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PHX destination photo
PVR destination photo

PHXPVR

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior mix of rugged mountain ranges, massive copper mines, and a spectacular view of the Puerto Vallarta city skyline and the Sierra Madre mountains during the final approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌵

Santa Cruz River Valley

Aerial views of the lush riparian corridor stretching south from Tucson toward the Mexican border.

⛏️

Sonoran Copper Mines

Glimpse the massive, colorful terraced pits of the Cananea mine, one of the largest in the world.

🏔️

Sierra Madre Occidental

Dramatic views of high-altitude peaks and deep canyons as the flight traverses mainland Mexico.

🏙️

Mazatlán Coastline

A clear view of the 'Pearl of the Pacific' with its long malecon and prominent lighthouse hill.

🌴

Puerto Vallarta Skyline

On approach, enjoy views of the Hotel Zone and the iconic red-tiled roofs of the Romantic Zone against the jungle backdrop.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, providing better lighting for photos of the Sierra Madre. During the final descent into PVR (landing south on Runway 22), the left side provides the best view of the downtown area and the Los Arcos rock formations in the distance.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🌋

Pinacate Volcanic Field

Look for the stark, dark volcanic craters and ancient lava flows of the Gran Desierto de Altar.

🌊

Sea of Cortez

Vast expanses of deep blue water where the desert meets the sea, often showing vibrant turquoise shallows.

🏝️

Isla Tiburón

The largest island in Mexico, featuring rugged terrain and uninhabited coastal beauty.

🐋

Banderas Bay Entrance

As the plane turns for landing, see the massive mouth of the bay where humpback whales are often spotted from Dec-Mar.

🏖️

Punta Mita

The luxurious northern tip of the bay, home to exclusive resorts and white sand beaches.

Choose the right side for afternoon flights to witness spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of California. This side is also excellent for spotting the Marietas Islands during the banking turn into the bay. If the flight lands from the south (Runway 04), the right side offers the best view of the coastline and marina.

Top Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Route Information

Distance: 1,567 km (974 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 5 min

Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)

Arrival: PVR (20.680099487304688, -105.25399780273438)

Route Type: International

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