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PTY destination photo
SJO destination photo

PTYSJO

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers unparalleled views of the Panama Canal's Pacific entrance, Panama's highest volcano, and the dramatic volcanic range of Costa Rica's Central Valley during descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🚢

Panama Canal Entrance

Look down shortly after takeoff to see the Bridge of the Americas and the initial locks of the world-famous canal.

🌋

Baru Volcano

Clear views of Panama's highest point, a dormant stratovolcano located near the border with Costa Rica.

⛰️

Mount Chirripó

Observe the highest peak in Costa Rica, often poking through the cloud layer in the Talamanca Mountain Range.

🔥

Irazú & Turrialba

During the descent into SJO, the massive craters of these active volcanoes are often visible to the north.

Book an early morning flight to ensure the best visibility of the mountain ranges before daily cloud cover builds up. The right side is superior for landmark spotting, specifically the Panama Canal and the 'Volcano Alley' of the Central Valley. Keep your camera ready immediately upon departure from PTY for the best canal views.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Panama City Skyline

A stunning view of the Punta Paitilla skyscrapers and the historic Casco Viejo district immediately after takeoff from PTY.

🏝️

Pearl Islands

Distant views of the Archipiélago de las Perlas dotting the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Panama.

🌊

Osa Peninsula

As you cross into Costa Rica, witness the deep greens of the Corcovado National Park and the rugged Pacific coastline.

🚤

Anchored Vessels

Spot dozens of massive cargo ships queued in the Pacific Ocean waiting for their turn to transit the Panama Canal.

Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This side provides a better perspective of the dense rainforests of southern Costa Rica and the secluded beaches of the Osa Peninsula. Use a window seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze when photographing the coastline.

Top Activities in San Jose
Route Information

Distance: 539 km (335 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 54 min

Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)

Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)

Route Type: International

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