Loading map...
SCL → BBA
Which side of the plane to sit from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago) to Balmaceda Airport (Balmaceda)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the staggering backbone of the Andes, featuring a continuous chain of iconic snow-capped volcanoes and the dramatic transition into the rugged Patagonian wilderness.
High Andes Peaks
Shortly after takeoff from Santiago, enjoy views of the massive central cordillera peaks, including the Maipo and Tupungato volcanoes.
The Volcano Route
Pass directly alongside the perfectly symmetrical, snow-covered cones of the Villarrica, Llaima, and Osorno volcanoes.
Lake District Gems
See the brilliant turquoise and deep blue waters of Lake Llanquihue and Lake Todos los Santos nestled against the mountains.
Northern Ice Field
On approach to Balmaceda, catch glimpses of the vast Northern Patagonian Ice Field and its radiating glacial fingers.
Cerro Castillo
During the descent, the jagged, castle-like spires of Cerro Castillo often appear as the terrain becomes increasingly alpine.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side for the morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the mountains in crisp detail. Keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the most dramatic volcanic peaks. In winter, the entire range is covered in deep snow, making for an ethereal white landscape.
Pacific Coastline
View the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean meeting the rugged Chilean coast and the rolling Coastal Range.
Chiloé Archipelago
Look down upon the Great Island of Chiloé and the hundreds of tiny islands scattered throughout the Gulf of Ancud.
Aysén Fjords
Marvel at the intricate network of deep blue channels and fjords that carve into the temperate rainforests of Northern Patagonia.
Valdivian Rainforest
Observe the dense, lush green canopy of one of the world's few temperate rainforests covering the coastal mountains.
The right (Starboard) side is the superior choice for late afternoon or sunset flights, as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean and highlights the textures of the fjords. It is also often less turbulent-looking as you face away from the highest mountain peaks, providing a broader sense of Chile's unique fragmented geography.
Distance: 1,395 km (867 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: SCL (-33.393001556396484, -70.78579711914062)
Arrival: BBA (-45.91609954833984, -71.68949890136719)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.