Every seemingly perfect Costa Rica itinerary you see on Instagram Reels will tell you the same thing and show you how to spend a few ideal days in one of the country’s most popular towns: La Fortuna. All the influencers will tell you the same: hop into a hot spring soak, seize a day while you walk over the hanging bridge, and wait for the perfect moment to snap that perfect picture of the volcano as if your life depends on it. Of course, this can be a solid start to your planning, but what really determines whether you will have a memorable trip is far more complicated. It starts with choosing the perfect airport to fly into, how to reach the town, and all the other bits and bobs that you need to deal with before actually checking into a hotel and turning on your vacation mode.
Not a single person on this planet would say no to traveling to Costa Rica. Every corner of this Central American piece of paradise is breathtaking, and La Fortuna is considered to be one of its most prized destinations. When arriving there for the first time, many get confused by its actual size. It only takes around 20 minutes to walk end to end, and along the way, you will see some captivating sights. Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, the Mistico Hanging Bridges, and Lake Arenal. None of these attractions seems real, so get ready to treat all your senses like never before!
We would not like to spend much time talking about things you can read about in every second Costa Rica-related blog. You don’t need our help to find out which places are worth visiting, since they are just one Google search away. Instead of that, we would like to actually help you have an adventure worth remembering. So, let’s discuss one part that many travelers underestimate: how to get to La Fortuna fully hassle-free. There is one big misconception about traveling to Costa Rica. Due to the country’s size, many believe that it is not important which airport they choose as their landing point. Both SJO and LIR have their advantages, and in case you are not sure which one to choose, here’s a guide that can help you clear up your doubts.
The majority of first-time visitors will land at Juan Santamaría International Airport, located near the capital city. It is the largest and busiest airport, and for many planning to base their entire trip on La Fortuna, this is often the most convenient option. On your way to this town, you will be able to enjoy spectacular surroundings and get the first glimpse of Costa Rica’s wonders.
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The second prominent Costa Rican airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, nestled in Liberia. It is the first pick for those who would like to stay away from the hustle and bustle of SJO, since, usually, it is not as busy as Juan Santamaría International Airport. Also, we have to argue that the ride from LIR to La Fortuna is way more scenic, almost postcard-perfect, but at the same time, also a bit more challenging to deal with in terms of driving.
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Once you pick your airport wisely, we come to the next section of smart planning: picking the most efficient transportation. Basically, there are three layouts for you to pick from:
Honestly, we could write an extensive blog post about why choosing the first option is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when coming to Costa Rica, especially if it is your first time coming to this divine land. It leads to unnecessary waste of both time and money, many additional problems that can emerge on the way, and ultimately makes the start of your journey not a thrilling, but a horrifying experience. So, overall, it is one big NO!
When it comes to securing a fully private transfer organized by Costa Rica Horizon, it is without a single doubt the most comfortable, convenient, and overall effective alternative. Every step of the way, from landing to reaching your accommodation, you can be fully relaxed knowing that a skilled driver familiar with the roads is in charge of driving. You will be able to take full advantage of the flexibility that comes with this type of service and have what is to be considered the most luxurious and pleasant experience you can ever imagine. We would recommend personalized transfers to those who have never been to Costa Rica and do not know exactly what to expect from the terrain.
On the other hand, those who have already had the privilege to visit the Land of Pura Vida or are highly confident in their driving skills, simply renting a premium vehicle that can suit all their needs is the way to go. Costa Rica Horizon is here to provide the most deluxe fleet and various pickup and drop-off locations, ensuring effortless and risk-free booking for everyone.
