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SCL destination photo
CJC destination photo

SCLCJC

Our Recommendation
9.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
9.5
🏔️

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.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
🌊

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.

Top Activities in Calama
Route Information

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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