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SCL → CJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (Santiago) to El Loa Airport (Calama)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled view of the Andes Mountains throughout the entire flight, featuring snow-capped peaks, high-altitude volcanoes, and the vast salt flats of the Atacama.
Mount Aconcagua
The highest peak in the Americas is often visible to the east shortly after departure from Santiago.
Andean Volcanic Chain
A continuous sequence of towering, often snow-capped volcanic cones stretching along the horizon.
Salar de Atacama
Massive white salt crusts that create a stunning mosaic pattern as you approach the Calama area.
Chuquicamata Mine
One of the world's largest open-pit copper mines, appearing as a massive terraced crater near Calama.
Altiplano Glow
The dramatic 'golden hour' light hitting the high-altitude plateaus during late afternoon flights.
For morning flights, the right side keeps the sun behind the aircraft, perfectly illuminating the Andes. Ensure you look out within the first 15 minutes of takeoff to spot the highest Andean peaks near Santiago. During the descent into Calama, the right side provides the best view of the region's massive mining operations.
Pacific Horizon
The meeting point of the vast Pacific Ocean and the rugged northern Chilean coastline.
Camanchaca Fog
Unique coastal fog banks that hug the cliffs of the Coastal Cordillera in the early morning.
Atacama Aridity
The surreal and stark transition from the central valley to the world's driest non-polar desert.
Choose the left side for sunset flights to witness the sun dipping into the Pacific Ocean. While scenic, this side is generally less dramatic than the mountain side unless there is significant cloud play over the ocean.
Distance: 1,225 km (761 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: SCL (-33.393001556396484, -70.78579711914062)
Arrival: CJC (-22.498199462890625, -68.90360260009766)
Route Type: Domestic
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