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PTY → POA
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Salgado Filho Airport (Porto Alegre)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Panama City skyline and the Pacific entrance of the Canal upon departure, followed by excellent perspectives of the Porto Alegre urban area and the massive Lagoa dos Patos during the final approach.
Panama City Skyline
A breathtaking view of the 'Dubai of Latin America' skyscrapers and the Cinta Costera shortly after takeoff from PTY.
Panama Canal Entrance
Look down to see the clusters of cargo ships anchored in the Pacific, waiting for their transit through the Miraflores Locks.
Central Amazon Basin
Deep views into the heart of the rainforest, where you can see the dense canopy and the winding path of major Amazon tributaries.
Lagoa dos Patos
As you descend into POA, the massive scale of the Lagoon of the Ducks becomes visible to the east.
Porto Alegre Urban Core
On many approach patterns, the left side provides a direct view of the downtown area and the Beira-Rio Stadium.
Sit in the front or middle of the cabin to avoid wing obstruction for photos of the Panama Canal. For the best lighting, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you when looking east at the Amazon and the Brazilian coast during the latter half of the journey.
Archipelago de las Perlas
The Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama appear as stunning emerald gems against the deep blue Pacific water.
The Pantanal
Depending on the specific airway, you may catch the edge of the world's largest tropical wetland area in the distance.
Paraná River Basin
Dramatic views of one of South America's most important river systems cutting through the agricultural heartland.
Brazilian Cerrado
Watch the landscape transition from the deep greens of the forest to the golden and red hues of the savanna.
Jacuí Delta
The intricate network of islands and channels of the Delta do Jacuí is best observed from this side just before landing.
This side is ideal for afternoon or evening flights to catch the sunset over the interior of South America. Note that atmospheric haze over the Amazon can be thick during the dry season (August-October), so high-altitude visibility may vary.
Distance: 5,288 km (3,286 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 13 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: POA (-29.994400024414062, -51.1713981628418)
Route Type: International
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