Getting to Costa Rica: Tico Travel is able to give you the most air options to Costa Rica due to our special relationships with American Airlines, Lacsa, US Airways, Grupo Taca, Copa and Martin Air.

Our contracts gives us access to special discount airfares not found on any of the popular online sites. In the rare case where there is a super special published rate we can get that for you too WITH NO FEE ADDED!

The airline you take depends on where you are flying from and what package you choose. This is due to airline restrictions on tickets.

Some tickets can be sold as “air only” while others must be included in a minimum package (two nights hotel or week vehicle rental).

Since you will need either one of the minimum packages as part of your perfect surf vacation this actually works to your advantage price wise.

Traveling from the U.S. In most cases when traveling from the United States you can either travel from your hometown airport if serviced by American Airlines or American Eagle or from one of the following Gateway Cities (Miami, Orlando, Washington D.C., New York, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, or San Fransisco).

Sometimes it is cheaper to travel out of one of these cities while other times it is not. Be sure to let us know if you want us to quote you from one of these cities as well as from your hometown. 

f you are arriving after 1 pm or at night you should stay the first night in San Jose Its just not a good idea to be in a hurry on unfamiliar mountain roads at night after an international flight. If you get up early you can be at the beach early enough to get in a full day of surf anyway.

Domestic Air Carriers We do not recommend domestic air carriers for travel within Costa Rica because they DO NOT guarantee boards will fly. Enough said.

Charter Aircraft – If you are going to Pavones, Drake’s Bay, or anyplace else that will not require a vehicle then you could charter your own plane. You will need at least a 6 six seat Airvan to accommodate boards.

Ground Transfers-If you absolutely have to get out of San Jose when you arrive then you may want to arrange a ground transfer to your beach destination.

In some cases, depending upon the rental time, car company, and town you are going to, the drop off fee for the vehicle can range from $0 to $150. Please check with us for this number. Ground transfers are also an option if you are not renting a vehicle.

Vehicle rental - This is the way to go if you can. It gives the maximum chance to explore and lets you stop at any break you find at any time for as long as you want.

Outside the U.S. We have found that we can be most competitive from flights departing from the U.S and that our clients can usually find a good rate to one of the Gateway Cities and we take it from there.This is because Costa Rica is usually a high price ticket from outside the United States.

Hotel Accommodations We offer hotels with prices ranging from $39 to $350 per night. All are surfer friendly and the best in their price category for the amenities they offer. Depending on your travel style you can find anything you want from one of the hotels on our hotel menu

Should I pre-book my hotel or just wing it?- We actually used to recommend you just get your plane ticket and vehicle but no longer.

Good hotels are becoming more well known and popular. Also many hotels no longer have discounted show up rates. This has resulted in many of our frequent travelers telling us that they have not been able to get in the good hotels or get a “walk in” room at regular price at inferior places. 
 

Although there are hundreds of breaks to explore we do not recommend you stay less then three nights in any place. Otherwise you are spending too much time on the road and not able to even begin to discover what makes each town and break unique.