The left side wins overall. The Chicago departure view is genuinely spectacular with the skyline and Lake Michigan, and during the long southward flight over Central America and the Pacific coast approach, the left side also picks up views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline and Yucatan Peninsula. The landing view on the right is good but Lima's coastal desert is less dramatic than the Chicago departure.
Flown ORD to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chicago to Lima is 3,794 miles (6,105 km), a flight of about 9 hours.
The route tracks south-southeast from Chicago over Missouri and Arkansas, then across the Gulf of Mexico toward the Yucatan Peninsula. You cross Central America — Guatemala and El Salvador — where volcanic peaks of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Central American volcanic arc are visible on clear days. The route then follows the Pacific coast of South America southward over Ecuador and northern Peru, with the Andes visible to the east as a massive snow-capped cordillera and the arid Peruvian coastal desert below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
LEFTORD's most common departure is on runways 10L/10R heading east, then turning south. A left seat gives you a clear look back over downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as you bank south. The lakefront grid and Grant Park area are unmistakable from this angle.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTLIM typically uses runway 15 for arrivals, approaching from the north over the Pacific coast. A right seat gives you the view inland toward the Andes foothills and the sprawling Lima metro as you descend along the coast. The contrast between the Pacific Ocean and the desert coastal cliffs is sharp and distinctive.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Lima. The left side wins overall. The Chicago departure view is genuinely spectacular with the skyline and Lake Michigan, and during the long southward flight over Central America and the Pacific coast approach, the left side also picks up views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline and Yucatan Peninsula. The landing view on the right is good but Lima's coastal desert is less dramatic than the Chicago departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Left side for the best views. ORD's most common departure is on runways 10L/10R heading east, then turning south. A left seat gives you a clear look back over downtown Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan's shoreline as you bank south. The lakefront grid and Grant Park area are unmistakable from this angle. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Grant Park/Museum Campus, Chicago River corridor.
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. LIM typically uses runway 15 for arrivals, approaching from the north over the Pacific coast. A right seat gives you the view inland toward the Andes foothills and the sprawling Lima metro as you descend along the coast. The contrast between the Pacific Ocean and the desert coastal cliffs is sharp and distinctive. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Lima urban sprawl, Miraflores coastal cliffs, Andean foothills to the east.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Lima?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 9 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,794 miles (6,105 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chicago to Lima flight path pass over?
The route tracks south-southeast from Chicago over Missouri and Arkansas, then across the Gulf of Mexico toward the Yucatan Peninsula. You cross Central America — Guatemala and El Salvador — where volcanic peaks of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Central American volcanic arc are visible on clear days. The route then follows the Pacific coast of South America southward over Ecuador and northern Peru, with the Andes visible to the east as a massive snow-capped cordillera and the arid Peruvian coastal desert below.