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GUA → TGU
Which side of the plane to sit from La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City) to Toncontín International Airport (Tegucigalpa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is significantly more scenic, offering a front-row seat to Guatemala's most iconic volcanoes immediately after takeoff and a more dramatic perspective of the hills during the famous approach into Tegucigalpa.
The Volcanic Trinity
Unobstructed views of Volcan de Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango towering over the landscape immediately south of Guatemala City.
Lake Amatitlán
A bright green volcanic lake situated in a caldera just a few miles south of the airport runway.
Pacaya Volcano
One of the most active volcanoes in the region, often seen venting steam or ash plumes shortly after departure.
Honduran Highlands
The rugged, pine-covered mountains of southern Honduras offer a dramatic, rolling landscape as the plane crosses the border.
Toncontín Hairpin Turn
Experience the famous low-altitude turn required to land at TGU, bringing you incredibly close to the surrounding hillsides.
This is the 'Volcano Side.' Choose a window seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of Fuego and Acatenango. In the rainy season (May-Oct), book the earliest flight possible to see the volcanoes before they are enveloped in clouds by mid-morning.
Guatemala City Valleys
Dramatic views of the urban sprawl built across deep 'barrancos' or ravines that characterize the city's unique geography.
Sierra de las Minas
The northern horizon features this massive mountain range, home to some of Central America's most extensive cloud forests.
Motagua River Fault
The visible geological depression marks the tectonic boundary where the North American and Caribbean plates meet.
Comayagua Valley
A wide, flat agricultural basin that serves as a visual landmark shortly before the descent into the Tegucigalpa mountains.
Tegucigalpa Urban Hills
Dense clusters of colorful houses clinging to the steep ridges surrounding the Honduran capital during the final descent.
Sit on the left if you want a better view of the northern highlands and the urban density of Guatemala City. Morning flights (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM) are best to avoid the afternoon cloud buildup that often obscures the ground in this tropical mountain region.
Distance: 361 km (224 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 36 min
Departure: GUA (14.5833, -90.527496)
Arrival: TGU (14.06089973449707, -87.21720123291016)
Route Type: International
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