Loading map...
IAH → ZIH
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International Airport (Zihuatanejo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Sierra Madre Oriental's limestone ridges and the rugged, forested peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur as you descend from the high plateau toward the Pacific coast.
Search flights from IAH to ZIH
Laguna Madre
The sprawling coastal lagoon systems of the Texas and Tamaulipas border region.
Sierra Madre Oriental
Dramatic limestone mountain folds that define the eastern edge of the Mexican plateau.
Altiplano Central
The high-altitude desert landscapes and canyons of San Luis Potosí.
Nevado de Toluca
A distant but majestic view of the massive snow-capped volcanic peak to the south.
Sierra Madre del Sur
Dense, cloud-forested mountain ranges that precede the final descent into Zihuatanejo.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the illuminated mountain faces without the harsh glare of the western sun. During the final approach, look for the sharp contrast between the deep green mountains and the bright blue Pacific horizon. This side is also excellent for spotting the urban sprawl of Queretaro and Morelia in the distance.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for Mexico
South Texas Ranchland
Geometric patterns of vast cattle ranches and oil fields near the Rio Grande.
Monterrey Outskirts
Distant glimpses of the iconic Cerro de la Silla and the industrial hub of Northern Mexico.
Volcán de Colima
On very clear days, the active smoking peak of the Colima volcano can be seen to the far west.
Ixtapa Hotel Zone
A bird's-eye view of the high-rise luxury resorts lining the Playa El Palmar.
Zihuatanejo Bay
The classic horseshoe-shaped bay and the fishing village just before touchdown.
The right side is unbeatable for the final five minutes of the flight; it provides a direct view of the Ixtapa shoreline and the rugged Pacific cliffs. For afternoon or sunset flights, be prepared for intense sun glare. Use a polarizing filter if taking photos of the coastline to cut through the tropical haze.
Book Hotels in ZihuatanejoDistance: 1,510 km (938 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: ZIH (17.601600647, -101.460998535)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.