Seeing Pacaya from a plane6 ★
One of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, about 20 miles south of Guatemala City, where hikers roast marshmallows over lava vents. Look for a dark, often steaming cone with fresh black flows on its flanks.
7 of our routes pass it. Guatemala · rated 6 of 10
The easy pick
Houston to Guatemala City: sit on the right, on the way down.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta to Guatemala City | Left | on the way down |
| Dallas-Fort Worth to Guatemala City | Left | on the way down |
| Fort Lauderdale to Guatemala City | Left | on the way down |
| Houston to Guatemala City | Right | on the way down |
| Los Angeles to Guatemala City | Right Best seat for the whole flight: left | on the way down |
| Miami to Guatemala City | Right | on the way down |
| San Francisco to San Salvador | Left | 292 min after takeoff |
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 Pacaya from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (4 of 7). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Pacaya 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.
More
Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores Guatemala City Volcan de Fuego / Agua Tecuamburro Izalco Atlanta (ATL) Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Houston (IAH) All routes