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MAD → GUA
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this westbound transatlantic route, offering indirect lighting that is perfect for photography, views of the Azores, the turquoise reefs of the Bahamas, and the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Guatemalan highlands upon arrival.
Portuguese Coast
The transition from the Iberian Peninsula into the vast Atlantic near Porto or Lisbon.
Azores Archipelago
Depending on the flight path, the volcanic peaks of the Azores may be visible in the mid-Atlantic.
Bahamian Cays
Stunning contrasts between deep ocean blue and the bright turquoise of the shallow sandbanks.
Yucatan Rainforest
The vast, unbroken green canopy of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve in Northern Guatemala.
Cuchumatanes Mountains
The highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America, visible during the descent.
Fuego & Acatenango
Views of the active Volcán de Fuego and its twin, Acatenango, to the west of the flight path.
The right side offers the best lighting for photography as the sun is positioned on the opposite side of the plane. You will have a better chance of spotting the Bahamas and the dense jungles of the Petén region. During the descent into La Aurora, the right side typically offers the most dramatic views of the active volcanoes.
Toledo & Central Spain
Aerial views of the historic plains and the Tajo river winding south of Madrid.
Sargasso Sea
Deep blue Atlantic waters known for unique currents and historical maritime significance.
Hispaniola Coastline
The rugged southern coast of the Dominican Republic and Haiti's mountainous terrain.
Guatemala City Metro
A sweeping view of the high-altitude urban sprawl and deep ravines of the capital.
Volcán de Agua
The perfectly symmetrical cone dominating the southern horizon during the final approach.
On this westbound flight, the sun remains on the left (southern) side of the aircraft for the duration. While this provides bright light, it often creates significant glare and heat. Choose this side if you want to see the southern Caribbean islands and the urban layout of Guatemala City during the landing pattern.
Distance: 8,709 km (5,412 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 15 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: GUA (14.5833, -90.527496)
Route Type: International
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