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LPB → VVI
Which side of the plane to sit from El Alto International Airport (La Paz) to Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a continuous panorama of the snow-capped Cordillera Real and the spectacular ecological transition from high-altitude peaks to the tropical Amazonian Yungas.
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Cordillera Real
A stunning sequence of Andean peaks including Huayna Potosí, stretching across the horizon shortly after takeoff.
The Yungas
The dramatic 'sea of clouds' where the Andes drop sharply into lush, steep-sloped tropical valleys.
La Paz Basin
Aerial views of the massive urban crater and the red-brick sprawl of El Alto on the plateau edge.
Amazonian Lowlands
The sudden transition into the vast, flat green expanse of the Santa Cruz department as the plane leaves the mountains.
Book a window seat on the left for the most dramatic mountain vistas. Morning flights (between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM) are highly recommended as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the glacier-covered peaks, providing excellent photography conditions. During the dry season (May to September), the visibility is usually crystal clear, offering views of the entire range.
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Get eSIMs for BoliviaMount Illimani
The iconic 6,438m peak that dominates the La Paz skyline, often passed closely on the south side during departure.
High Altiplano
The stark, haunting beauty of the high-altitude desert landscape extending toward the southern horizons.
Piray River
The winding, silty river that meanders through the landscape as the aircraft approaches Santa Cruz.
Agricultural Grids
Intricate 'radial' and 'checkerboard' farming patterns characteristic of the Santa Cruz agro-industrial zone.
The right side is excellent for seeing Mount Illimani in detail during the initial climb. For afternoon flights, this side is preferable to avoid direct solar glare. Keep an eye out for the distinct change in topography as the rugged sub-Andean folds flatten out into the Chiquitania region. Ensure you are seated behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the sharp descent into Viru Viru.
Book Hotels in Santa CruzDistance: 552 km (343 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 55 min
Departure: LPB (-16.513299942016598, -68.19229888916016)
Arrival: VVI (-17.6448, -63.135399)
Route Type: Domestic
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