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CUN → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a continuous display of coastal beauty, from the Yucatan's biosphere reserves to the Belize Barrier Reef and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.
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Sian Ka'an Reserve
A vast UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico featuring tropical forests, marshes, and mangroves.
Belize Barrier Reef
The world's second-largest reef system; look for the striking turquoise rings of the Turneffe Atoll.
Mosquito Coast
The remote and rugged coastline of Honduras and Nicaragua, covered in dense, untamed jungle.
Gatun Lake
The massive man-made lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal, visible during the descent.
Panama Canal Locks
Depending on the approach path, you may see the Cocoli or Miraflores locks from a high vantage point.
Select the right side for the best geographic diversity. You will parallel the Central American coastline for most of the flight. For the best lighting, afternoon flights are preferred on the right to avoid the direct morning sun glare while highlighting the reef colors in Belize. Keep your camera ready as you enter Panamanian airspace, as the plane often crosses the Isthmus, providing a cross-section view of the Canal.
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Cozumel Island
Visible shortly after takeoff from Cancun, look for the vibrant coral reefs and the urban center of San Miguel.
Caribbean Basin
Deep blue views of the open Caribbean Sea and the Cayman Trench during the mid-flight cruise.
Panama Bay Anchorage
Dozens of massive cargo ships and tankers waiting for their turn to transit the Panama Canal.
Panama City Skyline
On the standard approach to PTY, the left side often captures the high-rise towers of Punta Paitilla.
Pearl Islands
If the flight patterns loop south over the Pacific, these remote islands may be visible in the distance.
The left side is ideal for morning flights if you enjoy watching the sunrise over the ocean. It is also generally better for viewing the modern skyscraper skyline of Panama City during the final approach, as planes frequently bank over the Pacific Ocean before landing.
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 1,554 km (966 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min
Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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