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PJM destination photo
SJO destination photo

PJMSJO

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning sequence of coastal gems, from the calm waters of Golfo Dulce to the iconic 'Whale Tail' at Uvita and the famous beaches of Manuel Antonio, providing a perfect contrast between the Pacific Ocean and lush shoreline.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Golfo Dulce

Aerial views of one of the world's few tropical fjords, known for its deep blue waters and surrounding primary rainforest.

🛶

Sierpe Mangroves

The intricate network of the Sierpe River delta, featuring massive mangrove forests and winding waterways.

🐋

Uvita Whale Tail

The remarkable natural sand and rock formation of Marino Ballena National Park that perfectly resembles a whale's tail.

🏖️

Manuel Antonio

Iconic white sand beaches and turquoise coves of Costa Rica's most popular national park.

🌅

Pacific Horizon

Unobstructed views of the Pacific coastline stretching toward the horizon, especially vibrant during afternoon flights.

Book an early morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to avoid the coastal cloud buildup that often occurs in the afternoon. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff to capture the Uvita 'Whale Tail' formation. Polarized sunglasses will help cut the glare off the water and reveal the vibrant reef colors near the shore.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Talamanca Mountains

The rugged spine of Costa Rica, featuring some of the highest and most remote peaks in Central America.

☁️

Cerro Chirripó

On clear days, catch glimpses of the country's highest peak rising above the surrounding cloud forests.

🌴

Osa Interior

The dense, unbroken canopy of Corcovado's outskirts, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the region.

☕

Central Valley Slopes

Descending into San Jose, see the patchwork of coffee plantations and small mountain villages.

🏘️

San José Urban Sprawl

The transition from wild nature to the bustling metropolitan area of the capital city as you approach SJO.

This side is best for mountain enthusiasts. Since the Talamanca range is prone to heavy cloud cover, flying during the dry season (December to April) significantly improves your chances of seeing the peaks. During the descent into SJO, the right side often provides a better perspective of the volcanic ranges bordering the Central Valley to the north.

Top Activities in San Jose
Route Information

Distance: 191 km (119 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 19 min

Departure: PJM (8.533329963684082, -83.30000305175781)

Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)

Route Type: Domestic

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