Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco. While takeoff offers good river and lowland views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides the most dramatic and geographically significant scenery—the Sacred Valley's iconic gorge, terraces, and high Andean peaks are far more visually rewarding than the initial jungle departure.

During takeoff from Padre Aldamiz (PEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. PEM typically departs to the northeast on runway 02/20. Right-side seats face the Madre de Dios River valley and the transition from lowland rainforest to the first ridges of the eastern Andes. Left side shows only dense jungle canopy with minimal relief. Notable sights include: Madre de Dios River (meandering below), Puerto Maldonado town grid, transition zone between Amazon basin and Andean foothills, early ridgelines of the eastern cordillera.

When landing at Velazco Astete (CUZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. CUZ approaches from the northeast on runway 03/21. Left-side seats on descent capture the Sacred Valley's dramatic terrain—the Urubamba River gorge, agricultural terraces, and the high Andean peaks surrounding Cuzco. Right side shows only the high plateau and city approach. Notable sights include: Urubamba River gorge (deeply incised), Sacred Valley agricultural terraces and settlements, Cuzco city on the high plateau, surrounding Andean peaks above 13,000 feet.

The flight from Padre Aldamiz (PEM) to Velazco Astete (CUZ) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight climbs steadily from 2,600 feet at Puerto Maldonado to 11,000+ feet cruising altitude. The midpoint crosses the transition from Amazon lowland rainforest to montane cloud forest. The Madre de Dios River system and its tributaries are visible during climb. The eastern cordillera's ridgelines and valleys become increasingly prominent. No major cities or towns are visible in the midpoint; the landscape is predominantly forested mountains with river valleys. Weather permitting, the high peaks of the Vilcabamba range appear on the horizon as the aircraft approaches Cuzco airspace.