What Airport Will You Fly Into?
Whether you land at the international airport in San José or begin your adventure in Liberia, Costa Rica welcomes travelers with lush landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. From the moment you arrive, the country’s famous “pura vida” spirit is everywhere—whether you are heading toward misty cloud forests, powerful volcanoes, or sun-soaked beaches along the Pacific coast.
My suggestion is to use google flights and see which airport allows for non-stop flights and the best price.
Starting in San José offers easy access to the central highlands and rainforest lodges, while Liberia is the gateway to Guanacaste’s golden beaches and dry tropical forests.
No matter which airport you choose as your starting point, Costa Rica quickly unfolds into a destination filled with unforgettable nature, warm hospitality, and experiences perfect for both relaxation and exploration.
Resorts close to San Jose Airport
- Alturo Hotel: offering a range of accommodations that include standard rooms, a studio made from shipping containers or a family-sized tent. There are several options that can fit families of 4 or 5 people. The buildings are on a large, wooded property and some of the appealing amenities include free breakfast along with a fooseball table on the communal porch.
- Poas Volcano Lodge: Great pick for families. These rooms are very large and have three beds each, fitting families or 4-5 plus the option to add a crib. The family suite even has a kitchen, which is great if you decide to stay in this area for two nights and want to prepare a few simple meals for the kids at your home away from home. There’s even a dining room and an enclosed sunroom to enjoy the views and relax during nap time. Breakfast is included here as well.
- Hotel Poas Paradise: The property is an old house converted into a hotel, offering accommodations with a breakfast included in the rate. On-site amenities include a game room featuring a pool table and darts. Interior doors are standard residential thickness, which may not provide complete sound separation for families with young children.
Resorts close to Liberia Airport
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica: A tranquil adults‑only, all‑inclusive escape tucked into Papagayo Bay with multiple dining venues, infinity pools, and non‑motorized water sports; perfect for romantic getaways and couples looking for a relaxed, tropical setting.
- Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica: Stylish beachfront luxury with open‑air architecture, vibrant dining concepts, spa services, and access to three pristine beaches, ideal for guests who want immersive Costa Rican design and experiences in a natural setting.
- Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica: The classic luxury staple on the peninsula, flanked by two private beaches, a championship golf course, world‑class spa and wellness facilities, and adventurous ecological excursions set within the dry tropical forest.
- Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve: Costa Rica’s newest ultra‑luxury offering and the first Ritz‑Carlton Reserve in Central America, blending seclusion and sophistication with immersive nature experiences, exceptional culinary venues, and breathtaking ocean views.
- CC Beach Front Papagayo All Inclusive: A more accessible all‑inclusive option on the Papagayo coast featuring beachfront access, casual dining, pools and a laid‑back atmosphere — a good choice for families and value‑focused travelers.
- El Mangroove, Autograph Collection: A boutique‑style beachfront retreat with stylish design, wellness amenities, and warm service, blending relaxed sophistication with guided nature and water‑based activities.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most popular adventure destinations, best known for its lush rainforest setting and the iconic Arenal Volcano. This area attracts travelers who enjoy nature, outdoor adventure, and unique wildlife experiences, making it a great fit for families, couples, and active travelers who want to combine luxury lodges with exploration.
Visitors come here for activities such as hiking around the volcano, soaking in natural hot springs, ziplining through the rainforest canopy, wildlife spotting, waterfall hikes, river rafting, and visiting hanging bridges with panoramic jungle views.
La Fortuna Town Center – The small downtown hub with restaurants, shops, tour operators, and local culture. It is the most walkable part of the region and a convenient base for visiting nearby attractions like La Fortuna Waterfall.
Arenal Volcano National Park Area – Located west of town near Arenal Volcano, this area is surrounded by rainforest and is home to many upscale resorts. Visitors come here for volcano views, hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and adventure activities.
Hot Springs Zone – Found along the road between town and the volcano, this area is known for natural thermal resorts and spa-style relaxation. Popular hot spring experiences include places like Tabacón Hot Springs.
Lake Arenal Area – A quieter scenic region with wide lake views and nature-focused lodges. Travelers come here for kayaking, fishing, and peaceful surroundings while still being within driving distance of La Fortuna’s main attractions.
La Fortuna is located about 3 to 3.5 hours by car from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and approximately 3 hours from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, making it an easy and rewarding addition to many Costa Rica itineraries.
Monteverde
Monteverde is a mountain cloud forest destination known for its misty landscapes, rich biodiversity, and peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for nature lovers, eco travelers, birdwatchers, and families who enjoy hiking and wildlife experiences in a cooler climate.
Monteverde offers a cooler climate and is known for its misty cloud forests, incredible biodiversity, birdwatching including the resplendent quetzal, hanging bridges and some of the best zip lining in Costa Rica. Lodges here tend to be smaller and more nature focused, making Monteverde an excellent choice for travelers interested in unique ecosystems, wildlife viewing and immersive rainforest experiences.
Santa Elena – The main town and commercial center of the region with restaurants, cafés, shops, and tour operators. It is the most convenient place to stay for easy access to tours and the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Monteverde Village Area – A quieter residential and lodge area surrounded by forest and farms. Many eco-lodges and boutique hotels are located here, offering beautiful cloud forest views and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Cerro Plano – A small area between Santa Elena and Monteverde that has several boutique hotels, restaurants, and scenic viewpoints. It is centrally located and popular for visitors who want easy access to both towns.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Area – The forested zone near the reserve where several eco-lodges are located. This area is ideal for nature lovers who want immediate access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching in the cloud forest.
Monteverde is about a 3 to 3.5 hour drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport and approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste Province is known for its sunny weather, golden beaches, and laid-back coastal lifestyle. This region appeals to travelers looking for beach relaxation, luxury resorts, water sports, and easy access to nature adventures.
Popular activities include snorkeling, sailing, surfing, sport fishing, visiting waterfalls, and exploring national parks such as Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Tamarindo – a popular surf town known for its vibrant restaurants, nightlife, and long sandy beach.
Playa Flamingo – an upscale beach area with a marina, luxury homes, and calm swimming beaches.
Playas del Coco – one of the most developed beach towns, with shops, restaurants, and a lively local scene.
Nosara – a wellness and surf destination known for yoga retreats and nature-focused travel.
Samara – a relaxed beach town with a swimmable bay and family-friendly atmosphere.
Nicoya – a traditional inland town and cultural center of the Nicoya Peninsula.
La Cruz – a quieter northern town near the border with Nicaragua known for windswept beaches and kite surfing.
Guanacaste is the most convenient beach region for travelers flying into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, with many beach resorts located 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from the airport, while it is roughly a 4.5 to 5.5 hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a beautiful coastal destination where rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean, making it ideal for travelers who want both wildlife and beach time in one place. It attracts couples, families, and first-time visitors looking for scenic national parks, accessible wildlife viewing, and relaxing beach resorts.
The highlight is Manuel Antonio National Park, where visitors can see monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds while hiking to white sand beaches and turquoise coves.
Quepos – The main local town and marina hub just outside Manuel Antonio. It has shops, local restaurants, fishing charters, and access to Marina Pez Vela.
Manuel Antonio Hillside – The scenic road climbing from Quepos toward the national park where many hotels and resorts are located. Properties here offer rainforest surroundings, ocean views, and frequent wildlife sightings like monkeys and sloths.
Playa Espadilla Area – The main public beach area with beachfront restaurants, surf rentals, and easy access to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park.
National Park Area – The quieter end of the road closest to the park entrance. Many boutique hotels and eco-lodges are located here, making it easy to walk to the park for hiking, wildlife viewing, and beaches inside the reserve.
Manuel Antonio is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport and approximately 5.5 to 6 hours from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.
Osa Peninsula
The remote Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and is best suited for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco travelers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. The peninsula is home to the remarkable Corcovado National Park, where visitors may see tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and countless rainforest species.
Activities include guided jungle hikes, wildlife tours, kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling around nearby islands, and staying at immersive eco-lodges surrounded by pristine rainforest.
Puerto Jiménez – The largest town on the peninsula and a main entry point for visitors. It has small hotels, restaurants, and access to tours into Corcovado as well as kayaking and wildlife excursions around Golfo Dulce.
Drake Bay – A popular eco-travel hub on the northern side of the peninsula with boutique lodges and boat access to Corcovado. It is also the jumping-off point for snorkeling and diving trips to Caño Island Biological Reserve.
Carate – A tiny and remote area at the southern edge of the peninsula near the entrance to Corcovado. Travelers stay at rustic eco-lodges here for direct access to jungle hikes and wildlife.
Cabo Matapalo – A secluded rainforest and beach area known for luxury eco-lodges and excellent wildlife viewing. It is ideal for travelers looking for a remote, nature-focused stay surrounded by rainforest and ocean.
The Osa Peninsula is typically reached via a short domestic flight or a long drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport, with travel time about 1 hour by plane or 6 to 7 hours by car, while it is about 7 to 8 hours by car from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid-back Caribbean beach town known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae vibe, and lush jungle coastline. It attracts travelers looking for a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere—especially surfers, backpackers, couples, and eco-travelers who enjoy small boutique hotels, beach cafés, and nature experiences rather than large resorts.
Visitors come here to surf and swim at beaches like Playa Cocles and Punta Uva, bike along the coastal road, explore wildlife in Cahuita National Park, snorkel coral reefs, visit sloth and wildlife rescue centers, and experience the area’s unique Caribbean cuisine and music scene.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – The main town and cultural hub with restaurants, beach bars, shops, and nightlife. It has a lively Caribbean vibe and is the center for tours, bike rentals, and surf culture.
Playa Cocles – Just south of Puerto Viejo, this beach area is popular for surfing and beachfront boutique hotels. It has a relaxed atmosphere with jungle surroundings.
Playa Chiquita – A quiet residential and boutique hotel area known for beautiful beaches, tide pools, and a peaceful jungle setting.
Punta Uva – One of the most scenic beaches in the region with calm turquoise water and rainforest views. It is ideal for kayaking, swimming, and nature-focused stays.
Manzanillo – A small village near the edge of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, known for its remote feel, wildlife, and protected coastal rainforest.
Puerto Viejo is about a 4.5 to 5 hour drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport and roughly 8 to 9 hours from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, making it most convenient for travelers flying into San José.
