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PTY → GYE
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a continuous view of the dramatic transition from the Panamanian coastline to the dense jungles of the Darién and the majestic peaks of the Andes as you approach Ecuador.
Panama City Skyline
A breathtaking view of the 'Dubai of Latin America' with its soaring skyscrapers right after takeoff from PTY.
Panama Canal Entrance
Clear visibility of the Pacific entrance to the canal and the iconic Bridge of the Americas.
Pearl Islands
The Archipiélago de las Perlas appears as emerald dots in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Panama.
Darién Gap
View the world's most famous roadless wilderness, a dense carpet of primary rainforest stretching to the horizon.
Western Andes
As the flight enters Ecuadorian airspace, the rugged Western Cordillera of the Andes provides a stunning backdrop.
Guayas River Delta
The intricate network of brown silty rivers and mangrove forests marking the approach into Guayaquil.
Sit on the left for the best land-based views. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you or overhead, providing excellent lighting for photography of the Darién and the Andes. During the descent into GYE, watch for the shift from deep green jungle to the agricultural plains of the Guayas basin.
Pacific Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the deep blue Pacific Ocean for the majority of the cruise phase.
Azuero Peninsula
Distant views of Panama's southern 'tail' and the coastal surf breaks.
Pacific Sunset
On late afternoon flights, this side offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets over the water.
Santa Elena Peninsula
The arid, westernmost tip of mainland Ecuador becomes visible during the final descent into Guayaquil.
Guayaquil Port
Industrial views of the massive container ships docked at the Port of Guayaquil during the final turn.
Choose the right side if you are on a late afternoon flight to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific. This side is also generally quieter with less glare if you want to sleep, as there are fewer bright land features. Watch for the 'La Chocolatera' area near Salinas during the descent.
Distance: 1,250 km (777 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: GYE (-2.15741991997, -79.88359832760001)
Route Type: International
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