Alternatives to San José as a base of operations in Costa Rica

The Liberia International Airport
Arrival at Liberia's new Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport instead of Juan Santamaría outside San José

Locations of Costa Rica's two International Airports

The easiest alternative to San José is flying into the new Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport near Liberia and proceeding directly to the beach or rainforest.

Flights into the new airport are a little more expensive ($US 480-540 vs. $US 400-480 into San José) and less frequent, and if you have a layover, check it carefully because some are rather long. Delta, Continental, and US Airways all have several flights a week, and America West initiated a new service from Phoenix AZ in Jan 2004. If you are booking tickets through an internet travel service or travel agent you will want to know that the airport code is LIR.

There is relatively little in the immediate vicinity of the Liberia airport, but increasing numbers of tour and lodge operators are providing transfers. If you are renting a car to travel through Costa Rica, arriving at Oduber International Airport is a much better choice than Juan Santamaría outside San José.
These detailed guidebooks are a great place to get more information

Alternatives to staying in San José when arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport
Even if your flight arrives at Juan Santamaría outside San José you don't have to follow the crowd to San José. Consider these options then click the "How to" button for details.

1. Nearby, Alejuela or Heredia: If you arrive too late to leave the central valley (meseta central) the same day, consider staying in Alejuela or Heredia. Both are much closer to the airport than San José, both have travel agencies that can arrange cars, planes, minibuses or tours, and both are safer, quieter, cleaner and friendlier than the capitol.

A Safe Passage specializes in facilitating public bus service from Alajeula to the rest of Costa Rica.

Some taxi drivers are reluctant to take you to Alejuela or Heredia ($US 3 to 7) because they prefer the higher fare they can charge into San José ($US 12 to 25). Just pick another driver, there are always plenty, and odds are pretty good you'll find one that will give you a quick free tour and good advice as well as a ride to your destination since many of them live in these two towns.

Map of Costa Rica showing location of La Fortuna de San Carlos (Atenal)

2. North, La Fortuna: If you arrive at the airport before about 2:00 PM you can head directly to La Fortuna de San Carlos (La Fortuna de Arenal). La Fortuna is the antithesis of San José. It is set near the edge of Arenal volcano National Park, it takes about 10 minutes to walk the length of the town, there are dozens of clean, reasonably priced motels and cabinas in the budget to moderate price range, excellent restaurants, nice places to take a walk, hikes that start from town to waterfalls and rainforests, bicycles for rent, horses for rent, guides, whitewater rafting and kayaking trips, and minibuses and tours to the parks and attractions in northern Costa Rica.

If you are planning to visit several regions of Costa Rica, the north is a good place to head first. Travel is easier here and you can get your bearings as well as up to the minute information on other destinations (other travelers are excellent sources of information on changing situations).

3. South, San Isidro, Golfito and the Osa: It is difficult to head straight south from the airport by bus or minibus, because most of the transportation to the southern part of Costa Rica passes through San José. You may want to consider staying in Heredia or Alejuela and starting your travels the following day. If you are renting a car, you should plan on reaching the airport before noon, so you are not on the road much after dark. If you are planning on catching a domestic flight, you should consider Golfito, Puerto Jiménez, or Drake Bay as an alternate destination.

San Isidro is the gateway to Chirripó National Park (by way of San Gerardo de Rivas) and a good starting point to explore La Amistad and Corcovado. The tourism industry isn't as developed here as in La Fortuna de San Carlos (Arenal), but you will still find plenty of guides, small tour companies, travel agencies, and transportation options. The hotel Chirripó on the main square has an excellent bulletin board and a small travel center.

Map of Costa Rica showing the location of Nicoya, Tamarindo, Nosara, Tambor, and Montezuma beaches

4. West and the Pacific beaches, Nicoya: The town of Nicoya isn't a destination so much as a marker. You could stay there, it has reasonable accommodations and restaurants. However you'd probably be happier on the beach. The beaches of the Nicoya peninsula are some of the most beautiful in the world, from the resorts of Papagayo in the North to the surf camps of Malpaís and Montezuma in the South, we guarantee you'll be glad you're here instead of wasting a sunset in San José.

5. East and the Caribbean beaches: It might be difficult to head straight to the Caribbean side of the country from the airport unless you take a local flight to Tortuguero or Puerto Limon, or rent a car. If your budget is too tight to allow these luxuries, plan on option 1 (staying in Alejuela or Heredia) and catching a bus or minibus the next day.