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SAL → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (San Salvador) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior as it tracks the dramatic 'Volcano Alley' of Central America, offering views of numerous volcanic peaks in El Salvador and Nicaragua, plus the massive expanse of Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe Island.
Search flights from SAL to SJO
San Vicente Volcano
Also known as Chichontepec, this striking double-peaked volcano is visible shortly after takeoff from San Salvador.
Gulf of Fonseca
A stunning tri-national body of water where the borders of El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua converge.
Nicaraguan Volcanic Chain
A lineup of active peaks including San Cristobal and the perfectly conical Momotombo on the edge of Lake Managua.
Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca)
The largest lake in Central America, appearing like an inland sea with visible waves and turquoise patches.
Ometepe Island
The spectacular sight of two volcanoes, Concepcion and Maderas, rising directly out of the center of Lake Nicaragua.
Cordillera Central
The lush, cloud-forested mountain ranges of northern Costa Rica as the plane begins its descent into the Central Valley.
Book an 'A' window seat for the best views. Morning flights (before 10:00 AM) are highly recommended as the volcanic peaks are less likely to be obscured by afternoon cloud build-up. Keep your camera ready about 25-35 minutes into the flight for the best view of Ometepe Island.
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Salvadoran Riviera
Aerial views of the Jiquilisco Bay and the surf-heavy coastline of southeastern El Salvador.
Pacific Ocean Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the deep blue Pacific, often showing coastal sediment patterns near river mouths.
San Juan del Sur
The famous crescent-shaped bay and coastal cliffs of Nicaragua's premier surf town.
Nicoya Peninsula
The rugged and green coastline of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, visible as the flight moves inland.
Gulf of Nicoya
A scenic view of the islands and intricate mangrove systems near Puntarenas during the approach to SJO.
Choose an 'F' window seat. This side is particularly rewarding for late afternoon or sunset flights, as you will witness the sun dipping into the Pacific Ocean. During the final approach into SJO, the right side typically offers better views of the urban sprawl and coffee plantations of the Central Valley.
Book Hotels in San JoseDistance: 652 km (405 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 5 min
Departure: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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