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IAH destination photo
LIM destination photo

IAHLIM

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side provides the most dramatic views of the Andean peaks and the transition from the Caribbean Sea to the South American mainland.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Gulf of Mexico

Deep blue expanses shortly after departing Houston's coastal plains.

🏝️

Yucatán Peninsula

Aerial views of the Mexican coastline and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

🚢

Panama Canal Entry

A glimpse of the Atlantic entrance and the Gatun Lake system during the transit over the isthmus.

⛰️

High Andes

Stunning snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca as the flight tracks south through Peru.

🌵

Peruvian High Desert

The stark and beautiful arid landscapes that precede the descent into the Lima valley.

The left side is superior for daytime flights to capture the morning light hitting the Andes. Ensure you are seated behind the wing for unobstructed views of the Panama Canal crossing, which typically occurs mid-flight. If taking the overnight flight, this side offers a spectacular sunrise over the Amazon basin to the east as you approach the mountains.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌅

Pacific Sunset

Uninterrupted views of the sun setting over the Pacific horizon on evening departures.

🌋

Central American Volcanic Arc

Distant sightings of the volcanic peaks lining the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

🌉

Panama City Skyline

The modern skyscrapers of Panama City and the Bridge of the Americas at the canal's Pacific exit.

🌊

Peruvian Shoreline

The dramatic meeting point where the Pacific waves crash against the desert cliffs of the Peruvian coast.

Choose the right side if you are on an evening flight to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific. During the approach to Lima, this side often offers a better view of the ocean and the San Lorenzo Island. Be aware that coastal fog (garúa) is common in Lima, which can obscure ground views during the final minutes of the descent regardless of the side chosen.

Top Activities in Lima
Route Information

Distance: 5,062 km (3,145 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 57 min

Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Arrival: LIM (-12.0219, -77.114305)

Route Type: International

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