As we got out of the taxi, I stared in minor disbelief at the airport we were supposed to fly out of. It was simply a small strip in the middle of a huge farm! The cows and horses stood around the airstrip, undisturbed by the commotion of a twin engine airplane landing in front of them.
You’d think after nearly 7 years of traveling and living in Costa Rica, I’d be used to this kind of scenario by now. But here I was, about to take my first local flight in Costa Rica ever and the airstrip was right in the middle of a cow farm!
If you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to travel around Costa Rica, flying is your best option especially for those short on time. Adventure never ends in Costa Rica and it’s definitely an adventure to take a local flight. If you’re considering flying, read our post about flying from San Jose to Tamarindo and you can get our SkywayCR (local airline) 10% promo!
Flying From San Jose to Tamarindo airport
We took a flight from Tamarindo to San Jose, a normal route we’ve driven many times before. Driving normally takes around 4 hours but flying takes only 35 minutes. Talk about a huge time saver!
The process of taking a local flight is similar to an international flight – you must bring your passport and you can check in or carry on bags depending on the weight. After that, you’re good to go.
The Plane
The seats were surprisingly very comfortable and the big windows allow passengers to get stunning views of Costa Rica from the air. The planes go no more than 10,000 feet (3000 meters) so you don’t feel like you’re taking a flight – it feels like you’re taking a scenic aerial tour.
Depending on your route, you may see volcanoes, waterfalls, islands and the coastline. From Tamarindo to San Jose, we flew down Guanacaste, across the Colorado and Nicoya Gulf, over Puntarenas and into San Jose. When Yeison flew to La Fortuna, he went right over Arenal Volcano and saw it from the top. You can’t get a view like that any other way!
For our flight from San Jose to Tamarindo, we got decent views. Even though it started pouring down rain when we took off, it was a fairly smooth flight and it cleared up as soon as we left the Central Valley.
Landing in Tamarindo Airport
Once we landed in Tamarindo, we took a taxi to our place. There are a few taxis hanging out there. If you’re renting a car, the agencies can deliver the car right to the airport so you can get it when you land.
Both planes are fun to fly in and our flight back was 40 minutes. It was hard for me to believe how quick we got back to Tamarindo, I’m so used to driving 4-5 hours everywhere!
It was such a time saver and we avoided all the hassle of driving, dealing with traffic and all that. If budget isn’t a huge concern, definitely consider flying around Costa Rica!
Read our experience flying from San Jose to Quepos too!
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Ken @ DuLichDaiViet says
May 16, 2016 at 8:50 PMGulf of Nicoya truly majestic when viewed from above. I would also like once sat on the plane as you take in the view below but I’m afraid of heights. 🙁
Sammi says
May 17, 2016 at 12:16 PMIt is very beautiful!
John @ Pretravels says
May 10, 2016 at 1:59 PMWow! That is a colorful plane! However the images are breathtaking! If you ever feel like taking great aerial shots again but you don’t have the possibility to fly, you could try a drone. The photos that come out of these cameras today are amazing.
Sammi says
May 11, 2016 at 4:25 PMyes that is very true! You can get some spectacular photos from above and unique views.