While takeoff offers bay views from the left, the landing approach on the right provides the most dramatic and sustained scenery—the Andes Mountains are a spectacular visual feature that dominates the final descent. The right side captures the most geographically significant landmark of the entire route.
Flown NUQ to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mountain View to Lima is 4,488 miles (7,222 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for the majority of the journey. Notable geographic transitions include: the California coast (Big Sur and Central Coast mountains visible shortly after departure if climbing over the coast), the open Pacific with minimal landmarks for 4-5 hours, then the approach to South America where the Andes become visible 200+ miles before Lima. The descent path brings views of Peru's coastal desert (one of the driest regions on Earth) and the dramatic transition from the high Andean plateau to the narrow Pacific coastal plain where Lima is situated. No significant islands or landmarks are visible during the mid-Pacific crossing at typical cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NUQ
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay shoreline and the Santa Cruz Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Moffett. The bay's distinctive shape and the peninsula's geography are prominent during initial climb.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Andes Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Lima from the southeast. The dramatic mountain range dominates the approach, and passengers also see the transition from high desert plateau to the coastal plain where Lima sits.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mountain View to Lima. While takeoff offers bay views from the left, the landing approach on the right provides the most dramatic and sustained scenery—the Andes Mountains are a spectacular visual feature that dominates the final descent. The right side captures the most geographically significant landmark of the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Moffett Federal Afld in Mountain View?
During takeoff from Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the San Francisco Bay shoreline and the Santa Cruz Mountains as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Moffett. The bay's distinctive shape and the peninsula's geography are prominent during initial climb. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (entire bay visible from altitude), Santa Cruz Mountains (southeast of departure), San Mateo Bridge or Dumbarton Bridge (crossing the bay), Stanford campus and surrounding Silicon Valley urban grid.
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. Right seats provide views of the Andes Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Lima from the southeast. The dramatic mountain range dominates the approach, and passengers also see the transition from high desert plateau to the coastal plain where Lima sits. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (eastern approach, snow-capped peaks visible), Pacific Ocean coastline (western edge of Lima), Lima city sprawl and urban districts, Callao port and harbor area.
How long is the flight from Mountain View to Lima?
The flight from Moffett Federal Afld (NUQ) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 8 hours. 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 Mountain View to Lima flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean for the majority of the journey. Notable geographic transitions include: the California coast (Big Sur and Central Coast mountains visible shortly after departure if climbing over the coast), the open Pacific with minimal landmarks for 4-5 hours, then the approach to South America where the Andes become visible 200+ miles before Lima. The descent path brings views of Peru's coastal desert (one of the driest regions on Earth) and the dramatic transition from the high Andean plateau to the narrow Pacific coastal plain where Lima is situated. No significant islands or landmarks are visible during the mid-Pacific crossing at typical cruise altitude.