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MEX → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular front-row seat to the Pacific coastline and the dramatic volcanic arc stretching from Guatemala through El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Search flights from MEX to SJO
Pacific Coastline
Continuous views of the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Guatemalan Volcanoes
Unrivaled views of the towering Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango peaks near Antigua Guatemala.
Gulf of Fonseca
The scenic volcanic islands where the borders of El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua meet.
Gulf of Nicoya
The large, island-dotted inlet of Costa Rica visible as the plane begins its final approach.
The right side is the 'Volcano Side' for most of the Central American leg. It is especially breathtaking during late afternoon flights as the sun sets over the Pacific. Look for the active Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala; it frequently emits small plumes of ash visible from cruising altitude.
Book Hotels in San JoseMexican Volcanic Axis
Stunning views of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl shortly after takeoff from Mexico City.
Sierra Madre de Chiapas
Dense, cloud-forested mountain ranges stretching across southern Mexico and Guatemala.
Lake Nicaragua
The massive expanse of 'Cocibolca' including the twin volcanic peaks of Ometepe Island.
Irazú and Turrialba
High-altitude Costa Rican volcanoes visible during the final descent into the Central Valley.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the afternoon sun. This side is superior for capturing the iconic Mexican volcanoes right after departure. Keep an eye out for the massive inland sea of Lake Nicaragua about 30-40 minutes before landing.
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Get eSIMs for Costa RicaDistance: 1,910 km (1,187 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 33 min
Departure: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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