Where to Fly In

Guanacaste Airport (LIR)

Located just 20 minutes from El Mangroove, this is the most convenient option and the one we recommend for our guests. Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s Pacific beach region, so flying into LIR will get you closest to the hotel. The hotel offers shuttle service from this airport. Private cars and other transfer options are also available.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Located about 4.5–5 hours from El Mangroove, San José is Costa Rica’s largest international airport and offers the widest selection of flights. While it’s farther from the resort, there are several convenient ways to get there:

  • Domestic Flight: Sansa Airlines offers short daily flights from San José to Liberia, followed by a quick drive to the hotel. Transportation can be arranged from Liberia Airport.

  • Private Shuttle: Companies such as Transportation in Costa Rica and Native’s Way provide reliable private transfers directly from San José to El Mangroove.

Highlights We Recommend

Costa Rica has so much to offer, and while you can’t go wrong, here are some of our favorite places to explore:

  • If you’re staying near El Mangroove, there are plenty of beautiful spots to explore nearby:
    • Playa Panamá (right by the hotel)
    • Playa Hermosa
    • Playa Flamingo, Conchal, and Tamarindo

  • • La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano – hot springs, waterfalls, hiking, and incredible views
    • Monteverde Cloud Forest – ziplining, hanging bridges, and misty jungle landscapes
    • Rio Celeste – a stunning, bright blue river and waterfall that almost looks unreal

  • • Manuel Antonio National Park – beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife (monkeys, sloths, and more)
    • Tamarindo – a fun beach town with great restaurants and surfing
    • Santa Teresa – a laid-back surf town with a more bohemian vibe
    • Nosara – a relaxed surf town known for yoga, wellness, and beautiful beaches

  • • Limón / Puerto Viejo – a completely different side of Costa Rica with Caribbean culture, beaches, and amazing food

  • Keep an eye out for monkeys (including howler monkeys!), sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas, and coatis—you’ll likely spot them throughout your trip!

    Some of the best places for wildlife spotting include:
    • Manuel Antonio National Park – incredible for monkeys and sloths
    • Monteverde Cloud Forest – great for birds, especially toucans
    • Corcovado National Park (for the more adventurous!) – one of the most biodiverse places in the world
    • La Fortuna / Arenal area – easy to spot wildlife while hiking or near hot springs

  • • Poás Volcano – an active volcano with an easily accessible crater viewpoint
    • Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm – a beautiful coffee farm and café with amazing views; you can also do a coffee tour here or at other local coffee farms, which we’ve done and highly recommend