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PTY → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route as it offers the best chance to view the Pearl Islands shortly after takeoff and the world-famous coastline and landmarks of Rio de Janeiro during the final approach into Galeão.
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Archipiélago de las Perlas
Stunning turquoise waters and white sand islands shortly after departing Panama City.
Amazon River System
Views of massive, winding river bends cutting through the dense tropical jungle.
Cerrado Plateau
The transition from the Amazon to the vast tropical savanna of central Brazil.
Costa Verde
The dramatic meeting of the Serra do Mar mountains and the Atlantic Ocean near Rio.
Rio Landmarks
Frequent views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain during the final turn into GIG.
Choose the right side for the 'scenic arrival.' Depending on wind direction, the final approach often involves a turn over the ocean that provides a panorama of Copacabana and Ipanema. Aim for a window seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the jungle floor.
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Panama Bay
Aerial views of the ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal south of the city.
Colombian Andes
The rugged terrain of the Cordillera Central as the flight heads southeast.
Amazon Basin
Deep, unbroken green canopy and the intricate web of smaller Amazonian tributaries.
Minas Gerais Highlands
Mountainous landscapes and iron-rich soil of Brazil's interior mining regions.
Guanabara Bay
Views of the northern shores of the bay and the Rio-Niterói Bridge upon descent.
Early morning flights are best to avoid the afternoon cloud buildup over the Amazon. While the left side sees the northern part of Rio, it often misses the most famous seaside landmarks on standard approach paths.
Get eSIMs for Panama
Get eSIMs for BrazilDistance: 5,295 km (3,290 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 14 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: International
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