Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery throughout the flight: the steep Andean terrain and valleys during climb-out from Cuenca, and the continuous ridge-and-valley topography along the entire northbound route. While the landing approach favors the left, the majority of the scenic flight path benefits from right-side positioning.
Flown CUE to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cuenca to Quito is 196 miles (315 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight path follows the inter-Andean valley northward, passing over high-altitude páramo terrain, multiple Andean ridgelines running north-south, the Paute River system and its tributaries, scattered small towns and agricultural areas in the valley floor, and the transition zone between Cuenca's southern highlands and Quito's northern inter-Andean basin. Elevation remains consistently between 9,000-13,000 feet throughout the route, with terrain rising steeply on both sides of the narrow valley corridor.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CUE
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Andes ridgeline and valleys immediately north of Cuenca as the aircraft climbs. The terrain rises steeply to the east and north, creating dramatic elevation changes visible during the initial climb-out.
Landing at UIO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the approach into Quito from the south. The descent path offers views of the Pichincha volcanic complex and the inter-Andean valley that contains Quito, with the city visible against the surrounding mountain walls.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mariscal Lamar (CUE) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cuenca to Quito. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery throughout the flight: the steep Andean terrain and valleys during climb-out from Cuenca, and the continuous ridge-and-valley topography along the entire northbound route. While the landing approach favors the left, the majority of the scenic flight path benefits from right-side positioning.
What can I see during takeoff from Mariscal Lamar in Cuenca?
During takeoff from Mariscal Lamar (CUE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Andes ridgeline and valleys immediately north of Cuenca as the aircraft climbs. The terrain rises steeply to the east and north, creating dramatic elevation changes visible during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Cuenca city grid below, Andes mountain ridges to the north and east, Paute River valley system, high-altitude páramo grasslands.
What can I see when landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the approach into Quito from the south. The descent path offers views of the Pichincha volcanic complex and the inter-Andean valley that contains Quito, with the city visible against the surrounding mountain walls. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano and caldera, Quito's urban sprawl in the inter-Andean valley, surrounding Andean ridges and peaks, Machángara River valley.
How long is the flight from Cuenca to Quito?
The flight from Mariscal Lamar (CUE) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 196 miles (315 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cuenca to Quito flight path pass over?
The flight path follows the inter-Andean valley northward, passing over high-altitude páramo terrain, multiple Andean ridgelines running north-south, the Paute River system and its tributaries, scattered small towns and agricultural areas in the valley floor, and the transition zone between Cuenca's southern highlands and Quito's northern inter-Andean basin. Elevation remains consistently between 9,000-13,000 feet throughout the route, with terrain rising steeply on both sides of the narrow valley corridor.