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SFO → PVR
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (Puerto Vallarta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is superior for its unparalleled views of the rugged California coastline, the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, and the spectacular descent over Banderas Bay into Puerto Vallarta.
Search flights from SFO to PVR
Big Sur Coastline
Dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean.
Channel Islands
Clear views of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands off the coast of Santa Barbara during the southbound cruise.
Baja Peninsula
The wild, uninhabited Pacific coastline of Baja California, featuring remote lagoons and desert dunes.
Banderas Bay
A breathtaking sweep of one of the world's largest bays, with views of the Puerto Vallarta Malecon during final approach.
Pacific Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the ocean horizon, perfect for capturing sunset colors on late afternoon departures.
Sit on the Right Side for the most iconic coastal views. During the landing into PVR, the plane typically performs a U-turn into Banderas Bay, providing this side with a panoramic view of the coastline and the city. Use a polarizing filter for photos to cut through the ocean haze.
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Silicon Valley
Bird's-eye view of the sprawling tech campuses and the southern end of the San Francisco Bay shortly after takeoff.
Salton Sea
The large, endorheic rift lake in the Colorado Desert appears as a deep blue patch amidst the arid landscape.
Sierra Madre Occidental
Dramatic views of the jagged mountain peaks and deep canyons of mainland Mexico as the flight prepares for descent.
Guadalajara Region
Distant views of the high-altitude plains and urban clusters of Jalisco state before turning toward the coast.
The Left Side is best for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. It offers better views of the desert floor and the inland mountain ranges of Mexico. Watch for the stark contrast between the Mojave Desert and the lush Sierra Madre as you cross the border.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for MexicoDistance: 2,504 km (1,556 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 20 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: PVR (20.680099487304688, -105.25399780273438)
Route Type: International
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