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CEN destination photo
MEX destination photo

CENMEX

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point for the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental and a prime view of the iconic twin volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, during the descent into the Valley of Mexico.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

Gulf of California

Brief but stunning views of the coastline and the Mar de Cortés immediately following departure from Obregón.

⛰️

Sierra Madre Occidental

Extensive views of the jagged peaks and deep ridges of Mexico's primary western mountain range.

🏙️

Zacatecas Highlands

The high-altitude plateau landscapes and the historic mining regions of central Mexico.

🌋

Twin Volcanoes

Dramatic, close-up views of the snow-capped Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl during the final approach phase.

🏛️

Teotihuacán Pyramids

If the flight follows the northern arrival pattern, the Sun and Moon pyramids are often visible on this side.

Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sunlight illuminating the Sierra Madre. On clear days, the descent into MEX provides one of the best aerial views of the volcanoes in North America. Keep your camera ready as you pass 15,000 feet.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏜️

Sonoran Desert

Expansive desert vistas and agricultural patterns around the Yaqui Valley shortly after takeoff.

💧

Lake Yuriria

A beautiful crater lake and wetland area located in the state of Guanajuato.

🏔️

Nevado de Toluca

The massive, extinct volcano known as Xinantécatl is visible just before entering the Mexico City basin.

🏙️

Santa Fe District

The modern skyscrapers and dense urban architecture of Mexico City's financial district during descent.

🌃

City Grid Sprawl

An incredible view of the endless sea of lights if arriving after sunset, showcasing the massive scale of the capital.

The right side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights as it avoids the harsh western sun. It offers a spectacular view of the urban landscape and the Nevado de Toluca. It is particularly striking at night when the city lights stretch to the horizon.

Top Activities in Mexico City
Route Information

Distance: 1,409 km (876 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min

Departure: CEN (27.39259910583496, -109.83300018310548)

Arrival: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)

Route Type: Domestic

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