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IAH destination photo
CUN destination photo

IAHCUN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most iconic arrival views, showcasing the vibrant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the narrow strip of the Cancun Hotel Zone during the final descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏢

Houston Skyline

Distant views of the downtown Houston skyline and the sprawling ship channel as you climb out of IAH.

🏖️

Galveston Bay

A clear view of the Texas coastline, East Bay, and the barrier islands separating the bay from the Gulf.

🛢️

Gulf Oil Rigs

Spotting isolated oil platforms and tankers dotting the deep blue waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico.

🏝️

Isla Mujeres

A stunning aerial view of the long, slender island and the surrounding reefs just off the coast of Cancun.

🌊

Cancun Hotel Zone

The famous '7' shaped hotel district nestled between the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.

Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the water. This side is superior for arrival photos, as the typical flight path loops east over the Caribbean before landing, providing a perfect angle of the beach resorts. Keep your camera ready as soon as the water turns from deep blue to bright turquoise.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌾

Texas Coastal Plains

Expansive views of the Brazos River delta and the agricultural landscapes south of Houston.

🌅

Gulf Sunset

Spectacular orange and purple hues over the open ocean during late afternoon or evening departures.

🏝️

Isla Holbox

As you reach the Yucatan Peninsula, you may spot the rustic island of Holbox on the western edge.

🌳

Yucatan Jungle

The dense, emerald-green canopy of the Mayan jungle stretching toward the horizon as the plane crosses the coastline.

🏗️

Riviera Maya Coast

Glimpses of the expanding resorts and white sand beaches along the northern corridor of the Riviera Maya.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It offers a unique perspective of the Yucatan's vast jungle interior and the less-developed western coastline. If the flight path takes an inland route, look for 'cenotes' appearing as small dark circles within the jungle green.

Top Activities in Cancun
Route Information

Distance: 1,307 km (812 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 45 min

Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)

Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)

Route Type: International

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