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SLZ destination photo
GIG destination photo

SLZGIG

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior experience, particularly during the descent into Rio de Janeiro, providing stunning views of the coastline, the Regiao dos Lagos, and a panoramic entry into the Guanabara Bay.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏝️

Ilha de São Luís

Aerial view of the island city and the surrounding historical architectural ensemble shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Atlantic Coastline

Vast views of the Brazilian eastern coast where the deep blue ocean meets the white sands of the Northeast.

🏖️

Região dos Lagos

The brilliant turquoise waters and lagoons of Búzios, Cabo Frio, and Arraial do Cabo during the initial descent.

🌉

Rio-Niterói Bridge

A grand perspective of the 13-kilometer bridge connecting the two major cities across the bay.

🏙️

Niterói Waterfront

Clear views of the Icaraí beach and the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art) before the final touchdown.

Book a seat on the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct afternoon sun glare. About 25 minutes before landing, look for the transition from open sea to the iconic white-sand peninsulas of the Rio state coast. If the flight arrives from the north via the 'PIRA' arrival route, this side provides the best view of the bay entry.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌳

Maranhão Interior

Vast expanses of transitional vegetation and winding river basins in the northern interior.

💧

São Francisco River

A chance to spot the 'River of National Integration' as the flight path crosses the Brazilian sertão.

⛰️

Serra do Espinhaço

The rugged, ancient mountain ranges of Minas Gerais, visible during the mid-to-late stage of the flight.

🏔️

Serra da Mantiqueira

Lush, high-altitude peaks and cloud forests as the plane approaches the border of Rio de Janeiro state.

🏟️

Northern Rio Suburbs

Dense urban landscapes and potentially the Maracanã Stadium if the flight uses a specific western approach pattern.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the interior mountains of Minas Gerais. Keep your camera ready for the crossing of the São Francisco River, which is a major geographical milestone on this north-to-south route. Note that views of the city center depend heavily on the wind-directed runway usage at GIG.

Top Activities in Rio De Janeiro
Route Information

Distance: 2,251 km (1,399 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs

Departure: SLZ (-2.585360050201416, -44.23410034179688)

Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)

Route Type: Domestic

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