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DRK → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Drake Bay Airport (Puntarenas) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning combination of the Osa Peninsula coastline, the intricate Sierpe-Térraba mangrove systems, and the famous 'Whale Tail' formation near Uvita as the plane tracks north toward the Central Valley.
Drake Bay Coastline
Crystal clear turquoise waters and rugged rocky points as you depart from the remote Osa Peninsula.
Sierpe-Térraba Wetlands
The largest mangrove ecosystem in Central America, appearing as an intricate labyrinth of river channels.
Uvita Whale Tail
A perfectly shaped natural sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park that resembles a whale's tail from above.
Manuel Antonio
Aerial views of the iconic white sand beaches and the cathedral point of Costa Rica's most famous national park.
Gulf of Nicoya
As the plane turns inland, the shimmering waters of the gulf and its many islands are visible on the horizon.
Book a morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to ensure clear views before the daily tropical clouds form over the coast. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff to capture the Sierpe River delta. The 'Whale Tail' at Uvita is most prominent during low tide, so check local tide charts for the best photo opportunity.
Corcovado Interior
Deep, untouched primary rainforest canopy stretching toward the center of the Osa Peninsula.
Talamanca Mountains
The massive granite peaks of Costa Rica's highest mountain range rising sharply toward the clouds.
Cerro Chirripó
On very clear days, you can spot the highest peak in the country towering at 3,821 meters.
Central Valley Slopes
Lush green coffee plantations and terraced agriculture as you approach the San Jose metropolitan area.
Barva and Poás Volcanoes
The imposing silhouettes of the Central Volcanic Range guarding the northern edge of the Central Valley.
This side is ideal for mountain lovers. Clouds tend to hug the Talamanca peaks by midday, so early departures are essential for seeing Chirripó. As you descend into SJO, the right side provides an excellent perspective of the urban sprawl of San Jose framed against the northern volcanoes.
Distance: 155 km (96 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 16 min
Departure: DRK (8.71889019012, -83.6417007446)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: Domestic
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