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SLC → PVR
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (Puerto Vallarta)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Sea of Cortez and the dramatic coastline of western Mexico as you descend into Puerto Vallarta.
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Great Salt Lake
Aerial view of the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere right after takeoff.
Grand Canyon West
Distal views of the intricate erosion patterns of the Colorado Plateau as you head south.
Sea of Cortez
The sparkling blue expanse of the Gulf of California along the Mexican coastline.
Sinaloa Coastline
Beautiful coastal transitions where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean near Mazatlan.
Banderas Bay
The final sweeping turn over the bay providing a panoramic view of the Puerto Vallarta area.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the Sea of Cortez. As you approach PVR, the plane often banks over Banderas Bay, providing a perfect photo opportunity of the coastline and the city. Look for the distinct line where the desert meets the sea near the transition into the tropics.
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Wasatch Mountains
Steep, snow-capped peaks immediately visible east of Salt Lake City upon departure.
Lake Powell
The intricate winding canyons and blue waters of the Colorado River visible in southern Utah.
Sonoran Interior
Expansive desert vistas with unique geological ridges through central Arizona.
Sierra Madre Occidental
A massive mountain range with deep canyons and lush green slopes visible during the Mexican leg.
Sit here if you enjoy rugged mountain scenery and high-altitude desert plateaus. In winter, the snow-covered Wasatch Range is spectacular. Watch for the transition from the red rocks of Utah to the deep green of the Sierra Madre as you enter Mexico. Best lighting is usually in the afternoon when the sun is to the west.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for MexicoDistance: 2,325 km (1,445 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 6 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: PVR (20.680099487304688, -105.25399780273438)
Route Type: International
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