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LPB → TJA
Which side of the plane to sit from El Alto International Airport (La Paz) to Capitan Oriel Lea Plaza Airport (Tarija)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Central and the iconic Mount Illimani immediately after takeoff, followed by stunning transitions into deep Andean valleys.
Mount Illimani
Visible immediately after takeoff from El Alto, this 6,438m peak provides the most iconic skyline view of the Bolivian Andes.
Cordillera Central
Continuous views of the rugged, glacier-topped mountain range that separates the high plateau from the tropical lowlands.
Cerro Rico de Potosí
On clear days, the historic 'Rich Hill' of Potosí can be spotted in the distance as the plane traverses the southern highlands.
The Yungas Edge
Deep, lush green valleys where the high mountains drop off sharply into the humid cloud forests.
Tarija Valley
During the final descent, the landscape shifts to the fertile, green patchwork of Bolivia's premier wine-growing region.
Book a window seat on the left (usually 'A' seats) for early morning flights to catch the sun hitting the eastern glaciers. This side is superior for seeing the highest peaks of the Andes during the first 20 minutes of flight. Avoid seats directly over the wing for better photography of the descent into Tarija's basin.
High Altiplano
The vast, desolate beauty of the high-altitude plateau stretching toward the horizon.
Lake Uru Uru
Shimmering shallow waters near the city of Oruro, often attracting Andean flamingos visible as pink specks from lower altitudes.
Sajama Volcano
In the far western distance, Bolivia's highest peak can sometimes be seen rising above the Altiplano floor.
Mineral Deserts
Stunning geological formations with earth tones ranging from deep ochre to bright red near the southern reaches of the flight.
Eroded Canyons
The stark, wind-carved landscapes and dry riverbeds that characterize the approach into the Tarija department.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun illuminates the Altiplano without direct glare into the window. It offers better views of the vastness of the plateau and the distant volcanic peaks of the western cordillera. Look out for the 'checkerboard' patterns of high-altitude agriculture near Oruro.
Distance: 670 km (416 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: LPB (-16.513299942016598, -68.19229888916016)
Arrival: TJA (-21.5557003021, -64.7013015747)
Route Type: Domestic
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