While takeoff favors left seats for Andes views, the landing approach into Lima provides more visually distinctive features (Pacific coastline, river valley, coastal city districts) that make right seats the better overall choice for this route.
Flown SCL to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santiago to Lima is 1,530 miles (2,462 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
The flight path travels north-northwest along the western edge of the Andes. Notable features include the Atacama Desert region (extremely arid, sparse vegetation), the Ica Valley agricultural zone, and the coastal Nazca region. The Pacific Ocean remains visible to the west throughout most of the flight. The Andes cordillera runs parallel along the eastern horizon, with peaks gradually becoming more prominent as the aircraft approaches Lima.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SCL
LEFTSCL typically departs runway 07 (westbound) or 25 (northbound). Left seats offer the best view of the Andes cordillera rising immediately west and north of Santiago during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward the central valley with less dramatic topography.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTLIM uses runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 15L/15R (southbound). Right seats during descent into Lima offer views of the Pacific coastline, the Rimac River valley, and the city's coastal districts. Left seats face inland toward the Andes foothills with less distinctive urban features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santiago to Lima. While takeoff favors left seats for Andes views, the landing approach into Lima provides more visually distinctive features (Pacific coastline, river valley, coastal city districts) that make right seats the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International in Santiago?
During takeoff from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL), sit on the Left side for the best views. SCL typically departs runway 07 (westbound) or 25 (northbound). Left seats offer the best view of the Andes cordillera rising immediately west and north of Santiago during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward the central valley with less dramatic topography. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (western escarpment), Maipo River valley, Santiago urban sprawl, Cerro San Cristóbal.
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 uses runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 15L/15R (southbound). Right seats during descent into Lima offer views of the Pacific coastline, the Rimac River valley, and the city's coastal districts. Left seats face inland toward the Andes foothills with less distinctive urban features. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean, Rimac River valley, Lima coastal districts (Miraflores, San Isidro), Andes foothills.
How long is the flight from Santiago to Lima?
The flight from Arturo Merino Benitez International (SCL) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,530 miles (2,462 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santiago to Lima flight path pass over?
The flight path travels north-northwest along the western edge of the Andes. Notable features include the Atacama Desert region (extremely arid, sparse vegetation), the Ica Valley agricultural zone, and the coastal Nazca region. The Pacific Ocean remains visible to the west throughout most of the flight. The Andes cordillera runs parallel along the eastern horizon, with peaks gradually becoming more prominent as the aircraft approaches Lima.