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CLT → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior vantage point for witnessing the dramatic transition from the Florida Everglades to the massive Lake Nicaragua and the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Central.
Everglades Wetlands
Observe the vast, intricate water patterns and sawgrass prairies of the Florida Everglades and the Gulf Coast.
Lake Nicaragua
A massive inland sea featuring the stunning sight of Ometepe Island with its two distinct volcanic cones.
Momotombo Volcano
The perfectly symmetrical volcanic peak located on the northern shores of Lake Managua in Nicaragua.
Gulf of Nicoya
Stunning views of the Pacific coastline, including the turquoise inlets and various islands of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Poás Volcano
Spot the active steam vents and the massive crater of Poás as the flight maneuvers for its final descent into SJO.
The right side is the clear winner for geographic landmarks. To avoid the frequent afternoon cloud cover in the tropics, book a morning flight. Keep your camera ready as you pass over Nicaragua; the view of the twin volcanoes on Ometepe Island is a highlight of the trip.
Piedmont Plateau
View the rolling green forests and sprawling suburban landscapes of North and South Carolina shortly after takeoff.
Florida East Coast
Look for the distant glow of the Atlantic shoreline and the dense urban sprawl of the South Florida corridor.
Caribbean Expanse
An endless horizon of deep turquoise waters as the aircraft crosses the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba.
Irazú Volcano
On the final approach, the massive crater of Costa Rica's tallest volcano is visible on the eastern edge of the valley.
Choose the left side for beautiful sunrises over the Atlantic on early morning departures. During the dry season (December to April), you are more likely to have a clear view of the Turrialba and Irazú volcanoes as you descend into the San José area.
Distance: 2,824 km (1,755 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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