Private Air Transfer to Puerto Viejo
Fly Private to Costa Rica's Caribbean Paradise & Reggae Capital
Flying from
Travel Time by Air
45 minutes
126 mi / 203 km
Travel Time by Ground
4.5 hours
134 mi / 216 km
Puerto Viejo Highlights
Afro-Caribbean Culture
Experience Costa Rica's unique Caribbean vibe with calypso music, jerk-spiced cuisine, and Patois-inflected Spanish. This isn't the Costa Rica of tourism brochures - it's authentically different and wonderfully laid-back.
Pristine Beach Paradise
Miles of palm-fringed beaches from Playa Cocles to Punta Uva, offering world-class surfing at Salsa Brava and tranquil swimming in turquoise waters. The Caribbean's consistent swells and warm waters create year-round beach perfection.
Gateway to Indigenous Reserves
Access BriBri and Cabécar indigenous territories for chocolate tours, medicinal plant walks, and waterfall adventures. The remote location preserves authentic cultural experiences lost in more developed areas.
Puerto Viejo Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Antonio | 50 minutes | Experience both coasts in one trip. Overland requires crossing the entire country - a full day lost to transportation |
| Drake Bay | 60 minutes | Caribbean culture to Pacific wilderness. Commercial routing requires two flight connections through San José |
| Arenal Volcano | 40 minutes | Volcano to beach without the San José backtrack. The drive requires 6+ hours through two mountain ranges |
Quick Facts
Landing Type: Regional Airport with Selected Helipad Options
Puerto Viejo is served by nearby Limón Airport, located 35 minutes north by road. However, helicopter beach landings eliminate this final transfer, delivering you directly to paradise. The area’s numerous beaches and open spaces provide flexible landing options that fixed-wing aircraft cannot match.
Helicopter Landing Options Our helicopter transfers maximize your Puerto Viejo experience:
- Limón Airport (LIO): Regional airport with customs for international arrivals from Panama
- Beach Landing Zones: Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, and Punta Uva (conditions permitting)
- Hotel Properties: Select luxury accommodations with designated landing areas
- Soccer Fields: Puerto Viejo and Cocles football fields serve as reliable alternatives
- Private Villas: Many rental properties offer suitable landing space with prior coordination
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Beat the afternoon Caribbean storms
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Early arrivals enjoy calm morning seas for snorkeling; beachfront hotels offer breakfast and day-use facilities
Layover Recommendations
Morning flights essential during rainy season; Caribbean weather builds after noon
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Ideal for Pacific coast connections
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Most boutique hotels accommodate flexible check-in times
Layover Recommendations
Good weather window but monitor developing storms
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Good for midday international arrivals to San José
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Immediate check-in for sunset beach time; evening is prime time for Puerto Viejo’s legendary nightlife
Layover Recommendations
Caribbean storms typically pass by late afternoon; confirm weather before departure
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Puerto Viejo Worth The Visit?
Experience the vibes of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast without the exhausting journey. Our 40-minute private flights from San José deliver you to Puerto Viejo’s laid-back paradise, skipping the treacherous 4.5-hour drive through mountains and rain. From takeoff to touchdown, trade stress for stunning aerial views before landing in the heart of Costa Rica’s most culturally rich coastal region.
Why Fly to Puerto Viejo
The journey to Puerto Viejo by road tests even seasoned travelers – but it doesn’t have to. Our direct flights eliminate over 4 hours of challenging driving through the infamous Route 32, where fog, rain, and countless curves make the journey exhausting at best, dangerous at worst. Instead of white-knuckling through Braulio Carrillo’s mountain passes, enjoy panoramic views of rainforest canopy and Caribbean coastline from your window seat.
Landing near Puerto Viejo puts you minutes from pristine beaches and jungle lodges, not hours. Start snorkeling Cahuita’s coral reefs or sipping fresh coconut water on Punta Uva beach while others are still navigating mountain switchbacks. For surfers chasing Salsa Brava’s legendary reef break, arrive energized and ready to paddle out, not cramped from hours in a car. The time saved transforms weekend escapes into viable options from anywhere in Costa Rica.
Puerto Viejo Highlights
Nature thrives here in remarkable ways. The renowned Jaguar Rescue Center rehabilitates sloths, monkeys, and wild cats just minutes from town, offering intimate wildlife encounters. Cahuita National Park protects Costa Rica’s largest coral reef system – snorkel directly from white sand beaches to explore vibrant underwater worlds teeming with tropical fish. South at Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, primary rainforest meets pristine beaches where howler monkeys announce each dawn. Local BriBri indigenous communities share ancient chocolate-making traditions on immersive cultural tours through cacao forests. Visit during September-October for glassy surf conditions and fewer tourists.
Flight Information
Flights to the Caribbean coast navigate spectacular terrain, crossing the Continental Divide before descending toward turquoise waters. We utilize Limón Regional Airport, just 30 minutes north of Puerto Viejo, or coordinate with private strips closer to town. Our 40-minute flights from San José operate in modern Cessna aircraft seating up to 9 passengers, equipped for Costa Rica’s varied weather conditions.
Caribbean weather patterns differ from the Pacific – September and October offer the calmest conditions while the Pacific experiences its rainiest months. Our experienced pilots read these patterns expertly, maintaining 96% on-time performance year-round. Ground transportation meets you planeside for the scenic coastal drive to your accommodation, with bilingual drivers familiar with the area’s hidden gems. Morning flights provide the clearest mountain views and smoothest air.
Available From International Airports
Puerto Viejo Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 40 minutes by Helicopter: 45 minutes | Soar over the Continental Divide avoiding the infamous Braulio Carrillo Highway - Costa Rica's most dangerous road with its blind curves, dense fog, and frequent landslides |
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | by Plane: 50 minutes by Helicopter: 60 minutes | Coast-to-coast crossing over volcanoes and rainforest. The overland route requires 7+ hours via San José, making this combination impossible without flying |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the airport closest to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica?
Puerto Viejo does not have its own airport. The nearest air access is Limón International Airport, located about 45 minutes north of Puerto Viejo.
IATA code: LIO
ICAO code: MRLMLimón Airport is the gateway to Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean region, including Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo.
How far is Limón Airport from Puerto Viejo and nearby beaches?
Limón Airport (LIO) is the closest airport to Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast and provides quick access to Puerto Viejo and surrounding beach towns.
Estimated travel times by car:
- From Limón Airport to Puerto Viejo: approx. 65 km / 40–50 minutes
- From Limón Airport to Cahuita: approx. 42 km / 30–35 minutes
- From Limón Airport to Playa Cocles: approx. 68 km / 45–55 minutes
- From Limón Airport to Playa Chiquita: approx. 70 km / 50–60 minutes
- From Limón Airport to Punta Uva: approx. 72 km / 55–65 minutes
- From Limón Airport to Manzanillo: approx. 75 km / 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
Private transfers, hotel shuttles, and rental cars are the most convenient options for getting to your final destination. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak travel season.
Are there rental car offices at Limón Airport?
Yes. Some major rental car companies operate in Limón and offer airport pickup with prior reservation.
You can also rent a car in Puerto Viejo town, where several local agencies offer 4×4 options for exploring the coast.
Why fly to Puerto Viejo (via Limón) instead of driving?
Driving from San José can take 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and weather.
By flying to Limón and taking a quick transfer to Puerto Viejo, you’ll save time, avoid delays, and enjoy a smoother arrival—especially during the rainy season.How long is the flight to Limón from Costa Rica’s main international airports?
- Flights from San José (SJO) to Limón: approximately 40 minutes
- Flights from Liberia (LIR) to Limón: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes non stop flight.
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean coast, especially if you want to avoid the long drive from San José.
Can you fly from Puerto Viejo (via Limón) to other destinations in Costa Rica?
Yes! Once at Limón Airport (LIO), you can connect to several other domestic destinations with regional airlines or private charters.
Popular flights from Limón include:
- Flights from Limón to San José (SJO)
- Flights from Limón to La Fortuna (Arenal)
- Flights from Limón to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
- Flights from Limón to Drake Bay
- Flights from Limón to Puerto Jiménez
- Flights from Limón to Nosara
- Flights from Limón to Santa Teresa (via Cobano or Tambor)
- Flights from Limón to Tamarindo
- Flights from Limón to Liberia (LIR)
- Flights from Limón to Tortuguero
These options make it easy to explore Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beach regions—without spending full days on the road.
Is there transportation or taxis available at Limón Airport?
Yes. Upon arrival at Limón Airport, several transportation options are available:
- Private shuttle or hotel transfer (recommended): Many providers offer direct service to Puerto Viejo—book in advance.
- Local taxis: Available at the airport but may be limited—arrange ahead if arriving late. Uber is not reliably available in the Limón or Puerto Viejo area. While the app may show coverage, drivers are scarce and wait times are unpredictable. We recommend using pre-booked transportation or authorized local taxis instead.
- Rental car pickup: With prior booking, your vehicle can be ready at the terminal.
- Public bus service: Available from Limón to Puerto Viejo, but it’s slower and less convenient than private transfers.
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.