Air_Travel_n_Transportation

AIR TRAVEL:
Prices fluctuate but are typically pay between $400-600 per RT ticket. Tuesday and Wednesday seem to be the cheapest days to fly in and out. Air travel time is approximately 3.5 hours from Houston, 6.5 hours from SFO (2 flights). For documents, you will need a valid passport and a US driver’s license if you plan to drive.

There are two international airports in Costa Rica:

Liberia (LIR): 2.5-3 hours by car to Casa Mariposa.
This is the smaller and newer of the airports and services the north western side of the country. Fewer flights than SJO but sometimes better prices. I prefer to fly into this one for proximity reasons. Carriers (possibly more) are Delta, American, Continental, US Air & United (maybe).

San Juan Santamaria in San Jose (SJO): 4 hours by car to Casa Mariposa.
This is the larger, original airport and services San Jose (1 million people) and the rest of the country. Carriers (possibly more) are Delta, American, Continental, US Air, United, Taca (Costa Rican airline from US), maybe more.

RENTAL CARS:
All of the majors rent down here at either airport. Make your reservations online. Sample prices of a small 4x4 (highly suggested) are around $40-60/day. We prefer to use Poas Rental Car because they have consistently given us the best customer service. If you reserve through them, please tell them you’re with Lavapalooza for the special rate and receive a 15% discount on a weekly rental.
Email Rigo (manager at LIR office), or Alex (manager at SJO office) for a quote.
*** For discounted rates please check here***

PRIVATE SHUTTLE:
A large group may consider shuttle services.

TAXI:
A cab can cost approximately $75 from LIR and $125 from SJO to Nuevo Arenal. There are “official” and private ones. Use the official red taxis with yellow sign on top and meter inside. Confirm the price first before you commit to the ride!

PUBLIC BUS:
Go for it! Costs can be as little as $4-6 for a one-way ride. Yes it will take all day and be a bit unpredictable but still the best way to meet real people and learn about their culture. Check here.