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MEX → UIO
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City) to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the iconic Mexican volcanoes during departure and the dramatic 'Avenue of Volcanoes' upon arrival in Ecuador, with the Central American coastline visible for much of the journey.
Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl
Stunning views of these massive snow-capped volcanoes shortly after departing Mexico City.
Isthmus of Tehuantepec
The narrowest point of Mexico where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are closest.
Central American Volcanic Arc
A chain of active volcanoes stretching along the coast through Guatemala and El Salvador.
Lake Nicaragua
The largest lake in Central America, featuring the Ometepe volcanic islands.
Panama City Skyline
Glances of the high-rise buildings and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.
The Avenue of Volcanoes
As you descend into Quito, see the towering peaks of the Andes including Cayambe and Antisana.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the sun illuminate the Andean peaks. Keep your camera ready within 10 minutes of takeoff from MEX for Popocatépetl. During the descent into UIO, the left side provides the best perspective of the high-altitude inter-Andean valley.
Mexico City Urban Sprawl
A massive view of the dense urban landscape of CDMX immediately after takeoff.
Pacific Coastline
Endless views of the Pacific horizon and the rugged coastal edges of Central America.
Costa Rican Coast
Views of the lush, green Nicoya Peninsula and the deep blue waters of the Pacific.
Gulf of Panama
Watch for cargo ships lining up to enter the Panama Canal from the south.
Pichincha Volcano
The active volcano overlooking Quito, visible just before touchdown at Mariscal Sucre.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun while still enjoying the Pacific sunset. It also provides a great view of the Pichincha volcano during the final approach into Quito if the flight path comes from the north.
Distance: 3,136 km (1,949 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 41 min
Departure: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Arrival: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Route Type: International
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