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GUA → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an incredible sequence starting with the Guatemalan volcanic arc, followed by the Mississippi Delta's intricate wetlands and the long, rolling ridges of the Appalachian Mountains.
Guatemalan Volcanic Chain
Spectacular views of Volcán de Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango immediately after departure from GUA.
Petén Lowlands
Vast stretches of tropical rainforest and agricultural mosaics in northern Guatemala.
Mississippi River Delta
The complex bird's-foot delta where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Appalachian Ridges
Dramatic views of the parallel ridges and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the descent.
Shenandoah Valley
The picturesque patchwork of farms and forests in Virginia just before arriving at Dulles.
Sit on the left for morning or mid-day flights to avoid direct sun glare. Ensure your camera is ready within 5 minutes of takeoff for the best volcano shots. This side is also superior for sunset views if flying on an afternoon departure.
Lake Izabal
Guatemala's largest lake and the surrounding Dulce River ecosystem.
Yucatán Peninsula
The flat, limestone landscape of eastern Mexico and the turquoise reefs of the Caribbean coast.
Gulf Coast Beaches
The white sands of the Florida Panhandle and Alabama shoreline as you cross into US airspace.
Southeastern Metros
Distant views of major hubs like Atlanta or Charlotte depending on the specific flight corridor.
DC Outer Suburbs
Sprawling views of Northern Virginia's landscape and the Potomac River during final approach.
The right side is ideal for sunrise views on early morning flights. Keep an eye out for the distinct color transition in the water when flying over the edge of the Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico.
Distance: 2,996 km (1,862 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs
Departure: GUA (14.5833, -90.527496)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: International
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