Loading map...
PTY → GUA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, the massive expanse of Lake Nicaragua with its volcanic islands, and the dramatic volcanic chain of Central America.
Search flights from PTY to GUA
Panama Canal
A clear view of the Bridge of the Americas and the Pacific entrance to the interoceanic canal.
Cordillera de Talamanca
The highest mountain range in Southern Central America, often poking through the clouds.
Lake Nicaragua & Ometepe
The enormous freshwater lake featuring the twin-volcano island of Ometepe (Concepción and Maderas).
Salvadoran Volcanic Arc
A line of prominent volcanoes like San Vicente and San Salvador as you cross El Salvador.
Guatemalan Highlands
The final approach provides stunning views of the high-altitude terrain surrounding Guatemala City.
The right side is statistically the most scenic. Sit behind the wing for an unobstructed view of Lake Nicaragua—the Ometepe volcanoes are a major highlight mid-flight. For the Panama Canal view, keep your eyes peeled within the first 10 minutes of takeoff. During the wet season (May-November), early morning flights offer the clearest views before afternoon thunderstorms develop over the mountains.
Book Hotels in Guatemala City
Pearl Islands
An archipelago of over 200 islands in the Gulf of Panama, visible shortly after departing PTY.
Nicoya Peninsula
The rugged, forested coastline of Costa Rica's Pacific side meeting the deep blue ocean.
Gulf of Papagayo
The turquoise waters and golden beaches of northern Costa Rica's popular resort region.
Pacific Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the Pacific horizon, particularly spectacular during sunset flights.
The left side is best for those who enjoy vast ocean views and the coastal contours of the Pacific. On late afternoon flights, sit here for a direct view of the sunset over the water. Be aware that the sun can be quite intense on this side during the afternoon, so keep your window shade handy.
Get eSIMs for Panama
Get eSIMs for GuatemalaDistance: 1,358 km (844 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: GUA (14.5833, -90.527496)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.