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SJO → BOG
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose) to El Dorado International Airport (Bogota)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer incredible scenery, the right side provides a more dramatic view of the Talamanca mountain range, the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, and the lush biodiversity of the Choco rainforest before the final approach into the Bogota plateau.
Cerro Chirripó
Costa Rica's highest peak rising above the Talamanca range shortly after takeoff.
Panama Canal
A prime view of the Pacific entrance, the Bridge of the Americas, and ships waiting in the bay.
Chocó Rainforest
One of the world's wettest and most biodiverse regions, appearing as a vast, unbroken green carpet.
Aburrá Valley
On some flight paths, you can spot the outskirts of Medellin tucked deep within the Andean valleys.
Sabana de Bogotá
The high-altitude plateau that opens up suddenly just before landing at El Dorado.
Choose the right side for the best chance to see the Panama Canal and the majestic Talamanca mountains. During the approach to Bogota, the right side often provides a better view of the city's sprawl against the eastern hills. Polarized sunglasses are recommended to reduce the glare from the tropical sun reflecting off the Pacific and Caribbean waters.
Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes
Massive volcanic craters visible shortly after departure from San Jose's Central Valley.
Caribbean Coastline
The emerald waters and dense jungles of the Limon province and Tortuguero National Park.
San Blas Archipelago
Stunning white-sand coral atolls of the Guna Yala territory scattered across the turquoise sea.
Gulf of Urabá
The scenic entry point into Colombia where the Caribbean meets the dense Darien Gap.
Central Cordillera
The rugged northern fingers of the Andes mountains as the plane begins its descent.
Sit on the left for better views of the Caribbean coastline and the Guna Yala islands. Early morning flights are best to avoid the afternoon cloud buildup over the coastal rainforests. If the sky is exceptionally clear, you may see the distant snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the far north.
Distance: 1,256 km (780 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Arrival: BOG (4.70159, -74.1469)
Route Type: International
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