Find Copa Airlines flights to Costa Rica from USD 317*
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Round-trip flights to Costa Rica
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USD
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Washington Dulles (IAD)to
San José (SJO)Dec 09, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026
From
USD 345
Viewed 1 day ago
Round trip
Economy
New York (JFK)to
San José (SJO)Feb 02, 2027 - Mar 09, 2027
From
USD 404
Viewed 1 day ago
Round trip
Economy
Orlando (MCO)to
San José (SJO)May 10, 2027 - May 16, 2027
From
USD 449
Viewed 1 day ago
Round trip
Economy
Miami (MIA)to
San José (SJO)Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 10, 2026
From
USD 491
Viewed 14 hours ago
Round trip
Economy
*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 48hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.
*Restrictions apply; please see Terms & Conditions.
Round-trip fares to Costa Rica
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flight_land
USD
Raleigh (RDU)to
San José (SJO)
Feb 03, 2027 - Feb 08, 2027
Round trip
Economy
From
USD 321
Viewed 1 day ago
Washington Dulles (IAD)to
San José (SJO)
Dec 09, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026
Round trip
Economy
From
USD 345
Viewed 1 day ago
New York (JFK)to
San José (SJO)
Feb 02, 2027 - Mar 09, 2027
Round trip
Economy
From
USD 404
Viewed 1 day ago
Miami (MIA)to
San José (SJO)
Mar 20, 2027 - Mar 28, 2027
Round trip
Economy
From
USD 501
Viewed 1 day ago
Orlando (MCO)to
San José (SJO)
Dec 01, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026
Round trip
Economy
From
USD 552
Viewed 1 day ago
Los Angeles (LAX)to
San José (SJO)
Dec 02, 2026 - Dec 15, 2026
Round trip
Economy
From
USD 572
Viewed 2 hours ago
*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 48hrs and may no longer be available at time of booking. Additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply.
*Restrictions apply; please see Terms & Conditions.
Destination facts
Copa Airlines hub
Hub of the Americas® in Panama
Discover Costa Rica
Fly to Costa Rica through the Hub of the Americas® in Panama City. Costa Rica combines volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches on the Pacific and the Caribbean, wildlife and hot springs. Choose your departure city and dates to check available flights to San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR).
View flightsWhat should you know before traveling to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón, is on UTC-6, and Spanish is spoken there. Copa flies to San José and to Liberia, in Guanacaste, so you can choose the airport that best fits your route.
Airports
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), in Alajuela, near San José, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), in Liberia, the gateway to Guanacaste.
Currency
The colón is Costa Rica's currency. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Time zone
UTC-6 all year.
Language
Spanish is spoken, and in tourist areas many people also speak English.
Is Costa Rica right for you?
Yes, if you're drawn to volcanoes, forests, wildlife, beaches and outdoor adventure. Depending on your type of trip, these are the plans that fit best.
Nature and wildlife
Trails among volcanoes and cloud forest, birdwatching, monkeys and sloths, and sea turtles in Tortuguero.
Adventure
Canopy zip-lines and hanging bridges in the forest, rafting on mountain rivers and hikes through national parks.
Couples or honeymoon
Hot springs at the foot of Arenal Volcano and sunsets on Pacific beaches.
Families
Trails to see wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park and afternoons at the beach. Check sea conditions before going in the water.
Beach
White-sand beaches in Guanacaste and the Central Pacific, and the South Caribbean coast, with reefs and Afro-Caribbean culture.
Culture and food
Museums and the National Theater in San José, high-altitude coffee and typical dishes like gallo pinto and casado.
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
It depends on the region and your plans. The dry season runs from mid-December to late April, and the green season, from May to mid-December. Check each region's forecast and sea conditions before you travel.
Dry season
From mid-December to late April. On the Pacific side, such as Guanacaste, the seasons are more defined.
Green season
From May to mid-December. Rain usually comes in short showers, and the landscape is greener.
Caribbean
It has a different rain pattern from the Pacific, so it's worth checking its forecast separately.
Wildlife by season
In the green season you can see turtles in Tortuguero National Park and whales and dolphins in Marino Ballena National Park.
High-demand dates
The dry season and Holy Week are very popular times: book in advance.
La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste: where should you stay?
It depends on what you're looking for: La Fortuna for the volcano and hot springs, Monteverde for cloud forest, Manuel Antonio to combine wildlife and beach, and Guanacaste for the beach. On a short trip, choose few bases and spend more time in each one.
La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
The Northern Plains town where Arenal Volcano is located, known for its hot springs, waterfalls and rivers. A good fit if you're looking for nature and adventure.
Monteverde
In the mountains of northern Puntarenas, surrounded by cloud forest. Santa Elena is the service center. A good fit if you're interested in trails, birds and hanging bridges.
Manuel Antonio and Quepos
On the Central Pacific, next to one of the most visited national parks in the country. A good fit if you want beach and wildlife in the same place.
Guanacaste
Pacific beaches, dry forest and volcanoes, near Liberia's airport. A good fit if your trip revolves around the beach.
South Caribbean
Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, with beaches, reefs and Afro-Caribbean culture. A good fit if you're looking for a relaxed, different atmosphere.
San José and the Central Valley
The capital, with museums, theater and food, and volcanoes and coffee farms nearby. A good fit for the first or last night of your trip.
What places should you visit in Costa Rica?
Volcanoes, forests, rivers and beaches on two oceans offer the best plans. For each place, we tell you who it's for.
Arenal Volcano National Park
The main attraction of the northern region, with trails through forest and old lava flows, and views of the volcano. For nature lovers.
La Fortuna Waterfall
A waterfall surrounded by forest, with pools to cool off. You walk down stairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
One of Costa Rica's natural jewels, covered in mist and full of birds. For those who enjoy walking and watching wildlife.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Trails and beaches with white sand and turquoise water, with monkeys, sloths and birds. A good family plan; check sea conditions before going in.
Río Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park
A deep blue river, formed where two rivers with different mineral content meet. For hikers and photographers.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
A volcanic massif in Guanacaste, with trails through forest and volcanic landscapes. Great to combine with beach days.
Guanacaste beaches
Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, Playa Grande and Nosara, among many others on the northern Pacific. For a sun-and-beach trip; check sea conditions.
Tortuguero National Park
Canals through the jungle in the northern Caribbean and the best-known place in the country to see sea turtles. Arrange your transfer in advance.
Cahuita and Puerto Viejo
Coral reefs in Cahuita National Park and a colorful beach town in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. For those looking for beach and Caribbean culture.
Marino Ballena National Park
South Pacific beaches and whale and dolphin watching in season. For ocean lovers.
How do you get to Costa Rica with Copa?
Choose your departure city, connect at the Hub of the Americas® in Panama City and continue to San José or Liberia.
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Choose your departure city
In the search tool you'll see the routes and flights to San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) available for your dates.
Connect in Panama
Copa connections are made at Tocumen International Airport, in Panama City. Follow your boarding pass to get to your next flight.
Choose your arrival airport
San José is the best option for the Central Valley, the Central Pacific and the Caribbean. Liberia mainly serves travelers visiting Guanacaste, Monteverde and La Fortuna.
What happens when you arrive at the airport in Costa Rica?
You go through immigration with your valid passport, the address where you're staying and your return or onward ticket; you pick up your bags, go through customs and head out to your transfer, your authorized taxi or your rental car.
Have your documents handy
Have your valid passport, the exact address where you're staying and your return or onward ticket handy. Visa requirements depend on your nationality.
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Go through immigration
Show your documents to the immigration officer. Before your trip, check the entry requirements for your nationality.
Pick up your bags and go through customs
After immigration, pick up your bags and go through customs with your travel documents handy.
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Head out to your transfer
In San José, orange taxis are the only ones authorized at the airport. In Liberia, use only authorized transportation services, identified with official credentials. If you rented a car, confirm with the rental company where to pick it up.
Do you need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
It's not required, but it gives you the freedom to combine regions at your own pace. If you'd rather not drive, arrange booked transfers or your hotel's transfer between each base.
Rental car
With a valid driver's license you can drive for up to three months in Costa Rica. Read the contract carefully and ask what the coverage includes.
Choose the vehicle for your route
If your route includes mountains and beaches, ask the rental company what type of car is best for your trip.
Before you set off
Check the car's condition and its required equipment, and bring GPS to find your way.
Booked or hotel transfers
A practical way to get around between San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste without driving. Confirm them before you travel.
How many destinations should you combine on a trip to Costa Rica?
Fewer than you think: every change of base takes up part of a day. With only a few days, stay in one or two areas; with a week, two or three bases are enough to combine volcano, forest and beach without spending your trip on the road.
First trip: the classic route
La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio combine volcano, cloud forest and beach. With a week, consider choosing two of the three.
La Fortuna or Monteverde?
La Fortuna means volcano, hot springs and waterfalls; Monteverde means cloud forest, mist and birds. If you have only a few days, choose the one that appeals to you most.
Nature and beach from Liberia
If you fly to Liberia, you can combine La Fortuna or Monteverde with the beaches of Guanacaste.
Nature and beach from San José
If you fly to San José, you can combine La Fortuna with Manuel Antonio or with the South Caribbean.
Arrive at one airport and leave from another
Copa flies to San José and Liberia. Search for it as a multi-city trip so you don't have to return to your starting point.
Allow extra time for your drives
Travel time between destinations depends on the route, the weather and stops. Plan your base changes without rushing.
What practical tips should you know before traveling to Costa Rica?
Pack light layers, a hooded rain jacket and walking shoes; buy national park tickets in advance and check whether you need a plug adapter.
What to pack
Light layers, a hooded rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a hat.
National parks
Several parks sell their tickets online on the official SINAC website. Check which ones before you go and buy in advance.
Plugs
Outlets are 110 V, with two-prong US-style plugs. If your devices use a different type, bring your adapter.
Protect nature
Removing wild plants or animals is prohibited. Don't feed the wildlife and stay on marked trails.
Sun
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Typical food
Try gallo pinto for breakfast, casado for lunch, patacones and high-altitude coffee. In the Caribbean, rice and beans with coconut milk.
What can you do in Costa Rica in a week?
This is an optional idea for a first trip with two bases: La Fortuna and Monteverde, with rest days. If you prefer the beach, swap Monteverde for Guanacaste and fly home from Liberia.
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Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in San José and rest.
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Day 2: On to La Fortuna
Transfer to La Fortuna and an afternoon in the hot springs.
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Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Trails in Arenal Volcano National Park and a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall.
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Day 4: Rest
A day with no plans, or an outing on Lake Arenal.
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Day 5: On to Monteverde
Transfer to Monteverde and a free afternoon in Santa Elena.
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Day 6: Cloud forest
A walk through the cloud forest, birdwatching and hanging bridges.
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Day 7: Departure
Arrange your transfer to the airport based on your flight time.
Where can you find official information about the destination?
These official websites publish up-to-date information on requirements, national parks and things to do in Costa Rica.
Visit Costa Rica
Official website of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
Visit Costa Rica in Spanish
Official tourism guide in Spanish.
Costa Rica Immigration
Entry requirements from the General Directorate of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).
National park tickets
Online ticket sales from SINAC.
Juan Santamaría Airport
Flights and services at San José's airport.
Guanacaste Airport
Flights and services at Liberia's airport.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Costa Rica
Quick answers to the most common questions before you travel.
What should I know if it's my first time in Costa Rica?
Check the entry requirements for your nationality, choose few bases, decide whether you'll rent a car and buy national park tickets in advance.
What places should I visit on a first trip?
La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park are the most classic combination. If you prefer the beach, add Guanacaste.
La Fortuna, Monteverde or Manuel Antonio?
La Fortuna for the volcano and hot springs, Monteverde for cloud forest and birds, and Manuel Antonio to combine wildlife and beach.
Is it worth visiting La Fortuna and Monteverde on the same trip?
Yes, if you have time: they're different landscapes. If you have only a few days, choose one and spend more time there.
How many destinations can I see in a week?
Two or three bases are enough. More base changes mean more hours on the road and less time to enjoy.
How many days do I need to see Costa Rica?
It depends on your plans. With a week, you can combine two areas with rest days. You'll find a sample itinerary above.
San José or Liberia: which airport should I fly to?
To Liberia (LIR) if you're going to Guanacaste, Monteverde or La Fortuna, and to San José (SJO) if you're going to the Central Valley, Manuel Antonio or the Caribbean. You can also arrive at one and leave from the other.
Do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
It's not required. A car gives you the freedom to combine regions; if you'd rather not drive, use booked transfers or your hotel's transfer.
Can I drive in Costa Rica with my license?
Yes: with a valid driver's license you can drive for up to three months. Confirm the conditions with the rental company.
How can I combine nature and beach in Costa Rica?
Combine La Fortuna or Monteverde with Guanacaste if you fly to Liberia, or with Manuel Antonio if you fly to San José.
What's the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
The dry season runs from mid-December to late April. The green season, from May to mid-December, brings greener landscapes and wildlife such as turtles and whales. Check each region's forecast.
Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
It depends on your nationality. Check passport and visa requirements on the official Costa Rica Immigration website before you travel.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican colón. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Do I need a plug adapter in Costa Rica?
Outlets are 110 V, with two-prong US-style plugs. If your devices use a different type, bring your adapter.
Which cities have flights to Costa Rica with Copa?
Use the search tool on this page to see departure cities and available dates. Copa connects San José and Liberia to its network through the Hub of the Americas® in Panama City.
Where can I buy tickets to Costa Rica?
In the search tool on this page: choose your departure city and dates, check available flights and buy your tickets to Costa Rica on copaair.com.
What can you manage with Copa before you fly?
Check in, manage your booking and review your baggage on copaair.com.
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As a member, you also earn miles on hotels and other services.
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