Costa Rica Airports
It used to be that the only way to visit Costa Rica was to fly into The San Jose International airport and then travel the rest of the way to your destination by car, taxi, bus, or oxcart. Not any longer. Costa Rica has added another international airport in Liberia, the provincial capital of Guanacaste to service the Northern portion of the country. With the addition of the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, with full customs service available, previously remote portions of Costa Rica are now much more accessible for the traveler or resident. The entire Nicoya peninsula has become more accessible to development and attractive to foreign investment. With the Costa Rican government’s support of development, previously hard to reach areas of Costa Rica will be even more accessible in the future.
The Liberia International Airport not only provides service to international carriers, but it has become an important hub for local airline flights to reach outlying areas of Guanacaste Province and other smaller airports. With parts of Costa Rica still remaining somewhat primitive, some areas are more easily accessible by air. This would be similar to Alaska, where it is often easier to fly than to travel overland, even if the distance is relatively short. Costa Rica has recognized this fact and through public-private cooperation, has developed a total of 26 airports throughout the country, providing easier transportation for many citizens living in more remote areas. These airports also allow more tourists to visits previously remote areas, bringing in much needed revenue, though threatening the ecosystem in the process. A strong push toward eco-tourism can help maintain the balance between these two opposing factors.
Local airports (and the term is used rather loosely here) consist of relatively short runways, sometimes unpaved, that can only handle smaller planes. Two local airlines, Nature air and Sansa air, provide safe, reliable service to many smaller, regional airstrips, providing easier access to all parts of the country. The experienced traveler, or the adventuresome, will be accustomed to flying with smaller, regional airlines, but for most Americans these flights may be a little unsettling. Flying in a smaller, 2-10 seat airplane is a vastly different experience than that of flying in a 200-300 seat jetliner. Both aircraft are perfectly safe, but the sensations associated with a smaller aircraft do take a little getting used to. But, it is an experience that the typical traveler will enjoy, as another experience in a full life.
In addition to the international airlines and the two domestic airlines, there are charter services, which will be happy to help you design your own travel agenda. They provide service at your convenience at a very attractive price for those who require the convenience of their own schedule. Costa Rican foreign nationals should also consider the advantages of a private airplane. The costs of maintaining a private plane are less than they would be in most other countries, and may be a viable option for many people.
The air transportation in Costa Rica provides many options for the Costa Rican immigrant. Quick, reliable air transportation is available throughout most populated areas of the country for the busy executive or high powered professional. But this is Costa Rica; you came here to escape the rat race. But, it’s nice to know that you are only a short flight away from anywhere you need to be, if you need arises. And, if you need to return to your home country for family or business emergencies, the Costa Rican air transportation services can get you home quickly. Just one more reason why Costa Rica is a great retirement destination.
