By Air in Costa Rica

By Air

Given Costa Rica's often difficult driving conditions, distances that appear short on a map can represent hours of driving on dirt roads pocked with craters; buses can be a slow and uncomfortable way to travel. Domestic flights are a desirable and practical option. And because 4WD rental rates can be steep, flying is often cheaper than driving. Most major destinations are served by daily domestic flights.

The informality of domestic air service -- "airports" outside of Liberia and San José usually consist of simply an airstrip with no central building at which to buy tickets -- means you might want to purchase your domestic airplane tickets in advance (by phone or online), although you can buy them at the San José or Liberia airports or at travel agencies once you're in the country. In theory, you can purchase tickets up to two hours before the flight is set to go. This is a potentially viable option in the May-October low season, but we recommend grabbing a seat as soon as you know your itinerary.

There are two major domestic commercial airlines: SANSA and NatureAir. Most NatureAir and SANSA flights leave from the San José area; NatureAir's Quepos-Palmar Sur route is the only interdestinational commercial flight that skips San José. Commercial planes are small -- holding between 6 and 19 passengers; some San José-Liberia flights hold up to 45 passengers. Charter company Macaw Air flies its five-passenger Cessna 206 out of Liberia, allowing you to bypass San José altogether; it also offers one daily commercial flight between Tamarindo and Liberia. Domestic flights are nonstop, with the exception of some flights to the far south, where you might stop in Drake Bay first, then continue on to Puerto Jiménez, for example. You can buy SANSA and NatureAir tickets online, over the phone, and at most travel agencies in Costa Rica. Buy Macaw Air tickets online or by phone. SANSA air passes -- $199 for one week and $249 for two weeks -- can be a good deal. NatureAir's Adventure Pass, available April 21 to November 30, offers unlimited domestic flights for one ($249) or two ($299) weeks.

Domestic & Charter Airlines

Aerobell Air Charter (506/290-0000. www.aerobell.com). Macaw Air (506/653-1362. www.macawair.com). NatureAir (800/235-9272 in U.S. and Canada; 506/299-6000 in Costa Rica. www.natureair.com). SANSA (506/221-9414 or 506/442-9385. www.flysansa.com).