While takeoff favors right seats for the river valley, the landing view from the left side—Banderas Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the Sierra Madre mountains—is more dramatic and memorable. Left seats also capture better views during the long descent over Mexico's interior plateau and coastal approach.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Canadian prairies (Alberta/Saskatchewan border region), then descends over the US Great Plains (Kansas/Oklahoma), crosses into Mexico over Durango state, passes over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range (visible as a major north-south ridge system), and follows the Pacific coast southward into Jalisco state before landing at Puerto Vallarta. The Sierra Madre crossing offers the most dramatic mid-flight scenery, with rugged peaks and deep canyons visible from 20,000+ feet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edmonton International (YEG) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta. While takeoff favors right seats for the river valley, the landing view from the left side—Banderas Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the Sierra Madre mountains—is more dramatic and memorable. Left seats also capture better views during the long descent over Mexico's interior plateau and coastal approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Edmonton International in Edmonton?
During takeoff from Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Edmonton International typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Right-side seats on westbound departures offer views of the North Saskatchewan River valley and the city's river ravine system as you climb. Eastbound departures favor left seats, but westbound is more common for southbound traffic to Mexico. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley (prominent ravine system directly below during initial climb), Edmonton city center and downtown skyline to the southeast, Beaver Lake to the northwest, flat Albertan prairie extending to the 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 Left side for the best views. Puerto Vallarta's runway 03/21 typically handles southbound arrivals on runway 03 (northbound approach). Left-side seats on descent provide views of the Pacific coastline, Banderas Bay, and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains rising inland. The approach path follows the coast, making left seats ideal for coastal and mountain scenery. Notable sights include: Banderas Bay (large crescent-shaped water body), Pacific Ocean shoreline with resort developments, Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range (inland to the east, snow-free but rugged), Puerto Vallarta city sprawl along the coast.
How long is the flight from Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from Edmonton International (YEG) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian prairies (Alberta/Saskatchewan border region), then descends over the US Great Plains (Kansas/Oklahoma), crosses into Mexico over Durango state, passes over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range (visible as a major north-south ridge system), and follows the Pacific coast southward into Jalisco state before landing at Puerto Vallarta. The Sierra Madre crossing offers the most dramatic mid-flight scenery, with rugged peaks and deep canyons visible from 20,000+ feet.