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