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SAP → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (San Pedro Sula) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic volcanic spine of Central America, including the massive Lake Nicaragua and iconic peaks of Costa Rica and Panama.
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Lake Nicaragua & Ometepe
The massive freshwater lake featuring the twin volcanoes of Ometepe Island rising directly from the water.
Cordillera Central
The rugged mountain spine of Costa Rica, often piercing through a layer of white clouds.
Arenal Volcano
One of the most perfectly shaped conical volcanoes in the world, visible in north-central Costa Rica.
Panama Canal Entrance
View the Pacific entrance of the canal, including the Bridge of the Americas and the Culebra Cut.
Panama City Skyline
The dramatic 'Miami of the South' skyline with its soaring glass skyscrapers along the Bay of Panama.
This is the premier side for geography buffs. Sit here on afternoon flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the volcanic peaks. About midway through the flight, the view of Lake Nicaragua is breathtaking. During the descent into PTY, watch for the long line of ships anchored in the Pacific waiting for their turn to transit the Canal.
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Caribbean Coastline
Vibrant turquoise waters and intricate lagoon systems along the Miskito Coast of Honduras and Nicaragua.
Tortuguero National Park
The dense, water-laced jungle of Costa Rica's northern Caribbean coast, famous for sea turtle nesting.
Bocas del Toro
Aerial views of the Panamanian archipelago's lush islands and coral reefs as you approach the isthmus.
Port of Colón
The northern Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal, often crowded with massive container ships.
Choose this side for morning flights to experience the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. It is generally the 'quieter' side visually until the final approach into Panama City. Look out for the distinct transition from the blue ocean to the deep green rainforests of the Darién Gap region if the flight path tracks further east.
Get eSIMs for Honduras
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 1,168 km (726 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: SAP (15.4526, -87.923599)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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