The right side captures the dramatic Andes departure from Lima, which is the most visually striking segment. While the left side offers good Silicon Valley and bay views on arrival, the Andes climb-out provides more distinctive natural scenery.
Flown LIM to NUQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lima to Mountain View is 4,488 miles (7,222 km), a flight of about 8 hours 55 minutes.
Over central Peru, the flight passes east of the Andes high plateau (altiplano) and crosses into the Amazon basin. Over southern Arizona and New Mexico, you'll see the Colorado Plateau, Rio Grande valley, and desert terrain. The Sierra Nevada becomes visible approaching California. Most of this route crosses remote terrain with limited ground features, making the takeoff and landing segments the primary scenic opportunities.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Andes as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Lima. The mountain range rises dramatically inland, and you'll see the snow-capped peaks of the central cordillera becoming visible within 15-20 minutes of departure.
Landing at NUQ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Moffett Field. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, and the urban sprawl of Silicon Valley (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View) laid out below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lima to Mountain View. The right side captures the dramatic Andes departure from Lima, which is the most visually striking segment. While the left side offers good Silicon Valley and bay views on arrival, the Andes climb-out provides more distinctive natural scenery.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Andes as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Lima. The mountain range rises dramatically inland, and you'll see the snow-capped peaks of the central cordillera becoming visible within 15-20 minutes of departure. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (central cordillera), Pacific Ocean coastline south of Lima, Rimac River valley, Lima urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Moffett Federal Afld in Mountain View?
When landing at Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Moffett Field. You'll see the San Francisco Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the south, and the urban sprawl of Silicon Valley (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View) laid out below. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, San Jose urban area, Silicon Valley grid pattern.
How long is the flight from Lima to Mountain View?
The flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ) takes about 8 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,488 miles (7,222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lima to Mountain View flight path pass over?
Over central Peru, the flight passes east of the Andes high plateau (altiplano) and crosses into the Amazon basin. Over southern Arizona and New Mexico, you'll see the Colorado Plateau, Rio Grande valley, and desert terrain. The Sierra Nevada becomes visible approaching California. Most of this route crosses remote terrain with limited ground features, making the takeoff and landing segments the primary scenic opportunities.