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PTY → BGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Palonegro Airport (Bucaramanga)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more diverse array of landmarks, including the stunning Pearl Islands in the Pacific and a direct view of the dense Darién jungle. The final approach into Bucaramanga on this side provides a more dramatic look at the steep mountain ridges and the plateau layout of the city.
Pearl Islands
Crystal clear views of Isla Contadora and the surrounding archipelago in the Gulf of Panama shortly after departure.
Darién National Park
The vast, roadless expanse of one of the world's most dense and biodiverse tropical rainforests on the border.
Magdalena River
The massive, winding brown ribbon of Colombia's principal river as it snakes through the valley floor.
Santander Mountains
Dramatic mountain ridges and deep valleys as the plane descends toward the high-altitude Palonegro plateau.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare. Look out for the Pearl Islands about 10-15 minutes after takeoff. During the descent, keep your camera ready for the 'ledge' landing at BGA, as the airport is uniquely situated on a mountain plateau.
Panama City Skyline
Unmatched views of the coastal skyscrapers and the historic Casco Viejo district immediately after takeoff from PTY.
Panama Canal Entrance
Watch the Pacific mouth of the canal and the Bridge of the Americas as the aircraft climbs toward the south.
Gulf of Urabá
Aerial perspective of the wide Caribbean inlet where the Panamanian isthmus meets the South American continent.
Central Cordillera
The snow-capped and high-altitude peaks of the Central Andean range visible in the distance during mid-flight.
Sit in front of the wing for the best view of Panama City. This side is preferable if you want to see the Caribbean coastline in the distance during the transit over Northern Colombia. Morning flights have the best lighting for this side as the sun is to the East.
Distance: 716 km (445 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 12 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: BGA (7.1265, -73.1848)
Route Type: International
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