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TFF → SJL
Which side of the plane to sit from Tefé Airport (Tefe) to São Gabriel da Cachoeira Airport (Sao Gabriel)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the flat Amazon basin to the mountainous terrain of the Guiana Shield, specifically the striking peaks of the Serra do Curicuriari near the destination.
Pristine Amazon Canopy
An uninterrupted view of the world's largest rainforest, appearing as a dense, textured green carpet.
Japurá River Basin
Intricate river meanders and hidden oxbow lakes within the Japurá river system west of the flight path.
Serra do Curicuriari
The legendary 'Sleeping Giant' mountain range that dominates the landscape as you approach São Gabriel.
Morning Mist Phenonmena
Ethereal clouds rising directly from the vegetation, typical of the high-humidity environment.
Choose the left side for the approach into SJL to see the 'Sleeping Giant' mountains. Early morning flights (06:00-09:00) are highly recommended to avoid the heavy cumulus cloud cover that typically develops by midday, which can block the ground entirely.
Solimões River Departue
Glimpses of the massive, silt-laden waters of the Solimões River immediately following takeoff from Tefé.
Rio Negro Dark Waters
The stunning transition to the tea-colored, acidic 'black' waters characteristic of the northern Amazon basin.
Remote Riverine Outposts
Small, isolated riverside communities that rely entirely on the river network for connectivity.
Unini River Views
Aerial perspective of the winding tributaries that feed into the larger Rio Negro system to the east.
The right side is excellent for observing the unique 'black water' ecology. Use polarized sunglasses to reduce the intense glare reflecting off the winding river surfaces. Look for the distinct color lines where different tributaries merge without mixing immediately.
Distance: 439 km (273 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 44 min
Departure: TFF (-3.38294005394, -64.7240982056)
Arrival: SJL (-0.14835, -66.9855)
Route Type: Domestic
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