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SRZ destination photo
ORU destination photo

SRZORU

Which side of the plane to sit from El Trompillo Airport (Santa Cruz) to Juan Mendoza Airport (Oruro)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers the most dramatic views of the high Andean peaks, including the northern stretches of the Cordillera Oriental and the lush, jagged sandstone formations of Amboró National Park.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

Santa Cruz Skyline

Excellent views of the expanding urban ring-road system of Bolivia's largest city immediately after takeoff.

⛰️

Amboró Volcanic Peaks

Dramatic views of the steep, jungle-covered sandstone cliffs that define this UNESCO-worthy national park.

🏔️

Cordillera Oriental

Glimpse distant snow-capped peaks of the Tunari massif and the high spine of the central Bolivian Andes.

🛤️

Cochabamba Valleys

Look down into the deep, fertile valleys that slice through the mountain ranges halfway through the flight.

🌋

Altiplano Volcanoes

As you enter the Oruro department, the flat horizon is punctuated by ancient volcanic cones.

The right side is superior for mountain photography. Choose an early morning flight to see the sunrise hitting the peaks of the Cordillera. Be sure to have your camera ready within the first 15 minutes to capture the dramatic ascent over the Amboró mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🐍

Piray River Meanders

Watch the winding brown waters of the Piray River as you depart the tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz.

🌳

Southern Amboró

View the southern edges of the 'Elbow of the Andes' where the jungle meets the first sharp mountain ridges.

🏜️

Highland Basins

See the transition into the arid valleys of the interior, characterized by reddish soil and sparse vegetation.

🧂

Lake Poopó Vistas

On clear days, the shimmering salt crusts and receding waters of Lake Poopó are visible to the south during descent.

⛪

Oruro Mining Districts

A glimpse of the historic mining infrastructure scattered across the hills surrounding Oruro city.

Sit on the left for softer lighting during morning flights. This side provides a great perspective of the vastness of the Altiplano as you approach the destination, though the sun can be quite strong in the afternoon.

Top Activities in Oruro
Route Information

Distance: 414 km (257 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 41 min

Departure: SRZ (-17.8115997314, -63.1715011597)

Arrival: ORU (-17.962600708, -67.0762023926)

Route Type: Domestic

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