The left side delivers the more complete visual story: a glimpse of the Andean valley on departure and, more importantly, a sustained, dramatic view of Lima's coastline and cityscape during the final approach, whereas the right side's strong moment (Ausangate) is brief and followed by a largely featureless ocean view on landing.
Flight Path
The route crosses the high Andean plateau near Ayacucho and Huancavelica, over folded brown ridgelines and occasional snow patches on higher peaks, before the terrain flattens into the arid coastal plain and desert foothills approaching Lima.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from CUZ
RIGHTDeparting CUZ on runway 10, the initial climb heads east out of the Cuzco basin before turning toward Lima. Looking south from the right side, passengers get a clear view of the high Vilcanota range, dominated by the glaciated summit of Ausangate, rising sharply above the Andean ridgelines around the city.

Landing at LIM
LEFTLIM's approach for runway 16 brings the aircraft in on a southeast heading with the coastline and city on the inland side. From the left side, passengers see Lima's dense urban sprawl and the dramatic coastal cliffs near Miraflores and Barranco as the plane descends toward the Pacific shoreline.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Velazco Astete (CUZ) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cuzco to Lima. The left side delivers the more complete visual story: a glimpse of the Andean valley on departure and, more importantly, a sustained, dramatic view of Lima's coastline and cityscape during the final approach, whereas the right side's strong moment (Ausangate) is brief and followed by a largely featureless ocean view on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Velazco Astete in Cuzco?
During takeoff from Velazco Astete (CUZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CUZ on runway 10, the initial climb heads east out of the Cuzco basin before turning toward Lima. Looking south from the right side, passengers get a clear view of the high Vilcanota range, dominated by the glaciated summit of Ausangate, rising sharply above the Andean ridgelines around the city. Notable sights include: Ausangate (6,384m), Vilcanota mountain range, Cuzco city and valley floor, surrounding Andean ridgelines.
What can I see when landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
When landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Left side for the best views. LIM's approach for runway 16 brings the aircraft in on a southeast heading with the coastline and city on the inland side. From the left side, passengers see Lima's dense urban sprawl and the dramatic coastal cliffs near Miraflores and Barranco as the plane descends toward the Pacific shoreline. Notable sights include: Miraflores and Barranco coastal cliffs, Lima's urban sprawl, Rímac river valley, Pacific shoreline near Callao.
How long is the flight from Cuzco to Lima?
The flight from Velazco Astete (CUZ) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Cuzco to Lima flight path pass over?
The route crosses the high Andean plateau near Ayacucho and Huancavelica, over folded brown ridgelines and occasional snow patches on higher peaks, before the terrain flattens into the arid coastal plain and desert foothills approaching Lima.