Traveling to Costa Rica
General Surf Camp Travel Information
Our retreat hotel, Tropico Latino, is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in a little beach town called Santa Teresa. Travel is not included in your surf retreat package.
The first and last days of our Costa Rica surf camp are considered travel days. The first day of surf camp kicks off around 6:00 pm with a Welcome Dinner, and the last day ends around 10:00 am after a surf session and brunch. We have fun activities planned for both those days, so be sure you don’t arrive too late or leave too early!
To get to us is a two-step process.
- The first step is your international flight to Costa Rica.
- The second step is either taking a domestic flight or shuttle bus to the surf retreat.
We recommend that you allow 2 hours between your international and domestic flights for customs, baggage claim and ticketing.
Kathy, our reservation guru, is here to help you with any of your travel questions.
Detailed Trip Planning
Step 1
Flights to/from Costa Rica
Two International Airport:
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), 17 km outside San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.
Liberia International Airport (LIR), located in the northern town of Liberia.
AIRLINES:
American, Alaska, United, Frontier, COPA Panama, Delta, US Air, Continental, America West, Southwest, LACSA, Mexicana, Taca, and many other airlines fly to Costa Rica.
A travel search engine we highly recommend is www.kayak.com.
We recommend that you allow 2 hrs between your international and domestic flights on both ends of your trip for customs, baggage claim, and ticketing.
Step 2
Getting to us from the international airports:
There are two ways of getting to/from Santa Teresa: a domestic flight or a shuttle bus. We highly recommend the flight, as it allows for more time at the beach.
Domestic Flight:
DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO/FROM COBANO:
If you’re looking to squeeze every ounce of vacation time in, we recommend booking a 30-minute puddle jumper ($60-$140 each way), leaving from SJO or LIR, and arriving in Cobano.
From SJO, both Sansa and Green Airways depart right next to the San Jose airport in the domestic terminal.
From LIR, only Sansa offers flights to Cabano. They are only once per day, so be sure they line up with your international flight.
Once in Cobano, expect a 1-hour taxi ride. Taxis cost approximately $40/each way for 1-4 people and $15 for each additional person. We will schedule a taxi to pick you up in Cobano, so look for a sign with your party’s name or the “Pura Vida Adventures” sign.
There are limited flights and seats to Cobano, so make your reservation early!
SANSA AIRLINES
flysansa.com | email | 011-(506) 2290-4100 | Toll free USA: 1-877-767-2672
We can help you book your Sansa flight! Please contact us and we will gladly help you reserve your domestic flight.
COSTA RICA GREEN AIRWAYS
costaricagreenair.com | email | 011-(506) 4070-0771 | Toll free USA: 1-888-828-8471
Daily Shuttle Bus
Tropical Tours provides a door to door shuttle bus services to/from Santa Teresa.
The shuttle bus leaves San Jose, Liberia, and Santa Teresa daily and will pick you up at the airport or your hotel. The price is $50/per person each way.
Please contact Tropical Tours directly at www.tropicaltourshuttles.com.
Travel Questions?
Hotels in San Jose
If you need to stay the night in San Jose, we recommend the following hotels:
Holiday Inn Express
Closest Hotel to the Airport
Website
1-888-Holiday
Standard Room for 1-2 people: $150-$200 + 13% tax
Hotel Fleur de Lys
Victorian House converted into a hotel, includes breakfast
Website
(011)506-223-1206 | [email protected]
Standard Single: $78-$100 = 13% tax
Double: $76-$86 + 13% tax
Best Western Irazu
Close to Airport, full breakfast
Website
(011)506-2520-2483 or 800-528-1234
Room for 1-2 people: $93.75-$150 + 13% tax
Marriott Hotel San Jose
Close to Airport
Website
(011)506-298-0000 or 1-800-228-9290
Rooms for up to four people: $159-$200 + 13% tax
Los Volcanes Alejuela
Simple, clean hotel near the airport, Alajuela, includes breakfast, a complimentary taxi to the airport
Website
[email protected] | (011)-506-2441-0525
Accommodation with shared bathroom: $35 single, $46 double, $60 triple
Accommodation with private bathroom: $46 single, $60 double, $74 triple
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most guests fly into SJO (San José). LIR (Liberia) can also work, depending on your route. From either, plan on ground shuttle (and ferry from SJO route) or a domestic flight to Tambor + short drive to Santa Teresa. We’ll help you choose the smoothest option for your arrival window.
We’ll recommend trusted shuttles/private transfers, the ferry (from SJO route), or a short domestic flight to Tambor with a driver meeting you. Your confirmation includes step-by-step guidance and contacts.
You can check in anytime on Day 1—aim to arrive in time for our 6:00 pm Welcome Dinner. On the final day, we do a dawn-patrol surf + brunch before departures.
We strongly recommend it. Look at options like World Nomads or Allianz, or check your credit card coverage. Ensure your policy meets your needs (medical, trip interruption, delays).
Yes. We regularly assist guests traveling alone with transfer guidance, roommate matching, and arrival tips.
Have a tricky itinerary? WhatsApp us—we’ll help you plan.
Costa Rica has dry season (Dec–Apr) and green season (May–Nov). Expect warm temps (~90°F) and very warm water. No wetsuit needed—rashguards, swimsuits, and boardshorts are perfect. Green season often means sunny mornings and occasional afternoon showers.
Solo Travel
Costa Rica is a beautiful country and a perfect place for solo travelers to meet like-minded people, seek adventure, and explore an entirely different culture. In fact, about 30 percent of our students come to our surf and yoga retreats as solo travelers! If you have anxiety about traveling alone, check out our Solo Traveler section for specific details, articles, and information about the safety and fun of traveling in Central America.