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PHX → PVR
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (Puerto Vallarta)?
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.
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.
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.
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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