significantly, making the peaks look even more dramatic. Ensure you are not directly over the wing, as the vertical scale of the mountains is best appreciated with an unobstructed downward view.
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Humboldt Current
The deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, where the cold Humboldt Current creates unique marine ecosystems.
La Serena & Coquimbo
A beautiful view of the twin coastal cities and the curved bay of Coquimbo approximately 45 minutes into the flight.
Coastal Escarpment
Dramatic cliffs where the Atacama Desert drops vertically into the sea, particularly striking near Antofagasta.
Pan-American Highway
The lonely stretch of Route 5 visible as a thin thread winding through the desolate, martian-like desert terrain.
The left side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Pacific. It offers a more serene, minimalist landscape. Keep an eye out for the 'Camanchaca'—the dense sea fog that often hugs the coastal mountains while the rest of the desert remains perfectly clear. For the best photography of the coastline, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the contrast between the orange desert and the blue water.
Get eSIMs for Chile
Get eSIMs for ChileDistance: 1,673 km (1,040 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 14 min
Departure: SCL (-33.393001556396484, -70.78579711914062)
Arrival: ARI (-18.348499, -70.338699)
Route Type: Domestic
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