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TGU destination photo
PTY destination photo

TGUPTY

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side is significantly better for this route as it offers a front-row seat to the dramatic chain of active volcanoes in Nicaragua and the spectacular approach over the Panama City skyline and the Pacific entrance of the Canal.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
🌊

Gulf of Fonseca

The scenic tri-border bay shared by Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

🌋

Maribios Chain

A spectacular line of smoking, active volcanoes stretching across western Nicaragua.

🏝️

Ometepe Island

The iconic twin volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas, rising directly from Lake Nicaragua.

🏖️

Guanacaste Coast

The rugged cliffs and gold-sand beaches of Costa Rica's northern Pacific shoreline.

🏙️

Panama City Skyline

A breathtaking view of the towering skyscrapers often referred to as the Miami of the South.

🌉

Bridge of the Americas

The historic bridge spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal during the final descent.

The right side is the undisputed winner for volcano spotting. Try to book a window seat away from the wing for an unobstructed view of Ometepe Island. During the final 15 minutes of the flight, keep your camera ready for the Panama Canal entrance and the dense cluster of skyscrapers in the city center.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
⛰️

Sierra de Agalta

Rugged mountain peaks and cloud forests of central Honduras immediately after departure.

💧

Lake Nicaragua

Expansive views of the northern and eastern shores of the largest lake in Central America.

🌳

Tortuguero

The dense rainforests and winding coastal lagoons of Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline.

🏝️

Bocas del Toro

The stunning turquoise waters and tropical islands of the Panamanian archipelago.

🚢

Gatun Lake

The massive man-made reservoir that forms a key part of the Panama Canal system.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the western sun. You will get a better view of the Caribbean coastline as you approach Panama, which is particularly beautiful during the dry season (January to April) when the water is clearest.

Top Activities in Panama City
Route Information

Distance: 1,018 km (633 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min

Departure: TGU (14.06089973449707, -87.21720123291016)

Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)

Route Type: International

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