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CTG → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Rafael Nuñez International Airport (Cartagena) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this short hop as it offers breathtaking views of the Guna Yala (San Blas) coral archipelagos and typically provides the iconic view of the Panama City skyline and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal during the descent into PTY.
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Guna Yala Archipelago
Spectacular views of the San Blas Islands, appearing as tiny white-sand dots surrounded by turquoise coral reefs.
Panama Canal Entrance
As the plane banks for arrival, you can see the line of massive cargo ships waiting to enter the Canal in the Bay of Panama.
Panama City Skyline
The dense cluster of glass skyscrapers along the Pacific coast, often referred to as the 'Miami of Latin America'.
Bridge of the Americas
On a clear day and specific approach, the landmark bridge spanning the Pacific entrance to the Canal is visible.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. Request a seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the San Blas islands. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for the Panama City skyline. During the final descent into PTY, the plane often makes a U-turn over the Pacific, which perfectly frames the city and canal entrance for right-side passengers.
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Cartagena Skyline
Immediate views of the Bocagrande peninsula and the historic walled city right after takeoff.
Tierra Bomba Island
A large island just outside Cartagena's bay featuring colonial fortifications and rural landscapes.
Darien Gap
Dense, impenetrable rainforest spanning the border between Colombia and Panama, visible as the flight crosses the isthmus.
Gulf of San Miguel
The complex estuarine system on the Pacific side of Panama visible during the southern approach pattern.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh tropical sun glare. This side is better if the flight path takes a more inland southern route, providing a deep look into the remote Darien jungle. Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from CTG for the best shots of the Colombian coastline.
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Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 451 km (280 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: CTG (10.4424, -75.513)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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