Loading map...

SJO destination photo
LAX destination photo

SJO โ†’ LAX

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides a superior view of the volcanic spine of Central America, the massive Lake Nicaragua, and the rugged mountain ranges of mainland Mexico before crossing the vibrant Sea of Cortez.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
๐ŸŒ‹

Volcanic Peaks

Aerial views of the Cordillera Central, including the smoking craters of Poรกs and the iconic cone of Arenal.

๐Ÿ’ง

Lake Nicaragua

The massive expanse of Lago Cocibolca, featuring the twin volcanic peaks of Ometepe Island rising from the water.

โ›ฐ๏ธ

Sierra Madre Occidental

The deeply carved canyons and high peaks of Mexico's western mountain range, offering rugged and dramatic textures.

๐ŸŒต

Sonoran Desert

The transition from tropical forests to the arid, colorful textures of the Mexican and American desert landscapes.

๐ŸŒŠ

Sea of Cortez

The striking contrast between the deep blue Gulf of California and the orange desert sands of the Baja interior.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ

Inland Empire

Views of the Salton Sea and the sprawling suburban grid of the Greater Los Angeles area during the final descent.

Sit on the right for the best morning light on the Central American volcanoes. Keep your window shade up during the mid-flight over Mexico to see the dramatic Sierra Madre. Watch for the Salton Sea about 30 to 40 minutes before landing, as it signals the start of the final approach into the LA basin.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท

Nicoya Peninsula

Early views of the lush green coastline and turquoise waters of Costa Rica's Pacific edge shortly after takeoff.

๐ŸŒŠ

Pacific Ocean Expanse

Endless blue horizons with occasional views of cargo ships and the deep blue of the Tehuantepec trench area.

๐ŸŒ…

Pacific Sunset

On afternoon departures, this side offers front-row seats to spectacular sunsets over the open ocean horizon.

๐Ÿณ

Baja Peninsula

The rugged western coastline of Baja California, known for its dramatic cliffs and remote Pacific beaches.

๐ŸŽก

Southern California Coast

On final approach, view the beaches of Orange County and the Palos Verdes Peninsula before turning into LAX.

Choose this side for late afternoon or evening flights to experience a sunset over the Pacific. On clear days, you may spot the Channel Islands shortly before landing. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the ocean haze during the midday sun.

Top Activities in Los Angeles
Route Information

Distance: 4,382 km (2,723 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 9 min

Departure: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)

Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.