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SAL → GYE
Which side of the plane to sit from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (San Salvador) to José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an incredible front-row seat to the volcanic backbone of Central America, including the massive Lake Nicaragua and the lush mountains of Costa Rica, finishing with a scenic approach over the Guayas River.
San Vicente Volcano
Shortly after takeoff from SAL, look for the striking twin peaks of the Chichontepec volcano rising above the clouds.
Lake Nicaragua & Ometepe
Witness the massive expanse of Lake Nicaragua and the iconic twin volcanoes of Ometepe Island rising directly from the water.
Costa Rican Cordillera
Enjoy views of the verdant Central Mountain Range of Costa Rica, often shrouded in misty cloud forests.
Panama City & Canal
Depending on the specific airway, you may catch a glimpse of the southern entrance to the Panama Canal and the skyline of Panama City.
Guayas River Delta
As you descend into GYE, the vast network of rivers and mangroves of the Guayas estuary creates a stunning patchwork below.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Nicaraguan volcanoes and the lush terrain of the Isthmus. Keep your camera ready about 30-45 minutes after takeoff for the best lake views. In the rainy season (May-Nov), morning flights offer clearer views before afternoon clouds build up over the mountains.
Guanacaste Coastline
Views of the rugged Pacific coastline of Nicaragua and the gold-sand beaches of the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica.
Coiba Island
The largest island in Central America, located off Panama's coast, visible as a dark green jewel in the blue Pacific.
Pacific Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the vast Pacific Ocean, particularly spectacular during late afternoon 'Golden Hour' flights.
Gulf of Guayaquil
As the plane turns for its final approach, you can see the Santa Elena Peninsula and the transition from deep ocean to coastal waters.
The right side is ideal for passengers who enjoy vast ocean horizons and coastal contours. On afternoon flights, be prepared for direct sunlight; keep the window shade down if you want to avoid the heat, but open it periodically to check for the Panamanian islands. This side is generally quieter visually but offers beautiful sunset reflections on the water if flying late in the day.
Distance: 2,008 km (1,248 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 41 min
Departure: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)
Arrival: GYE (-2.15741991997, -79.88359832760001)
Route Type: International
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