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Plane views: Santiago to Punta Arenas

By Keith Jenkins
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The flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas (Patagonia) in Chile was one of the most scenic flights I’ve ever been on, with incredible plane window views. I was extremely lucky: the clear sunny weather made it possible to enjoy the stunning, uninterrupted views of the Andes mountains, lakes, volcanos and countless fjords. If you’re southbound, sit on the left side of the plane (i.e. row ‘A’. Row ‘F’ if you’re northbound) for incredible views of many of the natural highlights of Chile.

Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas

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Taking off from Santiago. Andes mountains in the background.

As the plane takes off from Santiago and there’s little smog, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the city and the towering Andes mountains in the background. You might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak. It’s amazing to think that not long before this flight, I crossed those very mountains from Mendoza by bus. The plane basically traces the line of the Andes, keeping west of the Andes (or risk breaching Argentinian airspace) as it heads south.

After about an hour, the magnificent lakes and volcanos of Chile’s famed Lake District come into view. You can’t miss the gorgeous symmetrical cone of Volcan Osorno (map) at the edges of Lago (Lake) Llanquihue and Lago Todos Los Santos. These are the lakes you’re cross if you opt for the Andes lake crossing tour from Puerto Montt in Chile to Bariloche in Argentina. In the background, the majestic snow-capped peak of Monte Tronador is simply captivating.

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Volcan Osorno and the Lakes region in Central Chile.
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Volcan Osorno (foreground) and Monte Tronador in Central Chile.

From this point, the magnificent fjords will grab your attention. Dotted with countless islands and lined by huge, snowy mountains, the fjords are truly breathtaking. This area is the beginning of Chilean Patagonia. The best is yet to come though!

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Chile’s fjords and snowy mountain tops.
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Glaciers flowing into a fjord.
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A closer look at the glacier flowing into a fjord.

Heading further south, the plane flies over the awe-inspiring region of Patagonia. The scenery at this point is simply mind-blowing: immense lakes with massive glaciers flowing into them; impressive peaks; and huge chunks of icebergs floating in the lakes. The highlight is the Patagonian icefield. Many glaciers originate from it, including the famous Perito Moreno glacier, and flow into nearby lakes.

When you see two giant glacier lakes, Lago Viedma and Lago Argentino, with their glaciers and icebergs, you’ll know you’re flying above the twin national parks of Los Glaciares (in Argentina) and Bernardo O’ Higgins (in Chile). The sight of the rugged peaks of the Fitzroy mountains is absolutely breathtaking.

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View of the Los Glaciares NP.
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The jagged peaks of the Fitroy mountains from the air.

Further south, you’ll be treated to more views of the amazing glaciers including Uppsala (it looks like a giant tongue that rolls down the mountains into a lake) and Perito Moreno (another easy-to-spot landmark: it flows down the mountains into an ‘L’-shaped lake, splitting the lake in two). Soon, the Torres del Paine National Park will come into view. With it’s craggy peaks and countless lakes, this national park may be a bit more difficult to spot as you might fly directly above it.

The Uppsala glacier and Lago Argentino

If the weather is clear, this 3.5 hour flight will be one of your most memorable ever!

See more Plane Views articles.

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