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GUA destination photo
IAD destination photo

GUAIAD

Our Recommendation
8.2

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌋

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
💧

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.

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Route Information

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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