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PJM → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Puerto Jimenez Airport (Puerto Jimenez) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
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.
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.
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.
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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