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MEX → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the volcanic arc through Central America and a spectacular aerial entry into Panama City featuring the skyline and the Pacific entrance to the Canal.
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Oaxacan Coastline
The rugged Pacific edge of Mexico with golden beaches and deep blue waters.
Guatemalan Volcanoes
A dramatic line of peaks including Fuego, which is frequently active and venting ash.
Gulf of Nicoya
The intricate coastline and island clusters of Costa Rica's Pacific side.
Panama City Skyline
A stunning view of the dense 'mini-Manhattan' skyscraper district as the plane banks for its final approach.
Bridge of the Americas
The iconic bridge spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal with cargo ships queued below.
The right side is the clear winner for the landing sequence. To maximize the experience, book an afternoon flight; the sun setting over the Pacific creates a golden glow on the Panama City skyscrapers. Keep your window shade up for the last 15 minutes of the flight to spot the long line of massive container ships waiting to enter the Canal.
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Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl
Massive snow-capped volcanoes visible shortly after departure if the aircraft turns east/southeast from MEX.
Sierra Madre de Chiapas
Dense, cloud-forested mountain ranges stretching across southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Lake Nicaragua
The largest lake in Central America, featuring the Ometepe island with its perfectly shaped volcanoes.
Gatun Lake
The vast man-made lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal, seen as you begin your descent.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the tropical sun. It offers a more serene view of the Caribbean coast and the interior lakes of Nicaragua. Watch for the 'V-shape' of the Panama Canal's northern entrance near Colon during the final 20 minutes of the flight.
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 2,411 km (1,498 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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