I’ve been to Costa Rica three times now, and each trip leaves me more hooked than the last. There’s something addictive about the pura vida lifestyle. I love mornings that start with the crash of Pacific waves, afternoons that smell like fresh coffee and rain-soaked jungle, and nights lit by the hum of cicadas.
From the U.S., it’s almost too easy to get here. A few hours in the air and you’re swapping office views for volcano peaks and cloud forests. The hardest part? Deciding where to land. Each airport drops you into a completely different slice of paradise, whether it’s surf towns, wildlife-packed national parks, or Caribbean coves so colorful they look Photoshopped. After exploring the country from coast to coast, these nine destinations are the ones I’d fly to again in a heartbeat.
- Read my guide: Top-Rated Airlines to Fly to Costa Rica
Quick tip on where to fly in Costa Rica for cheap
If you’re planning to fly to Costa Rica (or anywhere, really) without draining your travel budget, you need to know about a tool I swear by: Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights). This little gem has saved me thousands over the years, including roundtrips to San José for under $200 from the U.S.
It’s ridiculously simple: create a free account, tell them your departure airport, and they’ll email you the best flight deals…including mistake fares and flash sales most people never see. The free version is great for domestic travel. But if you fly internationally, the Premium plan ($49/year) gives you first dibs on the best deals, sometimes hours before they’re gone. I’ve lost count of how many trips Going has made possible for me. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial, and if you like it, you can use my code Jon25 to save 25% on Premium.
Top Costa Rican Getaways: Where to Fly in Costa Rica in 2025
Whether you’re looking to experience Afro-Caribbean history and culture, sample some tasty regional delicacies, explore the tropical wilderness, or catch some rays on a gorgeous, golden beach, Costa Rica is an unforgettable vacation spot. Here’s where to fly in Costa Rica in 2025.
1. San Jose
When I first landed in San José, I’ll be honest…I didn’t plan to stick around. Like a lot of travelers, I thought of it as just a pit stop before heading to the coasts. But the capital surprised me. The city hums with energy, from the open-air markets piled high with tropical fruit to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee drifting out of corner cafés.
I’ve spent mornings wandering the ornate National Theater, afternoons getting lost in the Gold Museum’s glittering artifacts, and evenings strolling through Barrio Amón, where restored colonial mansions hide art galleries and wine bars. The best part? San José is the perfect launchpad. You can be in Monteverde’s misty cloud forests, hiking Arenal Volcano, or relaxing on Manuel Antonio’s beaches in just a few hours.
If you think capitals are all concrete and chaos, San José might just change your mind.
2. Cartago
Every time I visit Cartago, it feels like I’ve stepped back into another era. Once Costa Rica’s capital, this city wears its history proudly…not in a dusty museum way, but in a way you can see, touch, and feel as you wander the streets.
The Santiago Apóstol Parish Ruins are one of my favorite spots. Earthquakes may have shattered the church walls long ago, but what’s left — the intricate stonework framed by open sky — is hauntingly beautiful. Just a short walk away, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles draws pilgrims from across the country. I’m not especially religious, but standing in front of the Black Madonna here gave me chills.
If you’ve got the energy, make the trip up Irazú Volcano. On a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean from the summit. Or take it slow in the lush Orosi Valley, sipping coffee while the mountains fold into the horizon.
3. Heredia
Heredia might be just a short drive from San José, but it feels worlds away. They call it the “City of Flowers,” and I get why. The pace is slower, the air feels fresher, and the main square has that old-school charm where everyone seems to know everyone.
I love starting the day in Central Park, people-watching under the shade of massive trees with a cup of local coffee in hand. If you’re into biodiversity, INBio Park is worth a visit. You can wander nature trails, spot butterflies, and get a crash course in Costa Rica’s wild side without trekking deep into the jungle.
Adventure is never far here. Drive up to Barva Volcano and you’ll find yourself surrounded by cloud forest, with trails that lead to hidden crater lakes. Heredia isn’t flashy, but that’s what I like about it. It’s the kind of place where you can actually slow down and let Costa Rica’s beauty sneak up on you.
4. Liberia
Every time I fly into Liberia, it feels like the vacation starts the second I step off the plane. The warm, dry air hits you, and suddenly you know you’re in Guanacaste…a land of golden beaches, cowboy culture, and endless blue skies.
I’ve spent mornings wandering the Guanacaste Museum, learning about the region’s history, and afternoons getting my adrenaline fix in Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Think steaming volcanic vents, hidden waterfalls, and natural hot springs that feel like they were made just for you.
Beach days here are hard to beat. The Papagayo Gulf has gems like Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco, where you can snorkel with tropical fish or just stretch out on the sand with a cold drink. And if you want a thrill, ziplining over the treetops or riding horseback through the countryside is as Costa Rican as it gets.
5. Quepos
Quepos is one of those places I never get tired of returning to. It’s a small Pacific coast town, but it packs in some of the best things Costa Rica has to offer. I love the beaches and wildlife…it has just the right amount of laid-back charm.
Most people come here for Manuel Antonio National Park, and for good reason. I’ve hiked its jungle trails more than once, and I still get giddy spotting capuchin monkeys, lazy sloths, and flashes of color from toucans overhead. The beaches inside the park look like they were pulled straight from a travel brochure…warm turquoise water framed by palm trees and jungle.
Back in town, the Marina Pez Vela is where I like to end the day. You can watch the fishing boats come in, grab fresh ceviche, and toast the sunset with something cold in hand. Quepos might be small, but it has a way of making every day feel big. It’s definitely one of my favorite beautiful spots to visit in Central America.
6. Puerto Limon
Puerto Limón feels different from the rest of Costa Rica, and that’s exactly why I love it. The Caribbean coast has its own rhythm, its own flavors, and a warmth that goes beyond the tropical weather. For these reasons, it’s one of the best hidden gems in Costa Rica.
The Central Market is always my first stop. It’s loud, colorful, and full of irresistible smells. Think coconut rice, jerk chicken, and piles of fresh tropical fruit you’ve probably never tried before. If you want to dig deeper into the area’s Afro-Caribbean heritage, the Museo Etnohistórico de Limón is small but fascinating.
Out on the water, the Tortuguero Canals are pure magic. I’ve drifted past howler monkeys leaping between trees, bright green iguanas sunbathing on branches, and once, a manatee slowly surfacing right beside the boat. If you’re lucky enough to visit during turtle nesting season, it’s something you’ll never forget.
7. Tamarindo
Tamarindo is where I go when I want sun on my skin, salt in my hair, and zero reason to check my watch. This Pacific coast town is a magnet for surfers, beach lovers, and anyone chasing those epic Costa Rican sunsets.
Playa Tamarindo is the main draw. It’s long, golden, and alive with surfers riding waves from sunrise to sundown. If you’re new to surfing, this is the place to learn; if you’re a pro, you’ll still find waves worth chasing. Just down the coast, Playa Langosta is quieter, with tide pools and stretches of sand where you can have the beach almost to yourself.
Offshore, the Pacific is teeming with life. I’ve snorkeled with schools of rainbow-colored fish and even crossed paths with a curious sea turtle. At night, the town comes alive with open-air restaurants serving fresh-caught mahi mahi, live music drifting through the streets, and the whole sky painted in sunset colors you’ll never forget. For these reasons, Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most livable destinations.
8. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is where time slows down…and you won’t want it any other way. Tucked on the Nicoya Peninsula, this little surf town has a bohemian heartbeat and a coastline that could convert even the most die-hard city person into a beach bum.
Days here tend to revolve around the ocean. The waves are some of the best in Costa Rica, whether you’re paddling out for the first time or chasing barrels at sunrise. But it’s not all about surfing. I’ve spent lazy mornings in open-air cafés, afternoons at yoga classes with ocean views, and evenings watching the sun melt into the Pacific from the sand.
If you’re up for exploring, the Montezuma Waterfalls are just a short trip away, where you can swim in jungle pools. Or take a boat to Isla Tortuga for white sand, turquoise water, and snorkeling that feels like swimming through an aquarium. It’s a place you’ll definitely want to check out if you’re spending at least a week in Costa Rica.
9. Jaco
Jacó is the kind of place where you can pack more into one day than you thought possible…and still have energy left for the nightlife. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most accessible beach towns, just a couple of hours from San José, and it has a little something for everyone.
If you’re into wildlife, start with a boat ride on the Tárcoles River. You’ll get up close (sometimes very close) to massive crocodiles and spot scarlet macaws flying overhead. For a shot of adrenaline, Jaco Ropes Adventure Park offers zip lines, rope courses, and views over the rainforest canopy.
When the sun goes down, Jacó shifts gears. Open-air bars hum with live music, beachfront clubs keep the beats going until late, and there’s no shortage of fresh seafood to fuel your night. It’s vibrant, it’s a little gritty, and it’s one of those towns that keeps you coming back for “just one more” weekend.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about where to fly in Costa Rica
Here are some popular questions I get about flying to Costa Rica.
What’s the cheapest airport to fly into in Costa Rica?
From my experience, San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) usually has the best deals. It’s the busiest airport in the country, which means more competition between airlines and more opportunities for mistake fares or flash sales. I’ve flown into SJO from the U.S. for under $200 roundtrip by grabbing a deal through Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).
Are flights cheaper to San José or Liberia?
Nine times out of ten, I find San José is cheaper. That said, if you’re heading straight for Guanacaste’s beaches, Liberia (LIR) might be worth the extra cost since you’ll save on ground transportation. I always compare both before booking. Sometimes a “more expensive” flight to Liberia ends up being the better value once you factor in bus rides or domestic flights.
What time of year is cheapest to fly to Costa Rica?
For me, the sweet spot is the shoulder seasons – late April to early June, and September through early November. It’s technically the rainy season, but you’ll still get plenty of sun, fewer crowds, and much lower prices on both flights and hotels. I once scored a $210 roundtrip in September and had beaches practically to myself.
How far in advance should I book for the best deal?
I aim for 2–5 months in advance for high season, and about 1–3 months for low season. But honestly, the best fares I’ve ever found came from watching deals year-round through Going. You never know when a flash sale or error fare will pop up…and those usually disappear in hours.
Can I save money by booking a flight into one city and out of another?
Absolutely, I’ve done this multiple times. It’s called an open-jaw ticket, and it works great in Costa Rica. For example, you could fly into San José, road-trip your way to the Pacific coast, and then fly home from Liberia. Sometimes it’s the same price (or even cheaper) than a regular roundtrip.
Are domestic flights in Costa Rica worth it?
If your time is limited, yes. Flying from San José to destinations like Tamarindo, Nosara, or Puerto Jiménez can save you a full day of driving. Local airlines like Sansa or Green Airways often run sales…I’ve snagged one-way tickets for under $60. Just keep in mind baggage limits are strict, so pack light.
