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PTY → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
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.
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.
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.
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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