GETTING TO BANANA AZUL
Arrival
Airport Arrival; First of all it is important you have a valid passport with less than 6 months before the expiry date. You do not need a Visa to enter Costa Rica from most countries. If you are unsure, please contact the Costa Rica consulate or check here for an overview.
Private Airport Pick Up & Drop Off
Airports and transportation can be a bit daunting these days. For people that want the least hassle, We have been using a local tour company for years. They check flight arrival times and will meet you at the exit gate with your name on a sign. Costs vary, depending on location and type of transportation required. For more information about this service and to book service, check here.
Taxi
Costa Rica airport has no indoor public areas. All people waiting for arrivals and all taxis and tour operators have to wait outside the main exit door. When you get out of the secured area, there will no doubt be people trying to sell you a ride to your hotel or anywhere else in Costa Rica. These are usually unauthorized people and we do not recommend you travel with them. Chances are it will be no cheaper than using one of the Orange Airport Taxis (approx. $30). Make sure you confirm the rate before trip commencement.
Uber
Yes, San Jose has Uber. It can be a reliable source of transportation to and from the airport. I find it best to walk out to the main road (by the public bus stop) in front of the airport and catch my Uber there. Getting pick-up be Uber inside airport property can be problematic as there is so much traffic and nowhere for the driver to stop.
From San José
Staying Overnight in San José
Most people that come to Costa Rica always do at least one night in San Jose – Either upon arrival or when exiting the country. Many people ask for a hotel recommendation. There are many good hotels in San Jose that appeal to all budgets, amenities and locations. Please contact our travel assistance company
to discuss your needs.
Tourist Shuttles
These are small air-conditioned tourist shuttles and cost about $50 per person each way. They will pick you up (hotel/airport) and drop you off at your door. They can be really great when you are tight for airport times. Our in house tour company, Caribe Fun Tours can arrange Shuttles for you. For a complete list of prices, departure times, and destinations please check here.
Travel from San José to Puerto Viejo
By Plane
There are up to 3 flights a day now Offered by Sansa Airlines. Flights land in Limón and it is a 50 minute shuttle ride (book here) to Puerto Viejo. You can transfer at SJO airport and avoid staying overnight in San Jose if your arrival time works with flights. Please contact our travel assistance company to best advise you.
Private Driver
We can arrange a private driver pick you up at airport. He will be standing there with a sign with your name on it. They come in cars or vans when needed. The cost is $199 (2 persons) or $239 for van and can be up to 6 persons. Please contact us for quote for larger groups.
Public Bus to Puerto Viejo
Take a taxi to Atlántico Norte Station in Barrio Mexico, near downtown San José. The bus company is called MEPE, which most taxi drivers know. Note there are 3 main terminals in San José and it is very important you go to the Atlántico Norte Station. At the station, you go to ticket counter behind all food outlets. You ask then for ticket to Puerto Viejo Talamanca. Please note there is another Puerto Viejo in Sarapiqui and you do not want that bus. Ticket cost is approx $12.
It is easiest to take bus right into town of Puerto Viejo (final stop). There will be taxis waiting to offer you a ride. The maximum cost should be $6 (3,500 Colones) to Banana Azul (Note: negotiate cab rate before getting in as all cars here have no meters). All drivers know where Banana Azul is located.
Rent a car and Drive to Banana Azul
Half of all our guests rent cars and drive to the hotel. Most rental cars will arrange to pick you up at airport or have a shuttle bus for the bigger companies.
Best free GPS app is Waze on your smartphone. It is quite accurate and works very well in Costa Rica. Google Maps also works well.
If people are interested in renting cars our customers have great experience with Adobe in Puerto Viejo. They have no problem dropping off and picking up car at Banana Azul. Car rentals with Adobe can be arranged here. So, if there is a problem with the car, it is easy to change. You can also pick up or drop off a car at the airport or other 15 locations throughout Costa Rica.