Loading map...

ORD destination photo
SAL destination photo

ORDSAL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers the most dramatic views of the Central American volcanic chain and the Pacific coastline during the descent into El Salvador.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🛤️

Mississippi River

Watch the winding curves of the Great River as you fly south over the American Heartland.

🌴

Yucatan Peninsula

Dense tropical jungles and the western edge of Mexico's famous peninsula.

🌋

Guatemalan Volcanoes

Spectacular views of high-altitude peaks like Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango in the distance.

🌊

Pacific Coastline

The striking contrast between the dark volcanic sand and the white Pacific surf during the arrival phase.

⛰️

San Salvador Volcano

The iconic 'El Boqueron' crater which towers over the metropolitan area of the capital.

The right side is superior for volcano spotting. As you descend through Guatemala and El Salvador, look for the 'Ring of Fire' peaks. Afternoon flights on this side avoid the harsh morning sun, offering clearer views of the Pacific coast. Aim for a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the volcanic craters.

Left Side Highlights
7.0
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Aerial views of the Loop and Lake Michigan shortly after takeoff from O'Hare.

🌊

Mississippi Delta

The intricate network of wetlands and bayous where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico.

🌅

Caribbean Horizon

Expansive views of the deep blue sea as the flight path skims the western Caribbean.

⛰️

Honduran Highlands

Rugged, mist-covered mountain ranges visible as the plane enters Central American airspace.

🌋

Lake Ilopango

A massive volcanic caldera lake located just east of San Salvador, seen during the final approach.

Choose this side on morning flights to see the sunrise over the water. It also provides the best perspective of the volcanic Lake Ilopango if the plane approaches from the east. Keep your camera ready during the first 10 minutes of flight for Chicago views.

Top Activities in San Salvador
Route Information

Distance: 3,175 km (1,973 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.