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UIO → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the clear winner for this route, primarily for the spectacular final approach into Panama City, which offers unparalleled views of the Panama Canal entrance, the Bridge of the Americas, and the dense skyscraper skyline.
Search flights from UIO to PTY
Pichincha Volcano
Visible almost immediately after takeoff, this active stratovolcano looms over the western edge of Quito.
Pacific Coastline
Glimpses of the rugged and lush Choco coastline where the Colombian jungle meets the Pacific Ocean.
Canal Anchorage
View hundreds of massive cargo ships and tankers anchored in the Gulf of Panama waiting for transit.
Bridge of the Americas
The iconic structure spanning the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, connecting North and South America.
Panama City Skyline
A breathtaking close-up of the 'Miami of the South' skyscraper cluster during the final descent.
Book a window seat on the Left (Seat A) for the iconic arrival sequence. Most flights into PTY use Runway 03, which places the city and canal entrance directly out of the left windows. Afternoon flights often face glare from the west, so a morning departure is ideal for photography.
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Mount Cayambe
Look for the massive snow-capped peak of Cayambe, the only point on the Equator with permanent snow cover.
Andean Cordillera
Sweeping views of the Central and Eastern ridges of the Colombian Andes as you head north.
Darien Gap
The vast, roadless, and impenetrable rainforest that forms the natural border between Colombia and Panama.
Pearl Islands
The beautiful Archipiélago de las Perlas, featuring turquoise waters and white sand beaches in the Gulf.
The Right Side is better for spotting the major Ecuadorian volcanoes shortly after takeoff. If you are a fan of remote geography, keep your eyes peeled for the Darien Gap midway through the flight. Be aware that tropical convection clouds often build up by mid-afternoon, potentially obscuring the ground.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 1,029 km (639 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: UIO (-0.129166666667, -78.3575)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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