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CUN → SAL
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (San Salvador)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the entire length of the Belize Barrier Reef, followed by a dramatic approach into the volcanic landscape of El Salvador.
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Cancun Hotel Zone
The iconic 7-shaped strip of white sand and turquoise water visible immediately after departure.
Belize Barrier Reef
The world's second-largest reef system, featuring incredible gradients of blue and visible coral formations.
Ambergris Caye
View the largest island of Belize and the bustling town of San Pedro from a high altitude.
Gulf of Honduras
The transition from the open Caribbean to the lush, mountainous coastline of Guatemala.
Lake Ilopango
A massive volcanic caldera lake located just east of San Salvador during the final descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights (usually departing CUN between 8 AM and 11 AM) to have the sun behind you, making the Caribbean blues pop. The reef is most visible 25-40 minutes into the flight. Keep your window shade open during the descent into SAL for views of the Pacific coastline as the plane turns for its final approach.
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Yucatan Jungle
An endless canopy of tropical dry forest spanning the southern Mexican states.
Chetumal Bay
The large, shallow bay that marks the international border between Mexico and Belize.
Maya Mountains
Rugged, green peaks in southern Belize that rise sharply from the coastal plains.
Izalco Volcano
Known as the 'Lighthouse of the Pacific,' this perfectly conical volcano is visible on the approach to SAL.
Lake Coatepeque
A stunning, deep blue volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush green hills.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as you avoid the glare of the setting sun over the ocean. This side is better for spotting El Salvador's famous volcanoes like Santa Ana and Izalco. During the rainy season (May-Oct), look for towering cumulonimbus clouds over the Guatemalan highlands in the afternoon.
Book Hotels in San SalvadorDistance: 876 km (544 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Arrival: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)
Route Type: International
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