12 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You Can Fly To
Most travelers have heard of Santa Teresa, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Nosara surf breaks, and the Peninsula de Osa. They’re beautiful, of course — but they’re not the whole story.
What makes Costa Rica truly unforgettable are the places just beyond the spotlight. The quiet fishing villages, turquoise bays, tucked-away waterfalls, and soft stretches of coastline that only locals talk about.
Flying with Costa Rica Green Airways opens the door to these lesser-known destinations. You land where the journey is short and the stories are long — leaving more time for what really matters: living the moment.
Why Exploring Beyond the Obvious Matters
There’s something special about traveling to a place that doesn’t feel crowded. It’s the sound of the ocean without background chatter, the smile of the person who lives down the street, the sense that you’ve stumbled into somewhere few others have.
These are places where Costa Rica’s natural beauty is as raw and unfiltered as it gets. When you fly, you skip the long drive and step directly into these worlds — rested, curious, and ready to explore.
Cobano Route — More Than Santa Teresa
Montezuma
If Santa Teresa is about surf and sunsets, Montezuma is about waterfalls and slow mornings. Just a short transfer from the Cobano Airport, Montezuma has kept its bohemian spirit alive — with artisan markets, barefoot cafés, yoga classes, and the famous Catarata de Montezuma, where jungle paths lead to natural swimming pools.
Plan your flight to Cobano
Cabuya
A quiet fishing village wrapped in tropical forest, Cabuya is a place where time seems to stretch. It’s also the gateway to Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica’s first protected area, where trails lead to a wild, untouched beach. It’s perfect for travelers who crave stillness.
Malpaís
While Santa Teresa hums with movement, Malpaís is quieter, more reflective. The coastline is lined with tide pools, horseback riding trails, and coves that are perfect for long, slow walks at golden hour.
Why it’s special: All three of these places are just minutes from the Cobano airstrip, meaning your time goes into living, not driving.
Quepos Route — More Than Manuel Antonio
Uvita
Uvita is one of Costa Rica’s most striking coastal towns — and still feels wonderfully local. Known for its iconic Whale Tail sandbar in Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Uvita is where lush rainforest drops straight into the sea. Here, travelers can snorkel, watch humpback whales during migration season, or simply walk the beach in total peace.
Dominical
A surf town with soul, Dominical has resisted the rush of overdevelopment. It’s a favorite among travelers who prefer hammocks to nightclubs and want to be close to nature without losing local flavor.
Matapalo (Central Pacific)
Not to be confused with its namesake on the Osa Peninsula, Playa Matapalo in the Central Pacific is a long, quiet stretch of coastline where it’s easy to find your own piece of sand. It’s also a great base between Quepos and Uvita.
Why it’s special: These towns offer a slower rhythm — and they’re just a short drive south of the Aeropuerto La Managuain Quepos, bypassing the Route 34 bottleneck entirely.
Puerto Jiménez Route — More Than Corcovado
Cabo Matapalo
Cabo Matapalo is where the jungle meets the sea in the most dramatic way. Here, scarlet macaws fly overhead, monkeys swing through the canopy, and the beaches are often empty except for a handful of surfers and yoga practitioners. It’s raw, breathtaking, and completely off the beaten path.
Carate
The Carate region is remote — and that’s exactly why people love it. Just beyond Puerto Jiménez Airport, it’s the gateway to deep Corcovado, where howler monkeys, tapirs, and rainforest sounds take center stage.
Pavones
Further down the coast lies Pavones, famous for its legendary left-hand surf break. It’s an adventure to get there — but flying into Puerto Jiménez makes it possible in a way driving from San José can’t match.
Why it’s special: These destinations are ideal for travelers seeking nature immersion, surf adventures, and eco-luxury in its truest form.
Book your flight to Puerto Jiménez
Nosara Route — More Than Surf Town Buzz
Playa Garza
Playa Garza is a quiet fishing bay just south of Nosara. It’s calm, local, and perfect for swimming or simply watching boats sway in the water. If Nosara is vibrant, Garza is grounding.
Playa Ostional
Famous for its mass turtle nesting events known as arribadas, Playa Ostional offers travelers a chance to witness something extraordinary — thousands of turtles nesting on the same beach.
Learn more about Ostional Wildlife Refuge
San Juanillo
San Juanillo might just be one of the most beautiful bays in Costa Rica. With its turquoise water, rocky outcrop, and local charm, it’s a favorite of those who prefer their beaches quiet.
Why it’s special: These spots are close enough for a quick taxi or shuttle from the Nosara airstrip but feel a world apart from
the buzz of town.
Fly to Nosara
Why Hidden Destinations Work So Well with Air Travel
Many of these destinations are hard to reach efficiently by car, requiring multiple connections, ferries, or long drives. Flying gets you there in a fraction of the time, leaving your energy for sunsets, swims, and walks through town.
Our pilots share local stories, offer tips, and make the flight itself part of the experience. You can enjoy Costa Rican beers or water on board and arrive at these hidden corners ready to explore.
Flying is also the best way to avoid road bottlenecks during high season, including possible closures near Tárcoles on Route 34 — a common delay point for travelers heading south by car.
FAQ — Exploring Beyond the Mainstream
Do I need a car to reach these hidden destinations?
Not always. Many hotels offer transfers, and taxis or shuttles are easy to arrange from the airstrip. In some cases, a short 15–30 minute ride is all it takes.
Are these places family-friendly?
Yes. Many of them are perfect for couples, groups, or families looking for a slower, more authentic travel experience.
Is it better to visit during high or green season?
Both are beautiful. High season means sunny skies and vibrant communities, while green season offers quieter beaches, lusher landscapes, and often lower prices.
How far in advance should I book flights?
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks ahead during high season to ensure availability.
Do these towns have good accommodation options?
Yes. While they’re less crowded than their mainstream neighbors, these areas offer a range of boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and vacation rentals with strong local character.Contact & Booking Information
Ready to discover the Costa Rica few travelers see?
- Website: www.costaricagreenair.com
- WhatsApp: +506 8583-1741
- Email: info@costaricagreenair.com
- Instagram: @costaricagreenairways
The magic of Costa Rica isn’t just in the places everyone talks about — it’s in the hidden corners, the local smiles, and the unexpected moments that happen when you travel a little differently.
When you fly with Costa Rica Green Airways, you’re not just reaching a destination. You’re unlocking the stories between the lines.
Go beyond the obvious. Discover the places that make this country truly unforgettable.