While takeoff favors left for the Pacific coastal view, the landing approach over the Andes volcanic landscape and Pichincha is more geographically dramatic and memorable. Right seats capture the most distinctive feature of the entire route—the high-altitude Andean terrain during descent into Quito.
Flown LIM to UIO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lima to Quito is 826 miles (1,330 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path climbs northwestward from Lima's coastal plain, crossing the western Andes slopes around 15,000-18,000 feet. The midpoint crosses the high inter-Andean plateau (altiplano) at roughly 10,000-12,000 feet elevation, where sparse vegetation and high-altitude lakes become visible. The route then descends into Ecuador's inter-Andean valley, passing east of the Ecuadorian coastal range. Notable features include the snow-capped peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes (Cotopaxi region) visible to the east on clear days, and the transition from Peru's arid western slopes to Ecuador's greener, wetter highland valleys.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIM
LEFTLima typically departs runway 03 (northbound). Left seats face west toward the Pacific Ocean and the coastal cliffs of Miraflores and Barranco districts, while right seats see inland desert and urban sprawl. The ocean view is more dramatic and geographically distinctive.
Landing at UIO
RIGHTQuito typically lands runway 28 (westbound descent). Right seats face south and southwest toward the Pichincha volcanic complex and the Andes ridge line that dominates the approach. Left seats see the city and northern valleys. The volcanic terrain and high-altitude mountain scenery is more visually striking during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lima to Quito. While takeoff favors left for the Pacific coastal view, the landing approach over the Andes volcanic landscape and Pichincha is more geographically dramatic and memorable. Right seats capture the most distinctive feature of the entire route—the high-altitude Andean terrain during descent into Quito.
What can I see during takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
During takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Lima typically departs runway 03 (northbound). Left seats face west toward the Pacific Ocean and the coastal cliffs of Miraflores and Barranco districts, while right seats see inland desert and urban sprawl. The ocean view is more dramatic and geographically distinctive. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Miraflores cliffs, Barranco district waterfront, Lima urban grid extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito?
When landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Quito typically lands runway 28 (westbound descent). Right seats face south and southwest toward the Pichincha volcanic complex and the Andes ridge line that dominates the approach. Left seats see the city and northern valleys. The volcanic terrain and high-altitude mountain scenery is more visually striking during descent. Notable sights include: Pichincha volcano, Andes ridge line, Quito urban basin, inter-Andean valley.
How long is the flight from Lima to Quito?
The flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 826 miles (1,330 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lima to Quito flight path pass over?
The flight path climbs northwestward from Lima's coastal plain, crossing the western Andes slopes around 15,000-18,000 feet. The midpoint crosses the high inter-Andean plateau (altiplano) at roughly 10,000-12,000 feet elevation, where sparse vegetation and high-altitude lakes become visible. The route then descends into Ecuador's inter-Andean valley, passing east of the Ecuadorian coastal range. Notable features include the snow-capped peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes (Cotopaxi region) visible to the east on clear days, and the transition from Peru's arid western slopes to Ecuador's greener, wetter highland valleys.