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UIO → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an exceptional view of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano shortly after takeoff and offers a stunning panorama of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains during the descent into Madrid without the glare of the morning sun.
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Cayambe Volcano
Located just north of Quito, this massive snow-capped volcano is the only point on the equator with permanent snow cover.
Colombian Andes
Aerial views of the rugged Cordillera Oriental as the flight heads northeast toward the Atlantic.
Cantabrian Coast
On many flight paths, you will enter European airspace over the lush, green northern coast of Spain and the Bay of Biscay.
Sierra de Guadarrama
The dramatic mountain range northwest of Madrid, often visible during the final approach into Barajas Airport.
Madrid Skyline
Excellent views of the Cuatro Torres Business Area and the northern urban sprawl of the Spanish capital.
The left side is superior for photography because it avoids direct sunlight during the morning arrival in Madrid. Watch the window within the first 15 minutes of departure from UIO to spot Cayambe. During the winter months, the Sierra de Guadarrama will likely be snow-capped, providing a beautiful contrast to the plains of central Spain.
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Amazon Basin Edge
Glimpses of the dense tropical rainforest and winding tributaries on the eastern slopes of the Andes.
Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to the sunrise over the ocean, which occurs mid-flight on this eastbound overnight route.
Tagus River Valley
Views of the meandering Tajo river as the plane crosses from Portugal into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.
Castile Plains
The vast, golden agricultural plateaus of central Spain, characterized by unique circular irrigation patterns.
If you are an early riser, the right side is perfect for witnessing a high-altitude sunrise over the North Atlantic. However, be aware that the sun will be very bright and hot on this side during the final two hours of the flight. For the best views of the Spanish plateau, keep your window shade open as the plane crosses the border from Portugal.
Book Hotels in MadridDistance: 8,737 km (5,429 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 17 min
Departure: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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