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LAX destination photo
CUN destination photo

LAXCUN

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most iconic view of the Cancun '7-shaped' Hotel Zone during the standard landing approach, along with dramatic desert vistas over the American Southwest.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏜️

Mojave Desert & Salton Sea

Shortly after takeoff, view the vast desert landscapes and the shimmering blue expanse of the Salton Sea.

🌵

Sonoran Desert

Dramatic views of the rugged peaks and arid basins across Arizona and Northern Mexico.

🌊

Gulf of Mexico Crossing

A long stretch of deep blue water before making landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula.

🏙️

Cancun Hotel Zone

The quintessential aerial view of the turquoise lagoons and high-rise hotels along the sandbar.

🏝️

Isla Mujeres

Often visible just off the coast as the plane banks for its final descent into CUN.

For the best arrival views, choose a seat toward the front or rear to avoid the wing. If the flight is during the day, the sun will be on the right side for most of the eastbound journey, making the left side better for glare-free photography. Watch closely as you cross the coastline; the transition from deep blue to turquoise is spectacular.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🏖️

Pacific Coastline

Catch glimpses of the Southern California coast and the Channel Islands during the climb out.

🏔️

Sierra Madre Oriental

Rugged, high-altitude mountain ranges visible as the flight traverses Central Mexico.

🌳

Yucatan Jungle

The dense, green canopy of the Mayan jungle stretching to the horizon as you reach the peninsula.

💎

Riviera Maya Coast

Views of the coastline stretching south toward Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

The right side can be very sunny on this route; keep your window shade partially closed to prevent cabin heat. This side is excellent for seeing the sheer scale of the Yucatan's tropical forests and the coral reefs lining the southern coast of Cancun. Look for the white wakes of ferries traveling between the mainland and Cozumel.

Top Activities in Cancun
Route Information

Distance: 3,407 km (2,117 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs

Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)

Route Type: International

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