The Andes approach into Lima on the right side is one of the most geographically dramatic arrival sequences in South America, with the contrast between the Pacific coastal desert and the snow-capped Cordillera being genuinely spectacular. The Frankfurt departure on the left is good but relatively brief. Over the Atlantic the difference is minimal, but the Andes arrival tips the balance decisively to the right side for the full journey.
Flown FRA to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Frankfurt to Lima is 6,664 miles (10,724 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks southwest over France and the Iberian Peninsula, crossing the Canary Islands area, then over the open South Atlantic. The flight crosses the equator roughly over the Atlantic Ocean west of Africa. As the route approaches South America it crosses the Brazilian coast near Recife or Fortaleza, then tracks over the Amazon Basin — a vast unbroken green canopy visible on clear days — before crossing the Andes and descending to Lima on the Pacific coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FRA
LEFTFrankfurt typically departs on runway 07L/25R or 18 depending on wind. Westbound departures on 25R bank left over the city, giving the left side a clear view of Frankfurt's skyline and the Main River bending through the city. The right side faces industrial areas and flat Hessian countryside.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTJorge Chavez typically lands on runway 15 or 33. On the common runway 15 approach from the north, aircraft track southward along the coast. The right side faces east toward the Andes, which on clear days show the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Occidental rising dramatically above the coastal desert. The left side faces the Pacific Ocean, which is featureless open water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Frankfurt to Lima. The Andes approach into Lima on the right side is one of the most geographically dramatic arrival sequences in South America, with the contrast between the Pacific coastal desert and the snow-capped Cordillera being genuinely spectacular. The Frankfurt departure on the left is good but relatively brief. Over the Atlantic the difference is minimal, but the Andes arrival tips the balance decisively to the right side for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
During takeoff from Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt typically departs on runway 07L/25R or 18 depending on wind. Westbound departures on 25R bank left over the city, giving the left side a clear view of Frankfurt's skyline and the Main River bending through the city. The right side faces industrial areas and flat Hessian countryside. Notable sights include: Frankfurt Bankenviertel skyline, Main River curves through the city, Taunus hills to the northwest, Rhine River visible in the distance to the west.
What can I see when landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
When landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Jorge Chavez typically lands on runway 15 or 33. On the common runway 15 approach from the north, aircraft track southward along the coast. The right side faces east toward the Andes, which on clear days show the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Occidental rising dramatically above the coastal desert. The left side faces the Pacific Ocean, which is featureless open water. Notable sights include: Cordillera Occidental Andes peaks to the east, Lima urban sprawl along the coast, Rimac River valley cutting inland, Pacific Ocean coastline and cliffs of Miraflores.
How long is the flight from Frankfurt to Lima?
The flight from Frankfurt Main (FRA) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,664 miles (10,724 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Frankfurt to Lima flight path pass over?
The route tracks southwest over France and the Iberian Peninsula, crossing the Canary Islands area, then over the open South Atlantic. The flight crosses the equator roughly over the Atlantic Ocean west of Africa. As the route approaches South America it crosses the Brazilian coast near Recife or Fortaleza, then tracks over the Amazon Basin — a vast unbroken green canopy visible on clear days — before crossing the Andes and descending to Lima on the Pacific coast.