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VRA → SNU
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (Varadero) to Abel Santamaria Airport (Santa Clara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the departure over the stunning turquoise waters of Varadero and the Bay of Cárdenas before heading into the lush agricultural heartland of central Cuba.
Search flights from VRA to SNU
Hicacos Peninsula
Aerial view of the famous thin strip of white sand and luxury resorts stretching into the Atlantic.
Bay of Cárdenas
Shallow turquoise waters and small keys visible immediately after takeoff from VRA.
Sugar Cane Fields
Vast green patchwork of Cuba's historic sugar plantations across the Villa Clara plains.
Cárdenas City
Known as the City of Flags, offering a grid-like view of its colonial and industrial heritage.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Varadero coastline during the initial climb. This route is extremely short, usually under 30 minutes, so keep your camera ready from the moment the wheels retract. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the northern coastline without glare.
Get eSIMs for Cuba
Get eSIMs for Cuba
Zapata Wetlands
Distant views of the Ciénaga de Zapata, the largest and most important wetland in the Caribbean.
Escambray Foothills
The rising terrain to the south as the flight approaches the central mountain ranges.
Santa Clara Approach
Views of the city's outskirts and the Che Guevara Mausoleum complex during the final descent.
The right side is better for spotting the rugged interior and the distant mountains of the Escambray range. If flying in the late afternoon, this side avoids the harsh western sun reflecting off the Caribbean Sea, offering softer light for photography of the rural landscape.
Book Hotels in Santa ClaraDistance: 164 km (102 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 16 min
Departure: VRA (23.03440093994141, -81.435302734375)
Arrival: SNU (22.49220085144043, -79.943603515625)
Route Type: Domestic
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