While the takeoff slightly favors the right due to the coastal departure, the left side wins overall because of the sustained, dramatic Andean mountain scenery during cruise and the spectacular descent into the Cuzco valley, which offers far more terrain drama than the brief coastal view at LIM.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the western Andes cordillera, passing over high-altitude puna grasslands, snow-capped peaks near the Cordillera Vilcanota, and deep river valleys before descending into the Cuzco basin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIM
RIGHTDeparting LIM eastbound, the right side gives a brief glimpse of the Pacific coastline and Lima's urban sprawl falling away before the plane turns inland toward the Andes. It's not dramatic yet, but it's the more visually active side during initial climb.
Landing at CUZ
LEFTOn approach into Cuzco, the left side faces the high Andean peaks and terraced valley walls surrounding the Urubamba region, giving passengers a dramatic view of snow-dusted ridgelines and steep agricultural terraces as the plane descends into the Cuzco valley. The final turn into CUZ typically banks so the left side has the clearer view of the mountain-ringed valley floor.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Velazco Astete (CUZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lima to Cuzco. While the takeoff slightly favors the right due to the coastal departure, the left side wins overall because of the sustained, dramatic Andean mountain scenery during cruise and the spectacular descent into the Cuzco valley, which offers far more terrain drama than the brief coastal view at LIM.
What can I see during takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
During takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LIM eastbound, the right side gives a brief glimpse of the Pacific coastline and Lima's urban sprawl falling away before the plane turns inland toward the Andes. It's not dramatic yet, but it's the more visually active side during initial climb. Notable sights include: Lima coastline, Pacific Ocean, Callao port area, Lima's eastern districts.
What can I see when landing at Velazco Astete in Cuzco?
When landing at Velazco Astete (CUZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Cuzco, the left side faces the high Andean peaks and terraced valley walls surrounding the Urubamba region, giving passengers a dramatic view of snow-dusted ridgelines and steep agricultural terraces as the plane descends into the Cuzco valley. The final turn into CUZ typically banks so the left side has the clearer view of the mountain-ringed valley floor. Notable sights include: Andes mountain ridgelines, Urubamba Valley terraces, Cuzco city in the valley basin, Ausangate massif in the distance.
How long is the flight from Lima to Cuzco?
The flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Velazco Astete (CUZ) takes 1h 20m.
What does the Lima to Cuzco flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the western Andes cordillera, passing over high-altitude puna grasslands, snow-capped peaks near the Cordillera Vilcanota, and deep river valleys before descending into the Cuzco basin.