Your Guanacaste getaway starts the moment you set your sights on Santarena Hotel. Though the car-free town of Las Catalinas feels worlds away, reaching it couldn’t be easier. You can step straight into vacation mode the moment you arrive.
Closest Airports to Santarena Hotel
Most visitors arrive through one of two international airports in Costa Rica, depending on where they’re starting from and how they’d like to travel:
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) – Liberia
Just over an hour’s drive from town, Liberia is the most convenient choice for most international travelers. You’ll find direct flights from many major US and Canadian cities, like Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, New York, Toronto, and more. - Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – San José
Around four and a half hours from Las Catalinas, San José offers more flight options overall and works well if you’re exploring Costa Rica’s central region before heading to the coast.
Both airports also connect to smaller domestic airstrips with airlines like Sansa, flying to destinations such as Tamarindo or Nosara, if Las Catalinas isn’t your first stop. These short flights often include stunning views of Costa Rica’s mountains, rainforest, and coastline. Santarena’s concierge teeam can help you book connections to town or for onward travel across the country.
Nonstop Flights from the U.S. & Canada
Reaching Santarena Hotel from North America is easier than you might think. Many major cities offer nonstop flights to both Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO). Approximate flight times:
To Liberia (LIR)
Atlanta ~3h 45m
Austin
Boston ~5h
Chicago ~5h
Dallas ~5h
Fort Lauderdale ~2.5h
Houston ~4–5h
Miami ~3h
Minneapolis ~5h 20m
New York ~5h 20m
Phoenix ~5h
Washington DC ~4–5h
Los Angeles ~5–6h
Toronto ~5h+
Calgary ~7h+
Montreal ~6h+
Vancouver ~7h+
Winnipeg ~6h+
To San José (SJO): Miami ~3h | New York ~5h 30m | Los Angeles ~5–6h | Montreal ~5h+
With so many options, you’ll likely find a flight that works with your schedule while avoiding layovers.
Airport Transfers to Santarena Hotel
Once you land, the easiest way to reach Santarena is by booking a private transfer. Arrangements can be made throughout the team, so a professional driver greets you at the airport and brings you directly to town. This option is perfect for families, group travel, or weddings in town, as schedules and special requests can be coordinated in advance.
For a budget-friendly choice, shared shuttles run on fixed schedules from both airports. While the ride takes a bit longer, it can be a fun way to meet fellow travelers.
Driving to Santarena Hotel
If you prefer the flexibility of having a rental car, driving is another option. While Santarena Hotel sits within a car-free town, there is valet parking at the entrance, and your luggage will be transported to the hotel for you. Both routes will take about an hour for you to arrive.
Route 21 – Smooth & Paved: The most straightforward option from Liberia Airport is Route 21, which brings you directly toward Las Catalinas on paved roads.
The Monkey Trail (Route 911) – Scenic Shortcut: More adventurous travelers may enjoy this rugged mountain pass, filled with wildlife sightings and scenic views. We recommend trying this route during the day.
No matter which road you take, the drive will be part of your Costa Rican adventure. Pause at a soda, the tiny family-run restaurants along the way, to try a cup of Costa Rica’s famous brew. It’s often prepared through a traditional method called café chorreado. Stop in a small plaza to catch a local soccer game, browse a roadside fruit stand for fresh mangoes or pineapples, or simply pull over to admire sweeping views of the coast or jungle. You may even spot monkeys swinging in the trees or iguanas sunning themselves before you reach Santarena Hotel.
What to Expect When you Arrive at Santarena Hotel
And just like that, you’ve arrived at your final destination; Santarena Hotel in the heart of Las Catalinas. Say goodbye to the car, because this is a walkable town with cobblestone streets where every plaza, beach, and restaurant is just steps away. Settle in, enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner, and finish your first day with a sunset dip in the Pacific. Your vacation has truly begun.
With Santarena Hotel coordinating car rentals, transfers, and luggage assistance, even for large groups, your arrival is effortless.
