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TIJ → ZCL
Which side of the plane to sit from General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (Tijuana) to General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport (Zacatecas)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Sea of Cortez, the dramatic islands of Baja California, and the deep, rugged canyons of the Sierra Madre Occidental as the flight progresses toward the central plateau.
Sea of Cortez Islands
Stunning views of the volcanic islands such as Isla Angel de la Guarda and Isla Tiburón surrounded by deep blue water.
Gulf of California
A vast expanse of turquoise water contrasting with the arid coastline of Sonora.
Copper Canyon Region
Deep gorges and jagged peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental, often referred to as Mexico's Grand Canyon.
Fuerte River Valley
Lush agricultural patches in the Sinaloa lowlands before the plane ascends into the central plateau.
Zacatecas Highlands
The high-altitude semi-desert terrain and old mining excavations surrounding the city of Zacatecas on arrival.
The right side is unbeatable for afternoon flights, offering spectacular golden hour views over the Sea of Cortez. Keep your camera ready midway through the flight for the transition from sea to the high-altitude canyons of the Sierra Madre. Choose a seat away from the wing to fully appreciate the depth of the canyons.
International Border
A clear view of the Tijuana-San Diego border fence and the contrast between the two urban landscapes.
Altar Desert
The shimmering sand dunes of the Gran Desierto de Altar and the Pinacate volcanic field.
Colorado River Delta
The intricate, branch-like patterns of the Colorado River where it drains into the northern Gulf of California.
Northern Sierra Madre
High altitude pine-oak forests and the high ridges of the northern Chihuahua-Sonora border region.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and enjoy the sharpest visibility of the border region and the Sonoran desert. Look out shortly after takeoff for the clear line of the U.S. border.
Distance: 1,765 km (1,097 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 21 min
Departure: TIJ (32.541099548339844, -116.97000122070312)
Arrival: ZCL (22.8971004486, -102.68699646)
Route Type: Domestic
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