High season in Costa Rica has its own rhythm — bright blue skies, golden beaches, and a lively energy that draws travelers from around the world. But it also brings something else: heavy traffic, packed shuttles, and long hours on the road.
When the country gets busy, flying isn’t just a faster option — it’s a smarter one. Whether you’re heading to the surf town of Nosara, the lush coastline of Quepos, the remote wilderness of Puerto Jiménez, or the laid-back beaches near Cobano and Santa Teresa, choosing to fly with Costa Rica Green Airways can completely transform the way you travel.
High Season in Costa Rica: What Travelers Should Know
Costa Rica’s high season typically runs from mid-December through April, with peak periods around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter. During these months, the country bursts to life with travelers seeking sunshine, ocean breezes, and outdoor adventures.
It’s also when roads become congested, especially on routes leading to popular destinations like Nosara, Santa Teresa, Quepos, and the Osa Peninsula. What might normally be a five-hour drive can easily stretch to seven or eight. Car rentals are scarce, shuttles book out weeks in advance, and traffic can turn what should be a relaxed travel day into a stressful one.
Important local factor for the 2025 and 2026 high seasons: road travel southbound along the Costanera Sur (Route 34) can be further impacted by Tárcoles River bridge/area closures or traffic slowdowns, affecting access to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio and connections onward toward the Peninsula de Osa. Even minor disruptions here can ripple into multi-hour delays. Flying with Costa Rica Green Airways lets you bypass all of that and step straight into vacation mode.
Road Travel vs. Flight Time — The Numbers Don’t Lie
A short flight can save you entire travel days. Here’s how long it really takes to reach some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations:
| Route | By Road (approx.) | By Flight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| San José → Nosara | 5–6 hours | 40 minutes |
| San José → Quepos | 3.5–4.5 hours | 25 minutes |
| San José → Puerto Jiménez | 6–8 hours | 50 minutes |
| San José → Cobano (Santa Teresa) | 5–7 hours | 40 minutes |
| Liberia → Nosara | ~2 hours | ~15 minutes |
And beyond the clock, it’s about how you feel when you land. Instead of arriving exhausted from hours on winding roads, you arrive fresh and ready to enjoy your first afternoon — not recover from it.
Flying Isn’t Just Faster — It’s a Better Experience
Flying across Costa Rica isn’t just about convenience — it’s part of the journey. From the air, the country reveals its hidden coastlines, lush forests, winding rivers, and soft golden beaches that you simply can’t see from a car window.
Our experienced pilots love sharing fun facts and stories about Costa Rica during flights, adding a personal touch to your journey. Passengers can also enjoy Costa Rican beers and bottled water on board, making your flight not just efficient, but genuinely enjoyable.
Our modern fleet, smooth check-in process, and scenic landings make domestic flying feel seamless. Whether you’re approaching the Nosara coastline, descending over Quepos, or touching down in Cobano, the view from above is something travelers remember long after they land.
Why Booking Ahead Matters in High Season
Flights during high season sell out quickly. Booking early isn’t just about securing a seat — it’s about choosing the best flight times and ensuring your international and domestic travel flow smoothly.
Early booking gives travelers:
- Priority for morning flights, when skies are typically clearest
- More flexibility to coordinate hotel check-ins, tours, and transfers
- The ability to fly together as a group, perfect for families, retreats, or weddings
- Peace of mind knowing your itinerary is locked in during peak season
For international arrivals, early booking also ensures same-day connections from Juan Santamaría International Airportor Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport to your final destination — so your vacation starts the moment you land.
Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, so planning ahead guarantees a smooth and stress-free experience.
Smarter Travel Means More Time Doing What You Came For
Think about what really matters on vacation. Do you want to spend your first day in Costa Rica stuck in traffic, or walking barefoot on the beach?
By flying, you step off the plane and head straight to your hotel, surf lesson, spa, or hammock with your name on it. It’s not just about skipping the road — it’s about arriving already in vacation mode. That extra time on the sand or in the water is priceless.
Insider Tips for Traveling During Costa Rica’s High Season
- Book your flight as soon as you book your hotel. High season flights fill up quickly.
- Travel light. A carry-on keeps transitions smooth and fast.
- Choose morning flights for the clearest skies and calmest conditions.
- Coordinate transfers. Many hotels offer pick-up directly from the airstrip.
- Track local road advisories if you plan to drive; Tárcoles (Route 34) closures can create delays.
- Build in buffer time between your international arrival and domestic flight.
Popular Destinations to Fly To with Costa Rica Green Airways
Nosara — Surf, Wellness & Sunsets
Nosara is famous for its surf breaks, yoga studios, and barefoot luxury. Flying here means arriving relaxed and ready to enjoy it all.
Learn more about flights to Nosara
Quepos — Gateway to Manuel Antonio
Quepos is the closest airport to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s most beloved destinations. A quick 25-minute flight gets you to the park faster — no Tárcoles delays required.
Book your flight to Quepos
Puerto Jiménez — The Wild Osa Peninsula
Puerto Jiménez is the entry point to the Peninsula de Osa, home to Parque Nacional Corcovado and some of the richest biodiversity in the world. Flying here saves you from hours on the Costanera and unpredictable road closures.
Explore flights to Puerto Jiménez
Cobano — The Gateway to Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa and Malpaís have grown from quiet surf towns to world-class destinations. Flying into Cobano means skipping ferries and winding roads, landing just minutes from the beach.
Discover flights to Cobano
Liberia → Nosara
For travelers arriving at Liberia International Airport, getting to Nosara couldn’t be easier. A 15-minute flight lets you skip the drive and start your vacation right away.
Check flights from Liberia to Nosara
FAQ — Flying in Costa Rica’s High Season
When is Costa Rica’s high season?
High season typically runs from mid-December through April, with peak travel around the holidays.
How far in advance should I book my domestic flight?
We recommend booking 4–6 weeks ahead to secure your preferred schedule.
Are domestic flights suitable for families and groups?
Yes. Booking early ensures your entire group can fly together.
How early should I arrive at the airport before my domestic flight?
Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure, so arriving early keeps things stress-free.
Can I bring surfboards or other gear on board?
Yes. We can accommodate surfboards, yoga mats, and other gear. Please check size and weight details when booking.
Is it possible to connect directly from my international flight?
Yes. Early booking ensures smooth same-day transfers.
What if I plan to drive part of my trip?
Monitor Route 34/Tárcoles for potential slowdowns or closures during high season. Flying avoids this uncertainty entirely.
Contact & Booking Information
Ready to make your high-season travel effortless?
- Website: www.costaricagreenair.com
- WhatsApp: +506 8583-1741
- Phone: +506 2101-9760
- Email: info@costaricagreenair.com
- Instagram: @costaricagreenairways
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica’s high season is meant for beach walks, sunsets, and wild adventures — not hours in traffic. Flying isn’t just about saving time; it’s about elevating the way you travel. From local pilots sharing their love of Costa Rica to views that will stay with you long after you land, this is the smarter way to experience the country.