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GUA → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the 'Ring of Fire,' showcasing a continuous chain of active volcanoes from Guatemala through El Salvador and Nicaragua, culminating in the lush lakes and mountains of Costa Rica.
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Guatemalan Giants
Immediately after takeoff, view the massive peaks of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango towering over the highlands.
Salvadoran Volcanic Chain
Clear views of the Santa Ana and Izalco volcanoes, often seen venting steam against the green landscape.
Lake Managua
A massive view of the Xolotlán lake with the perfectly conical Momotombo volcano standing guard on its shores.
Ometepe Island
Located in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, you can see the two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, rising directly out of the water.
Cordillera Central
As you descend into Costa Rica, witness the dense, cloud-covered peaks of the volcanic central mountain range.
Book an early morning flight (before 9:00 AM) to ensure the best visibility, as clouds typically build up around the volcanic peaks by midday. This side is unparalleled for photography of the Central American volcanic arc. If the flight is during the rainy season (May-Oct), the morning window is even more critical.
Get eSIMs for Guatemala
Get eSIMs for Costa RicaPacific Coastline
Continuous views of the rugged Pacific shorelines of El Salvador and Nicaragua throughout the cruise portion.
Gulf of Fonseca
A stunning geographic feature where the borders of El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua meet in a bay dotted with islands.
Nicaraguan Emerald Coast
Aerial views of famous surf spots and the crescent-shaped bay of San Juan del Sur.
Nicoya Peninsula
The deep green forests and white sand beaches of northern Costa Rica's famous 'Blue Zone' region.
Central Valley Descent
On final approach, see the urban sprawl of Alajuela and the coffee plantations surrounding the airport.
Choose the right side for late afternoon flights to enjoy spectacular Pacific sunsets over the ocean. It also provides a better view of the Nicoya Peninsula's intricate coastline during the descent. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Gulf of Fonseca, which is one of the most unique geographic formations in the region.
Book Hotels in San JoseDistance: 855 km (531 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: GUA (14.5833, -90.527496)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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