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BGA → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Palonegro Airport (Bucaramanga) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more dramatic perspective of the Colombian Andes descent and an unparalleled view of the Pearl Islands and the Bay of Panama during the final approach into Tocumen.
Magdalena River Valley
Aerial views of Colombia's largest river system winding through the tropical lowlands shortly after departure.
Darién National Park
The dense, roadless jungle of the Darién Gap, which serves as the natural border between South and Central America.
Archipelago of the Pearls
Stunning views of the Pearl Islands, including Contadora and Isla del Rey, surrounded by turquoise Pacific waters.
Panama Bay Anchorage
Dozens of massive cargo ships and tankers anchored in the bay awaiting their transit through the Panama Canal.
Choose the left side for morning departures to have the sun behind you. During the descent, keep your camera ready for the Pearl Islands approximately 20 minutes before landing. If the flight approaches from the south, you will get a panoramic view of the Costa del Este skyscrapers and the old city (Casco Viejo).
Bucaramanga Plateau
A unique look at the 'City of Parks' built on a high plateau immediately following takeoff from Palonegro.
Gulf of Urabá
The southernmost point of the Caribbean Sea where the Colombian coastline meets the dense jungle.
Guna Yala Coastline
Distant views of the San Blas archipelago's white sand beaches and coral reefs along the Caribbean coast.
Panama City Skyline
A side view of the dense urban skyscrapers and the Cinta Costera as the plane aligns for the runway.
The right side is preferable for afternoon flights to minimize glare. While it offers fewer island views, it provides a better perspective of the Serranía del Baudó mountain range. Look out for the massive Gatun Lake in the distance if the flight path tracks further north towards the Caribbean side of the isthmus.
Distance: 716 km (445 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: BGA (7.1265, -73.1848)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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