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UPN → TIJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado y General Ignacio Lopez Rayon Airport (Uruapan) to General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (Tijuana)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic contrast between the deep blue Sea of Cortez and the rugged Baja California Peninsula, alongside an early view of the Paricutín volcano.
Volcán Paricutín
Shortly after departure from Uruapan, look for the youngest volcano in the world and its frozen lava fields.
Lake Chapala
The largest freshwater lake in Mexico, offering a vast blue expanse against the Jalisco mountains.
Sea of Cortez
Spectacular views of the 'World's Aquarium' where the desert mountains meet the turquoise water.
Baja Peninsula Coastline
The jagged coastline of the Baja California peninsula is visible across the gulf as you head north.
Colorado River Delta
The intricate, vein-like patterns of the river delta and salt flats where the river meets the sea.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane for better photography. Keep an eye out within the first 10 minutes for the distinctive cinder cone of Paricutín. During winter months, the clarity over the Gulf of California is exceptional.
Sierra Madre Occidental
Dense pine forests and deep canyons of the rugged mountain range spanning much of Western Mexico.
Sonoran Desert
Vast stretches of arid landscape with unique geological formations and saguaro-filled valleys.
Mexicali Valley
A massive patchwork of agricultural fields that creates a sharp green contrast to the surrounding desert.
La Rumorosa
The uniquely weathered, boulder-strewn mountains near the border, famous for their winding roads.
US-Mexico Border
During the final approach into TIJ, the border fence is clearly visible as a sharp line dividing the landscape.
The right side is best for late afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the setting sun. During the landing phase at TIJ, the plane often flies parallel to the border fence, offering a unique aerial perspective of the international divide.
Distance: 2,084 km (1,295 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 47 min
Departure: UPN (19.396699905395508, -102.03900146484376)
Arrival: TIJ (32.541099548339844, -116.97000122070312)
Route Type: Domestic
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