Right-side seats dominate this route. Takeoff offers superior views of Lake Ilopango and volcanic terrain, and while landing favors the left, the extended views during the central portion of the flight—crossing the volcanic highlands of Guatemala and Honduras—are better from the right side as the aircraft tracks southeast then south.
Flown ILS to EOH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Salvador to Medellin is 1,055 miles (1,698 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the volcanic highlands of central Guatemala (including views of volcanic peaks and highland terrain), then transitions into the mountainous regions of Honduras. Notable features include the Sierra de las Minas range, highland valleys, and the transition from Central American volcanic terrain to the Cordillera system that dominates Colombia. The route generally follows a southeast then south trajectory, staying inland and avoiding both coasts.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ILS
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Pacific coastal plain and the volcanic landscape immediately south of San Salvador. The climb-out path from Ilopango typically heads southeast, giving right-side passengers direct views of the terrain you're ascending over.
Landing at EOH
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach to Olaya Herrera. The descent path into Medellín typically approaches from the north, and left-side passengers will see the Aburrá Valley, the city nestled between the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Occidental, and the surrounding mountainous terrain that defines the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ilopango International Airport (ILS) to Olaya Herrera (EOH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Salvador to Medellin. Right-side seats dominate this route. Takeoff offers superior views of Lake Ilopango and volcanic terrain, and while landing favors the left, the extended views during the central portion of the flight—crossing the volcanic highlands of Guatemala and Honduras—are better from the right side as the aircraft tracks southeast then south.
What can I see during takeoff from Ilopango International Airport in San Salvador?
During takeoff from Ilopango International Airport (ILS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Pacific coastal plain and the volcanic landscape immediately south of San Salvador. The climb-out path from Ilopango typically heads southeast, giving right-side passengers direct views of the terrain you're ascending over. Notable sights include: Lake Ilopango (directly below during initial climb), San Salvador city sprawl to the northwest, Cerro Verde volcanic complex to the west, Pacific coastal lowlands stretching south.
What can I see when landing at Olaya Herrera in Medellin?
When landing at Olaya Herrera (EOH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Olaya Herrera. The descent path into Medellín typically approaches from the north, and left-side passengers will see the Aburrá Valley, the city nestled between the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Occidental, and the surrounding mountainous terrain that defines the approach. Notable sights include: Aburrá Valley (the narrow north-south valley containing Medellín), Cordillera Central mountain range to the east, Cordillera Occidental to the west, Medellín city center and surrounding neighborhoods in the valley floor.
How long is the flight from San Salvador to Medellin?
The flight from Ilopango International Airport (ILS) to Olaya Herrera (EOH) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,055 miles (1,698 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Salvador to Medellin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the volcanic highlands of central Guatemala (including views of volcanic peaks and highland terrain), then transitions into the mountainous regions of Honduras. Notable features include the Sierra de las Minas range, highland valleys, and the transition from Central American volcanic terrain to the Cordillera system that dominates Colombia. The route generally follows a southeast then south trajectory, staying inland and avoiding both coasts.