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TGU → SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Toncontín International Airport (Tegucigalpa) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the most iconic landmarks of the Central American Isthmus, including the majestic Ometepe Island volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua and the volcanic chain of northern Costa Rica.
Tegucigalpa Basin
Breathtaking views of the rugged mountainous terrain surrounding the high-altitude capital immediately after takeoff.
Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca)
The massive expanse of the largest lake in Central America dominates the view for a significant portion of the flight.
Ometepe Island
The perfectly shaped Concepción and Maderas volcanoes rising directly out of Lake Nicaragua provide a world-class aerial sight.
Arenal and Poás Volcanoes
As you enter Costa Rican airspace, look for the conical Arenal and the wide craters of the Central Volcanic Range.
Central Valley Approach
Dense urban views of Heredia and Alajuela nestled within the green mountains of Costa Rica's Central Valley during descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography of the Nicaraguan volcanoes. Keep your camera ready about 20-30 minutes after departure for Ometepe Island. In the rainy season (May-Nov), morning flights are significantly clearer as clouds build up in the afternoon.
Gulf of Fonseca
A stunning maritime border where Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador meet, dotted with volcanic islands.
Nicaraguan Emerald Coast
Clear views of the Pacific coastline, featuring white-water breaks and secluded bays like San Juan del Sur.
Nicoya Peninsula
The large, mountainous peninsula of Costa Rica, known for its Blue Zone longevity and dense tropical forests.
Gulf of Nicoya
Views of Chira Island and the turquoise waters where the Pacific meets the Costa Rican mainland.
SJO Runway Alignment
Depending on wind, the final turn often provides a sweeping view of the Pacific coast moving into the lush western hills.
The right side is superior for afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. During the descent into SJO, the right side often gets a better view of the Guanacaste coastline if the flight path tracks slightly westward to avoid weather.
Distance: 558 km (347 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 56 min
Departure: TGU (14.06089973449707, -87.21720123291016)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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