Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Bogota. Takeoff views from the right are significantly more dramatic due to the Cordillera Central and the Caribbean slope descent. While landing from the left offers the Cordillera Occidental, the takeoff experience provides more sustained and varied topography. Right-side passengers get the better overall geographic experience on this route.

During takeoff from Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SJO typically departs eastbound (Runway 32). Right-side seats face north toward the Central Valley and Caribbean slope, offering views of the Cordillera Central and the descent toward lower elevations. Left seats face the Pacific slope with less dramatic terrain variation. Notable sights include: Cordillera Central (volcanic ridge running northwest-southeast), Central Valley floor (agricultural plains below), Poás Volcano area (northern horizon), Caribbean slope descent (green forested terrain dropping away to the northeast).

When landing at Eldorado International (BOG), sit on the Left side for the best views. BOG approaches from the west (typically Runway 26L or 26R). Left-side seats face south and southwest during descent into the Bogota savanna, offering views of the Cordillera Occidental and the high-altitude plateau approach. Right seats face north toward the city itself with less geographic drama. Notable sights include: Cordillera Occidental (western mountain range, left side during approach), Bogota savanna plateau (high-altitude basin at 2,640m elevation), Monserrate peak (distinctive landmark near the city), Eastern range foothills (right side, receding toward horizon).

The flight from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Eldorado International (BOG) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses from Costa Rica's Caribbean slope over the Cordillera Central, descends into Nicaragua's Pacific lowlands, crosses Lake Nicaragua (visible as a large body of water), continues southeast over Nicaragua's interior highlands, then enters Colombian airspace over the Caribbean coast near the Magdalena River delta before turning inland toward Bogota. The Cordillera Occidental of Colombia becomes visible about 45 minutes before landing.