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PTY → CLO
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (Cali)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an exceptional view of the Pearl Islands archipelago shortly after departure and offers the most expansive panoramas of the lush Cauca Valley floor during the descent into Cali.
Panama City Skyline
A striking view of the 'Manhattan of Latin America' with its dense cluster of skyscrapers as you climb away from PTY.
Pearl Islands
The stunning Archipiélago de las Perlas appears about 15 minutes into the flight, featuring turquoise waters and emerald isles.
Darién Gap
The impenetrable and roadless jungle separating Panama and Colombia, visible as a continuous deep green canopy.
Atrato River Delta
Complex networks of silt-heavy rivers winding through the Chocó department's dense rainforest terrain.
The Cauca Valley
The final descent offers a spectacular look at the patchwork of sugar cane plantations and the wide Cauca River.
Secure a seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine exhaust doesn't blur the view of the Pearl Islands. Opt for a morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to see the geography clearly before tropical clouds typically build up over the Chocó region. The approach into Cali often involves a left-hand turn, providing a deep look into the valley floor.
Canal Approach
Distant views of massive cargo vessels and tankers waiting at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.
Pacific Coastline
The rugged, untamed Pacific shore of Colombia, where the mountains meet the sea in one of the wettest places on Earth.
Port of Buenaventura
Colombia's primary Pacific gateway, visible as a bustling urban area amidst the dense coastal mangroves.
Farallones de Cali
Dramatic and jagged mountain peaks of the Western Cordillera that dominate the skyline during the final approach into the airport.
Palmira Plains
Flat agricultural lands surrounding CLO airport, showcasing the industrial scale of Colombian sugar production.
The right side is best for mountain lovers, as the flight path runs parallel to the Western Cordillera. If flying during the late afternoon, the sun will be on this side, which can be intense; however, it provides dramatic 'golden hour' lighting on the Farallones peaks during landing. Have your camera ready for the steep mountain ridges just west of the city.
Distance: 698 km (434 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: CLO (3.54322, -76.3816)
Route Type: International
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