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SFO destination photo
SAL destination photo

SFOSAL

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this route as it provides an incredible panorama of the Central American volcanic arc during the descent, along with diverse views of the Mexican interior and the Mojave desert.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏜️

Mojave and Salton Sea

Aerial views of the stark desert landscapes of Southern California and the shimmering Salton Sea.

🏔️

Sierra Madre Occidental

The rugged, high-altitude peaks and deep canyons of Mexico's primary western mountain range.

🌋

Guatemalan Volcanoes

Dramatic views of the active Fuego, Acatenango, and Agua volcanoes as you cross into Central America.

🏙️

San Salvador Skyline

A clear view of the capital city nestled in the valley of the hammocks during the final approach.

💧

Lake Ilopango

The massive volcanic caldera lake located just east of the city, often visible during the landing pattern.

Book a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed views of the volcanic peaks. For morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses or a shade. The most dramatic views occur in the final 45 minutes of the flight as you traverse Guatemala and enter El Salvador.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

California Coastline

Breathtaking views of Big Sur and the rugged cliffs of the Central Coast shortly after departure from SFO.

🏝️

Baja Peninsula

The unique meeting point of the arid desert mountains and the deep blue Pacific Ocean along Baja California.

🏖️

Mexican Riviera

Views of coastal resort towns like Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta as the flight hugs the western shoreline.

🌅

Pacific Horizon

Uninterrupted views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean on afternoon and evening departures.

🛥️

Gulf of Tehuantepec

The vast, sweeping curve of the southern Mexican coast before turning toward El Salvador.

The right side is ideal for photographers interested in coastal geography and maritime views. On evening flights, this side offers a front-row seat to the sunset. Keep an eye out for the distinctive white sand beaches of southern Mexico and the offshore currents in the Gulf of Tehuantepec.

Top Activities in San Salvador
Route Information

Distance: 4,250 km (2,641 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs

Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Arrival: SAL (13.4409, -89.055702)

Route Type: International

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