Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Cuzco. Right seats capture the dramatic Vilcanota River gorge and Sacred Valley approach to Cusco, which is the flight's most visually distinctive segment. Takeoff views are comparable between sides, but landing advantage is decisive.

During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL typically departs northbound (runways 07L/07R or 25L/25R). Left seats face west initially, capturing the Andes' western escarpment and the Central Valley's urban sprawl. Right seats see the flat valley floor and distant eastern peaks. Notable sights include: Cordillera de los Andes (western face), Santiago metropolitan area sprawl, Mapocho River valley, Aconcagua massif (distant southern horizon).

When landing at Velazco Astete (CUZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. CUZ approaches from the northeast (typically runway 27 or 09). Right seats face south-southeast during descent, directly toward the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River gorge. Left seats see the high Andean plateau and distant peaks. Notable sights include: Vilcanota River gorge (dramatic canyon), Sacred Valley agricultural terraces, Cusco city in high-altitude basin, Ausangate massif (distant southeast).

The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Velazco Astete (CUZ) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

The flight path crosses the high Andes at approximately 15,000-18,000 feet, passing over the Altiplano plateau. Notable features include the Salado River valley system, high-altitude lakes (Laguna Chungará region visible to the east), and the transition from central Chilean peaks (Nevados de Ruiz area) to the Peruvian highlands. The terrain becomes progressively higher and more barren moving north. The Vilcanota River system becomes visible approximately 30 minutes before landing, marking entry into the Sacred Valley approach corridor.