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VIX → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport (Vitoria) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a continuous panorama of the Serra do Mar mountain range, the intricate lagoon systems of the Região dos Lagos, and a stunning aerial perspective of the Serra dos Órgãos peaks during the descent into Rio.
Vitória Cityscape
Immediate views of the Vitória and Vila Velha metro area, including the Third Bridge and Convento da Penha.
Serra do Mar Range
The lush green mountain range that follows the coastline, providing a dramatic backdrop of Atlantic Forest.
Araruama Lagoon
A massive view of one of the world's largest hypersaline lagoons with its unique turquoise and green hues.
Dedo de Deus Peak
On clear days during descent, look for the iconic 'Finger of God' rock formation in the Serra dos Órgãos.
Rio North Zone
As the plane aligns for GIG, get a birds-eye view of the dense urban sprawl and the Maracanã Stadium in the distance.
Sit on the right to avoid the harsh morning sun and for the best chance of spotting the mountain landmarks. For the most scenic landing, hope for an arrival via the north which passes closer to Petrópolis and the dramatic granite escarpments.
Atlantic Ocean Panoramas
Uninterrupted views of the deep blue South Atlantic and the occasional offshore oil platform near the Campos Basin.
Arraial do Cabo Coastline
View the white sands and turquoise waters of 'The Brazilian Caribbean' from a coastal perspective.
Guanabara Bay Entrance
During the final approach, see the mouth of the bay and the various islands scattered across the water.
Ilha de Cabo Frio
Spot the high lighthouse and the dramatic rocky cliffs of the island sitting just off the mainland.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled as you pass Cabo Frio; the water transparency here often allows you to see the underwater topography and sandbanks clearly from the air.
Distance: 418 km (260 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 42 min
Departure: VIX (-20.258057, -40.286388)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: Domestic
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