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PTY → MGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport (Managua)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled view of the Pacific coastline and the spectacular sight of Ometepe's twin volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua during the descent.
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Ometepe Island
The crown jewel of the flight featuring the Maderas and Concepción volcanoes rising directly out of Lake Nicaragua.
Pacific Coastline
Continuous views of the rugged shoreline and turquoise waters of Panama and Costa Rica.
Nicoya Peninsula
A broad view of the lush forests and famous beaches of this Blue Zone region in Costa Rica.
Golfo de Papagayo
Beautiful aerial perspectives of the deep blue bays and upscale resorts in northern Costa Rica.
Choose the left side for the most dramatic entry into Nicaragua. As the flight descends into Managua, the plane typically passes the western side of Lake Nicaragua, offering a close-up of the volcanic peaks. Morning flights are preferred to avoid the haze and cloud cover that often develops over the lake in the late afternoon.
Get eSIMs for Panama
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Panama Canal
Visible shortly after takeoff from PTY, showing the Pacific entrance and the Bridge of the Americas.
Talamanca Range
The majestic spine of the Isthmus, home to the highest peaks in Costa Rica and Panama.
San José Valley
A distant view of Costa Rica's sprawling capital city nestled deep within the volcanic central valley.
Arenal Volcano
On clear days, the iconic symmetrical cone of Arenal is visible peeking through the cloud forest.
Lake Nicaragua
The vast expanse of the largest lake in Central America as you track toward the capital.
The right side is excellent for viewing the mountainous interior and volcanic chain of Central America. For the best experience, sit behind the wing to see the Panama Canal entrance immediately after departure from Tocumen. During the rainy season (May-November), early morning flights are the only way to ensure these mountain peaks aren't obscured by clouds.
Book Hotels in ManaguaDistance: 816 km (507 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: MGA (12.14150047302246, -86.16819763183594)
Route Type: International
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