Loading map...

VCP destination photo
SDU destination photo

VCPSDU

Our Recommendation
9.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the world-famous postcard view of Rio de Janeiro, including the Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the city's iconic beaches during the final approach into Santos Dumont.

Left Side Highlights
9.8
⛰️

Serra do Mar

Dramatic green mountain ranges covered in lush Atlantic Forest that separate the plateau from the coastline.

🗿

Cristo Redentor

The iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain is visible as the aircraft descends towards the bay.

🚠

Pão de Açúcar

Spectacular close-up views of the Sugarloaf Mountain as the plane maneuvers for landing at SDU.

🏖️

Copacabana Beach

Aerial views of the famous crescent-shaped beach and its iconic wave-patterned mosaic sidewalks.

🏙️

Rio Skyline

A panoramic view of the downtown financial district contrast against the historical buildings of Old Rio.

For the definitive Rio experience, select a window seat on the left (Seat A) behind the wing for an unobstructed view. Most landings at SDU use Runway 02, which requires a turn over the ocean that puts the Christ and Sugarloaf directly on the left. Morning flights are ideal to avoid afternoon haze and get the best lighting on the statues.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Atlantic Coastline

Vast views of the rugged coastline where the mountains meet the deep blue Atlantic waters.

🏝️

Ilha Grande Bay

Distant glimpses of the emerald waters and numerous islands near the Angra dos Reis region.

🌉

Rio-Niterói Bridge

The massive 13-kilometer bridge spanning Guanabara Bay is a prominent feature during the final descent.

🛸

Niterói MAC Museum

Oscar Niemeyer's spaceship-shaped Contemporary Art Museum is clearly visible on the Niterói shoreline.

⚓

Guanabara Bay

Views of the expansive bay filled with naval ships, tankers, and the smaller islands of the archipelago.

The right side (Seat F) is preferable if you want to see the city of Niterói and the full length of the Rio-Niterói bridge. It is also the better side for sunset flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while enjoying the colors reflecting off the Guanabara Bay.

Top Activities in Rio De Janeiro
Route Information

Distance: 407 km (253 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 41 min

Departure: VCP (-23.0074005127, -47.1344985962)

Arrival: SDU (-22.910499572800003, -43.1631011963)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.