VER → IAH

Pico de Orizaba

Shortly after takeoff, look west to spot Mexico's highest peak, often rising above the cloud layer.

Laguna de Tamiahua

A sprawling, shallow lagoon between Veracruz and Tampico featuring intricate sandbars and emerald waters.

Tampico

Bird's-eye view of the Pánuco River winding through this major port city before it meets the Gulf.

The Rio Grande

The winding river marking the international border between Mexico and the United States near Brownsville.

Texas Coastal Plains

The landscape shifts to organized agriculture and vast ranch lands as you fly north toward Houston.

Houston Skyline

Depending on the landing pattern, the downtown skyscrapers are frequently visible to the west during descent.

Veracruz Port

Aerial view of the historic San Juan de Ulúa fortress and the busy commercial shipping docks at departure.

Gulf of Mexico

Expansive views of the deep blue ocean, where you can often spot large cargo ships and tankers.

Offshore Oil Rigs

Look for the tiny metallic structures of oil platforms scattered throughout the Gulf waters.

Galveston Island

The long, narrow barrier island with its seawall and historic Pleasure Pier visible during the approach.

NASA Johnson Space Center

Visible near the shores of Clear Lake as the plane begins its final descent into IAH.

Houston Ship Channel

A massive industrial waterway filled with barges and tankers leading into the heart of the city.