While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to Lima from the north provides superior views of the Andes Mountains and Pacific coastline on the left side, which are the most dramatic geographic features of this route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown EFD to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Lima is 3,117 miles (5,017 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean coast of Colombia/Venezuela, then tracks south over the Pacific. Notable features include the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (visible from altitude near the Colombian coast), the Andes cordillera running the entire length of Peru's interior (visible on the left/west side during the southern portion of cruise), and the vast Pacific Ocean dominating the right side throughout the descent into Lima. The Atacama Desert's northern reaches become visible as you approach Peru's latitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EFD
RIGHTEllington Field typically departs runways 17L/R or 35L/R. Right seats on a southbound departure (17L/R) offer views of Galveston Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast as you climb. Left seats would face inland toward Houston's sprawl with less dramatic geography.
Landing at LIM
LEFTApproaching Lima from the north, aircraft typically descend on runway 15 (northbound final approach). Left seats provide views of the Andes Mountains rising dramatically inland and the Pacific coastline. Right seats face the open ocean with less geographic interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ellington Fld (EFD) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Lima. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to Lima from the north provides superior views of the Andes Mountains and Pacific coastline on the left side, which are the most dramatic geographic features of this route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Ellington Fld in Houston?
During takeoff from Ellington Fld (EFD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ellington Field typically departs runways 17L/R or 35L/R. Right seats on a southbound departure (17L/R) offer views of Galveston Bay and the Texas Gulf Coast as you climb. Left seats would face inland toward Houston's sprawl with less dramatic geography. Notable sights include: Galveston Bay, Trinity River delta, Houston Ship Channel, Bolivar Peninsula barrier island.
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. Approaching Lima from the north, aircraft typically descend on runway 15 (northbound final approach). Left seats provide views of the Andes Mountains rising dramatically inland and the Pacific coastline. Right seats face the open ocean with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (western cordillera), Pacific Ocean, Lima coastal plain, Callao port district.
How long is the flight from Houston to Lima?
The flight from Ellington Fld (EFD) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,117 miles (5,017 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Lima flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean coast of Colombia/Venezuela, then tracks south over the Pacific. Notable features include the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (visible from altitude near the Colombian coast), the Andes cordillera running the entire length of Peru's interior (visible on the left/west side during the southern portion of cruise), and the vast Pacific Ocean dominating the right side throughout the descent into Lima. The Atacama Desert's northern reaches become visible as you approach Peru's latitude.