Lima to Santiago: what the LIM to SCL corridor looks like
- Departure
- Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru
- Arrival
- Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, Santiago, Chile
- Great-circle distance
- 2,461 km (1,329 nm)
- Typical airborne time
- 3h 22m
- Usual cruise levels
- FL330 to FL390
- Initial track
- southbound
Route overview
Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru, to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile, is a great-circle distance of 2,461 km, about 1,329 nautical miles. At typical jet cruise speeds, and with an allowance for climb, descent and approach, that works out to roughly 3h 22m of airborne time. The great-circle track leaves Lima southbound and spends most of the flight in tropical air.
Mountain wave over the Andes
The Andes are one of the most reliable mountain wave generators in the world, and this track crosses them. The wave section is short and geographically fixed, which makes it easy to brief in advance. Cruise on either side of the ridge is generally smooth.
Cruise altitudes on this sector
Medium haul sectors typically level off between FL330 and FL390, with a single step climb once fuel burn has lightened the aircraft. Choice of level matters because turbulence is layered: a change of two or three thousand feet often puts the aircraft into calmer air, and that is one of the first adjustments a crew will request.
Seasonal pattern
The southern hemisphere winter, roughly June to September, brings the strongest westerly flow over the Andes. December to February crossings are usually the gentler ones.
Flying this route with less worry
Turbulence on this corridor is a comfort issue rather than a safety one. Airliners are certified to handle loads well beyond anything the atmosphere produces here, crews are trained for it, and the seat belt sign is the tool that keeps the cabin settled. What this page adds is knowing in advance: the map and Calmness Score above use current WAFS forecast data for LIM to SCL, so you can see what to expect before you board.