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ATL → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the Caribbean coastline of Central America and the iconic Irazú volcano upon arrival into the Central Valley.
Search flights from ATL to SJO
Okefenokee Swamp
Vast wetlands and dark water systems of southern Georgia visible shortly after departure.
Florida Panhandle
Stunning white sand beaches and emerald waters along the northern Gulf Coast.
Caribbean Sea
Vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs as you traverse the sea south of Cuba.
Tortuguero National Park
The dense green rainforest and winding canals of Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast.
Irazú Volcano
Views of the massive summit and craters of the highest active volcano in Costa Rica during descent.
Book an early morning flight to maximize visibility as the Costa Rican Central Valley often accumulates heavy cloud cover by late morning. The left side is preferred for catching the sunrise over the Caribbean and the first glimpse of the lush Tortuguero canals before the aircraft turns for its final approach into SJO.
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Gulf of Mexico
Expansive views of the open ocean and maritime traffic heading toward the Panama Canal.
Tropical Cloudscapes
Spectacular towering cumulus formations common over the warm Caribbean waters.
Poás Volcano
Visible to the northwest of the flight path with its distinct large crater and sulfuric lake.
Coffee Plantations
A patchwork of green hills and agricultural estates surrounding the Alajuela region.
San José Skyline
The sprawling urban landscape of the capital city framed by the Talamanca Mountains.
For afternoon flights, the right side offers a beautiful view of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean in the distance. During the final descent, this side provides a better angle of the Poás Volcano and the urban sprawl of Alajuela surrounding the airport. Keep your camera ready for the steep mountain ridges just before touchdown.
Book Hotels in San JoseDistance: 2,629 km (1,634 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 30 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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