Plane views: Santiago to Punta Arenas

Santiago & the Andes

The plane trip from Santiago to Punta Arenas in Chile was one of the most breathtaking flights I’ve ever been on. 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 right side of the plane (i.e. row ‘A’. Row ‘F’ if you’re northbound).

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. The plane basically traces the line of the Andes, keeping west of the Andes (or risk breaching Argentinian airspace) as it heads south.

Volcan Osorno

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 at the edges of Lago (Lake) Llanquihue and Lago Todos Los Santos. In the background, the majestic snow-capped peak of Monte Tronador is simply captivating.

Volcan Osorno & Monte Tronador

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!

Fjord country

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.

Fitzroy mountains

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.

Upsala glacier & icebergs

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.

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

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