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USH β FTE
Which side of the plane to sit from Malvinas Argentinas Airport (Ushuaia) to El Calafate Airport (El Calafate)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the Southern Andes, the Darwin Range, and the majestic Southern Patagonian Ice Field throughout the duration of the flight.
Beagle Channel
Breathtaking views of the winding waterway separating the islands of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
Cordillera Darwin
The glaciated mountain range of the southernmost Andes with sharp peaks and hanging glaciers.
Southern Patagonian Ice Field
A massive expanse of ice visible as you approach the Santa Cruz province, feeding numerous glaciers.
Strait of Magellan
The historic passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, visible as the plane crosses to the mainland.
Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy
On clear days, the iconic granite spires of the El ChaltΓ©n region appear on the distant horizon to the north.
Sit on the left (A seats) for the most dramatic mountain scenery. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you or to the east, providing perfect lighting for photography of the snow-capped Andes without window glare. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff from USH for the best views of the Martial Mountains.
Ushuaia Cityscape
A beautiful aerial view of the world's southernmost city nestled between the mountains and the sea.
Lake Fagnano
A massive, elongated tectonic lake that stretches across the heart of Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonian Steppe
The vast, golden-hued arid plains of the mainland that contrast sharply with the coastal mountains.
Lake Argentino
The largest freshwater lake in Argentina, famous for its milky-blue glacial milk color.
Santa Cruz River
The winding turquoise river that drains Lake Argentino toward the Atlantic Ocean.
The right side (F seats) is excellent during the descent into El Calafate. As the plane maneuvers for landing at FTE, you often get a wide-angle view of the turquoise Lake Argentino. This side is also better if you prefer seeing the vastness of the Patagonian desert landscapes and the transition from forest to steppe.
Distance: 567 km (352 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 57 min
Departure: USH (-54.8433, -68.2958)
Arrival: FTE (-50.2803, -72.053101)
Route Type: Domestic
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