While takeoff offers good plateau views, the landing approach over Banderas Bay and the Pacific with the Sierra Madre del Sur backdrop provides more dramatic and varied scenery. The ocean approach is visually distinctive and the coastal-mountain transition is more striking than the departure plateau.
Flown BJX to PVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Del Bajio to Puerto Vallarta is 245 miles (394 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses west from the high Bajio plateau (7,000+ feet) descending gradually toward the Pacific coastal plain. Notable features include the volcanic highlands of central Jalisco, the transition from interior plateau to the western Sierra Madre foothills, and the descent into the coastal lowlands near Puerto Vallarta. The terrain drops from 7,000 feet to sea level over roughly 200 miles, with the most dramatic elevation change occurring in the final 50 miles as the aircraft descends toward the coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJX
LEFTBJX typically departs to the north or northeast. Left seats face toward the Sierra Madre Occidental and the high plateau terrain that defines the Bajio region, offering immediate elevation contrast and dramatic topography.
Landing at PVR
RIGHTPVR approaches from the east over the Pacific coastal plain. Right seats face west toward the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains (Sierra Madre del Sur foothills), providing views of the ocean approach and the dramatic transition from mountains to sea.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from De Guanajuato International (BJX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Del Bajio to Puerto Vallarta. While takeoff offers good plateau views, the landing approach over Banderas Bay and the Pacific with the Sierra Madre del Sur backdrop provides more dramatic and varied scenery. The ocean approach is visually distinctive and the coastal-mountain transition is more striking than the departure plateau.
What can I see during takeoff from De Guanajuato International in Del Bajio?
During takeoff from De Guanajuato International (BJX), sit on the Left side for the best views. BJX typically departs to the north or northeast. Left seats face toward the Sierra Madre Occidental and the high plateau terrain that defines the Bajio region, offering immediate elevation contrast and dramatic topography. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre Occidental (distant, northeast), Guanajuato city in valley floor (immediate), high-altitude Bajio plateau (surrounding terrain), volcanic peaks of the central Mexican highlands (far horizon).
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
When landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. PVR approaches from the east over the Pacific coastal plain. Right seats face west toward the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains (Sierra Madre del Sur foothills), providing views of the ocean approach and the dramatic transition from mountains to sea. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean (west), Sierra Madre del Sur foothills (east/inland), Banderas Bay (north of airport), Puerto Vallarta coastal development (immediate approach).
How long is the flight from Del Bajio to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from De Guanajuato International (BJX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 245 miles (394 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Del Bajio to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses west from the high Bajio plateau (7,000+ feet) descending gradually toward the Pacific coastal plain. Notable features include the volcanic highlands of central Jalisco, the transition from interior plateau to the western Sierra Madre foothills, and the descent into the coastal lowlands near Puerto Vallarta. The terrain drops from 7,000 feet to sea level over roughly 200 miles, with the most dramatic elevation change occurring in the final 50 miles as the aircraft descends toward the coast.