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GYE → ESM
Which side of the plane to sit from José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil) to General Rivadeneira Airport (Esmeraldas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Ecuadorian coastline, featuring pristine beaches, coastal cliffs, and major port cities.
Search flights from GYE to ESM
Guayas River Estuary
Immediately after takeoff, view the massive delta system where the Guayas River meets the Gulf of Guayaquil.
Manabí Coastline
Clear views of the 'Spondylus Route' including the popular beaches of Puerto López and Ayampe.
Machalilla National Park
Look for the rugged cliffs and protected marine areas, with Isla de la Plata visible on the horizon.
Manta and Jaramijó
Fly past the prominent Port of Manta and the sprawling urban coastline of central Ecuador.
Bahía de Caráquez
Spot the impressive bridge crossing the Chone River estuary and the white buildings of the 'Eco-City'.
Esmeraldas Oil Terminal
During the descent, observe the large tankers and the industrial maritime infrastructure of the Balao terminal.
Book a window seat on the left for the best coastal panorama. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun begins to move westward, illuminating the beaches and surf without direct glare. Keep an eye out for humpback whale breaches if flying between June and September.
Get eSIMs for Ecuador
Get eSIMs for Ecuador
Guayaquil Skyline
A great view of the 'Puerto Santa Ana' development and the skyscrapers of downtown Guayaquil during the initial climb.
Daule River Basin
Aerial patterns of the vast rice paddies and banana plantations that dominate the fertile Guayas lowlands.
Chongón-Colonche Mountains
The green ridges of the coastal mountain range providing a stark contrast to the flat agricultural plains.
Distant Andes
On exceptionally clear mornings, look far to the east to see the snow-capped peaks of the Andean cordillera.
Esmeraldas Rainforests
As you head north, the landscape transforms into the dense, humid tropical forests characteristic of the Chocó region.
The right side is best for morning flights when the sun is low, potentially revealing the distant silhouettes of the Andes. It is also the better side for viewing the agricultural heart of Ecuador. Ensure your window is clean to capture the subtle green gradients of the coastal range.
Book Hotels in EsmeraldasDistance: 350 km (217 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 35 min
Departure: GYE (-2.15741991997, -79.88359832760001)
Arrival: ESM (0.9785190224647522, -79.62660217285156)
Route Type: Domestic
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