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VVI → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the Andean mountain ranges as they transition from Bolivia into Colombia, plus the iconic skyline of Panama City and the Pacific entrance of the Canal upon arrival.
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Andean Cordillera
Dramatic views of the eastern slopes of the Andes mountains shortly after departing Santa Cruz.
Magdalena River Valley
The massive, winding Magdalena River snaking through the Colombian interior toward the Caribbean.
Colombian Massifs
Glaciated peaks and high-altitude paramo ecosystems of the Central and Western Cordilleras.
Gulf of Panama
Deep blue waters of the Pacific side of the Isthmus as the plane begins its descent.
Panama City Skyline
A stunning view of the Punta Paitilla and Costa del Este skyscrapers during the final approach.
Panama Canal Entrance
Ships queuing at the Pacific entrance of the canal and the Bridge of the Americas.
Sit in front of the wing for unobstructed views of the Andes. Most VVI-PTY flights depart mid-day, providing optimal sunlight for photography. Upon arrival, the 'Alpha' arrival pattern into PTY often circles over the Pacific, giving the left side a perfect view of the city and the canal's entrance.
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Amazon Basin
The dense, emerald-green canopy of the Bolivian Beni and northern Amazon rainforest.
Llanos Orientales
The vast, flat tropical grasslands spanning the border between Colombia and Venezuela.
The Darien Gap
The untouched and roadless wilderness separating South and Central America.
Pearl Islands
Small volcanic islands scattered in the Gulf of Panama visible just before landing.
Amador Causeway
The thin strip of land connecting the four islands near the Panama Canal.
The right side offers a mesmerizing view of the 'green sea' of the Amazon and the remote Darien jungle. This side is typically better for avoiding direct glare from the sun on afternoon flights heading north. Look out for the Pearl Islands roughly 20 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 3,466 km (2,154 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 5 min
Departure: VVI (-17.6448, -63.135399)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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