Oaxaca to Puerto Vallarta is 613 miles (986 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior mountain scenery on both takeoff and landing. The Sierra Madre del Sur departure and the dramatic Pacific coastal approach with Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Occidental provide consistent terrain drama and landmark density throughout the flight. Left side offers primarily open valley and ocean views with less visual variety.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Sierra Madre del Sur's central ridge system, transitioning from the high Oaxaca plateau (5,000+ feet elevation) westward toward the Pacific coastal plain. Notable features include the Etla Valley, the Tlacolula Valley system, and the gradual descent through increasingly tropical vegetation zones as the aircraft approaches the coast. The Río Grande (Río Papaloapan system) and its tributaries carve through the mountains in the central portion of the route. Coastal lagoons and estuaries become visible in the final 20 minutes before descent into Puerto Vallarta.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OAX
RIGHTRight side captures Oaxaca's immediate terrain: the Sierra Madre del Sur foothills rise directly north and northeast of the airport, creating dramatic elevation changes during climb-out. Left side faces open valley and distant mountains with less visual impact during departure.
Landing at PVR
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery: the descent into Puerto Vallarta reveals the Pacific coastline, Banderas Bay's distinctive crescent shape, and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains plunging directly to the coast. Left side shows open ocean with minimal landmark definition.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Xoxocotlan International (OAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oaxaca to Puerto Vallarta. Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior mountain scenery on both takeoff and landing. The Sierra Madre del Sur departure and the dramatic Pacific coastal approach with Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Occidental provide consistent terrain drama and landmark density throughout the flight. Left side offers primarily open valley and ocean views with less visual variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Xoxocotlan International in Oaxaca?
During takeoff from Xoxocotlan International (OAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Oaxaca's immediate terrain: the Sierra Madre del Sur foothills rise directly north and northeast of the airport, creating dramatic elevation changes during climb-out. Left side faces open valley and distant mountains with less visual impact during departure. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre del Sur (northeast), Oaxaca Valley floor, Tlacolula Valley (east), distant volcanic peaks.
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. Right side offers superior approach scenery: the descent into Puerto Vallarta reveals the Pacific coastline, Banderas Bay's distinctive crescent shape, and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains plunging directly to the coast. Left side shows open ocean with minimal landmark definition. Notable sights include: Banderas Bay, Pacific coastline, Sierra Madre Occidental peaks, Puerto Vallarta harbor and beachfront.
How long is the flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from Xoxocotlan International (OAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 613 miles (986 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oaxaca to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Madre del Sur's central ridge system, transitioning from the high Oaxaca plateau (5,000+ feet elevation) westward toward the Pacific coastal plain. Notable features include the Etla Valley, the Tlacolula Valley system, and the gradual descent through increasingly tropical vegetation zones as the aircraft approaches the coast. The Río Grande (Río Papaloapan system) and its tributaries carve through the mountains in the central portion of the route. Coastal lagoons and estuaries become visible in the final 20 minutes before descent into Puerto Vallarta.