Seeing Bayano Lake from a plane4 ★

Panama's second-largest lake after Gatun, created when the Bayano River was dammed in the 1970s. Look for a branching reservoir with drowned-forest inlets east of Panama City.

7 of our routes pass it. Panama · rated 4 of 10

The easy pick

San Juan to Panama City: sit on the left, on the way down.

Which side, by route

RouteSideWhen
Atlanta to Panama CityLefton the way down
Boston to Panama CityLefton the way down
Chicago to Panama CityLefton the way down
Miami to Panama CityLefton the way down
Orlando to Panama CityLefton the way down
San Juan to Panama CityLefton the way down
Tampa to Panama CityLefton the way down

From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day. Where the best seat for the whole flight is on the other side, you'd trade this sight for more elsewhere.

Questions

Which side of the plane do you see Bayano Lake from?

It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (7 of 7). The table lists each route's side.

When can you see Bayano Lake from a plane?

Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.

Do clouds matter?

Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.

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