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XMS → TNW
Which side of the plane to sit from Coronel E Carvajal Airport (Macas) to Jumandy Airport (Tena)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior as it offers a front-row seat to the snow-capped Andes and the extremely active Sangay Volcano, contrasted against the Amazon basin.
Sangay Volcano
One of the most active volcanoes in the world, frequently seen emitting ash plumes or smoke.
Cordillera Real
The massive eastern wall of the Andes, featuring dramatic peaks and high-altitude paramo ecosystems.
Upano River Gorge
A deep, dramatic river valley visible shortly after takeoff from Macas, carving through the foothills.
Cloud Forest Transition
The misty, dense forest layer where the high mountains descend into the tropical Amazonian lowlands.
Book an early morning flight (06:00 to 09:00) for the best chance of clear skies; clouds typically accumulate over the mountains by midday. Sangay is located to the west of the flight path, so the left side is essential for volcano spotting. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff from Macas for the most immediate views of the volcano and the Upano valley.
Amazon Canopy
An endless, unbroken carpet of deep green primary rainforest stretching toward the horizon.
Pastaza River
A massive, braided river system that dominates the landscape as it winds toward the east.
Remote Settlements
Small clearings in the dense jungle where indigenous Shuar and Kichwa communities reside along riverbanks.
Tena River Network
A complex web of smaller tributaries that feed into the Napo River as you approach Jumandy Airport.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun over the Andes. It offers a more meditative view of the vast Amazonian 'Oriente'. Look for the reflection of sunlight off the winding rivers, which makes the water systems stand out vividly against the green forest canopy.
Distance: 150 km (93 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 15 min
Departure: XMS (-2.299170017242432, -78.12079620361328)
Arrival: TNW (-1.0597219999999998, -77.583333)
Route Type: Domestic
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