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SDQ → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Dominican coastline upon departure and a dramatic approach into Costa Rica featuring the country's most iconic volcanoes, Irazú and Turrialba.
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Santo Domingo Coastline
Excellent views of the Malecon and the capital's urban sprawl immediately after takeoff.
Tortuguero Coastline
The intricate canal systems and dense jungle of the Caribbean coast as you enter Costa Rican airspace.
Turrialba Volcano
An active volcano often seen venting steam, located just east of the Central Valley.
Irazú Volcano
The highest volcano in the country, providing a massive landmark during the approach to San José.
San José Cityscape
A comprehensive view of the Central Valley and the capital city framed by northern mountains.
The right side is the definitive choice for volcano lovers. Keep your camera ready as the plane crosses the Caribbean coastline; the transition from jungle to volcanic peaks is rapid. Aim for an early morning flight to ensure the best visibility, as the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes are frequently covered in clouds by midday.
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Caribbean Sea Expanse
Deep blue vistas of the open sea for the majority of the flight duration.
Bocas del Toro
Stunning views of the archipelago near the Panama-Costa Rica border with turquoise waters.
Talamanca Range
Costa Rica's highest mountains, including the peaks of Chirripó, visible as you cross the mainland.
Southern Central Valley
Aerial view of the southern suburbs of San José during the final descent into SJO.
Sit on the left if you want to catch the sun glinting off the Caribbean and the remote islands near the Panama border. Try to fly during the morning hours (before 11:00 AM) to avoid the typical afternoon cloud buildup over the Talamanca mountains, which can obscure the view of the high-altitude peaks.
Get eSIMs for Dominican Republic
Get eSIMs for Costa RicaDistance: 1,825 km (1,134 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 26 min
Departure: SDQ (18.42970085144, -69.668899536133)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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