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MIA destination photo
SJO destination photo

MIASJO

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the stunning volcanoes that define the Costa Rican landscape and the beautiful transition from the Caribbean coast into the lush Central Valley.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏖️

Miami & Florida Keys

Spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, Key Largo, and the turquoise waters of the upper Florida Keys immediately after takeoff.

🇨🇺

Northern Cuba

Depending on the flight path, you may see the vibrant coastline of Havana or the Matanzas province as you cross the island.

🌊

Caribbean Sea

Deep blue expanses of the Caribbean, occasionally dotted with cargo ships heading toward the Panama Canal.

🐢

Tortuguero Coastline

As you enter Costa Rican airspace, look for the intricate canal systems and dense rainforests of the Caribbean coast.

🌋

Irazú & Turrialba Volcanoes

Dramatic views of these massive volcanic peaks that guard the eastern edge of the Central Valley.

🏘️

San José Cityscape

A detailed view of the urban sprawl and lush coffee plantations within the Meseta Central during final descent.

Choose a morning flight to see the sun illuminate the Caribbean coast. Sitting on the left is superior for viewing the massive Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes during the descent into SJO. Avoid wing-obstructing seats for the best photos of the Costa Rican rainforest transition.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🐊

The Everglades

Aerial views of the 'River of Grass' and the unique swamp ecosystems of Southern Florida during the climb.

⛰️

Western Cuba Mountains

Potential views of the limestone karsts in the Viñales Valley if the route tracks further west.

🇳🇮

Nicaraguan Shoreline

The transition from the Caribbean Sea to the rugged terrain of eastern Nicaragua and northern Costa Rica.

🌋

Poás Volcano

The active crater of Poás is often visible to the west as the plane maneuvers for its landing at Juan Santamaria.

🌲

Alajuela Highlands

Green, rolling hills and agricultural terraces characteristic of the Alajuela province.

The right side offers great sunset views on afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for the Everglades shortly after MIA takeoff. During the final approach, this side often gets a closer look at Poás Volcano and the hills of Alajuela as the plane turns toward the runway.

Top Activities in San Jose
Route Information

Distance: 1,805 km (1,122 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min

Departure: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)

Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)

Route Type: International

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