Cobano Airport

Cobano Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true express ticket to the world of "Pura Vida," allowing you to bypass long hours of ferry travel and winding mountain roads. This cosy airfield resembles a set from an adventure movie, where a small runway is immersed in tropical greenery, and the air is filled with the scent of the ocean from the very first minute. There is no hustle and bustle of giant hubs here: only the hum of light aircraft propellers, the friendly smiles of pilots, and an instant immersion into the holiday atmosphere of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Airport Features and Benefits

Despite its modest size, Cobano Airport plays a key role in the region's tourism logistics and offers a number of undeniable advantages for travellers:

• Time saving. This is perhaps the main advantage of this air harbour. The flight from San Jose takes only 25–30 minutes, while a land journey involving a ferry crossing can take between 5 and 6 hours. The airport literally works like a "time machine," gifting you an extra day of relaxation.
• Breathtaking views. Landing in Cobano is considered one of the most picturesque in Costa Rica. The plane flies over the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Nicoya and dense jungles, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the country from a bird's-eye view even before landing.
• No bureaucracy. Thanks to its status as a domestic airfield and low passenger traffic, check-in and baggage claim procedures are lightning-fast. You will not face tiring queues at passport control or long waits for suitcases here.
• Proximity to the best resorts. The airport is strategically located in close proximity to the region's most popular beach towns. The journey to bohemian Montezuma, surfer-friendly Santa Teresa, or relaxed Mal Pais will take less than an hour, making the transfer as comfortable as possible.

Cobano Airport (ACO) is a small domestic airfield serving popular tourist destinations on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Due to its regional status and small size, most information and services are provided directly by the airlines operating the flights.

• Official Website: Cobano Airfield does not have its own separate website. For up-to-date information on flight schedules and status, it is recommended to consult the websites of the air carriers (e.g., Sansa Airlines) that fly to this airport.
• Help Desk Phone: The airport does not have a direct public telephone line. For all questions related to your flight, please contact your airline's support service.
• Airport Address: Cóbano, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica (Aeropuerto de Cóbano, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica).
• Email: There is no dedicated email address for general passenger inquiries. Communication is handled through the airlines.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled exclusively by the airline you flew with. Please contact your carrier's representative upon arrival.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Any passenger support, including assistance for people with disabilities, is provided by airline staff.

You can get to Cobano Airport (ACO), which serves as the air gateway to the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, in several ways. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The airport is located near the town of Cobano and serves popular tourist destinations such as Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, and Montezuma.

Public Transport (Buses)

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use local buses. The public transport network connects the main settlements of the region, including Cobano, Santa Teresa, and Montezuma. However, it is worth noting that buses do not always pull up directly to the terminal. Most likely, you will have to get off on the main road and walk a short distance or take a short taxi ride. This option is excellent for travellers with light luggage and plenty of time.

Taxi and Private Transfer

A taxi is a convenient and fast way to get to the airport. Official taxis (usually red) can be found in any of the nearby towns. The trip from Santa Teresa or Montezuma will take approximately 25-40 minutes depending on road conditions. The cost will be higher than by bus, but you get comfort and a "door-to-door" journey. An even more convenient option is to book a private transfer (shuttle) in advance, especially if you are travelling in a group or with a lot of luggage. This guarantees the availability of a car at the right time and a fixed price.

Car Rental

Renting a car gives you maximum freedom of movement around the Nandayure region and its surroundings. Many roads on the Nicoya Peninsula are unpaved, so it is strongly recommended to rent a 4x4 vehicle. By renting a car, you can easily reach the airport at any time convenient for you. Most rental companies have offices in popular tourist zones, and some offer a car return service directly at the airport. This is the most expensive, but also the most flexible option.

Parking at the Airport

Cobano Airport is a small regional airport, so parking here is generally simple and informal. Usually, there is a small area where you can leave a car for a short time to pick up or drop off passengers. Long-term guarded parking may not be available, so leaving a car for several days is not recommended. For these purposes, it is better to use parking services in nearby hotels or towns.

Cobano Airport (ACO) is a small regional airfield serving domestic flights, so its structure is extremely simple and clear. There are no huge complexes here, and all infrastructure is aimed at quick and convenient service for passengers arriving on the Nicoya Peninsula.

The airport operates one compact terminal, which is used simultaneously for departing and arriving passengers. The terminal building is a small structure where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not find long corridors or complex passageways here—it is practically impossible to get lost. The check-in area, a small waiting room, and the boarding gate are located in one room or in immediate proximity.

Check-in and security procedures at Cobano Airport are very fast due to low passenger traffic. As a rule, all formalities take no more than 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 45-60 minutes before your flight departure—this time will be more than enough to check in your luggage and pass control without rushing.

The main advice for navigation is simple: everything you need is right before your eyes. Check-in counters for local airlines, the waiting area, and the exit to the aircraft are located in a very small area. After arrival, you will also quickly reach the baggage claim area, which is located next to the terminal exit, where taxis and transfers usually wait. Cobano Airport is an example of how air travel can begin and end quickly and without stress, allowing you to immediately plunge into the holiday atmosphere.

The history of Cobano Airport (ACO) is not so much a chronicle of massive construction projects as it is a story of how a small airstrip became the key to one of the most picturesque corners of Costa Rica. The airfield appeared at the end of the 20th century, when the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, including the town of Nandayure, began to turn into a haven for surfers and eco-tourists. Its creation was a direct response to growing demand and the need to make paradise beaches more accessible.

Initially, getting here from San Jose was a real adventure: a journey by car and ferry took from 5 to 6 hours. With the advent of the airfield and the launch of regular flights by local airlines such as Sansa Airlines, travel time was reduced to an impressive 25–30 minutes. This radically changed tourism logistics and gave a powerful impetus to the development of resorts such as Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, and Montezuma.

For a long time, Cobano Airport was a simple dirt strip with minimal infrastructure. A key stage in its development occurred in the mid-2010s, when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) of Costa Rica initiated a major modernisation. As part of this project, the runway was fully paved, perimeter fencing was installed to improve safety (including protection from wild animals), and a small but functional passenger pavilion was built.

Despite these improvements, the airport has retained its intimate and authentic character. There are no huge terminals or duty-free shops here. Its main achievement is not passenger traffic records, but thousands of hours saved for travellers and the opportunity for the region to develop sustainably, preserving its unique atmosphere. The story of Cobano is a story of how vital functionality proved more important than monumental architecture.

Cobano Airport (ACO) is a small regional airfield serving as a gateway to the picturesque beaches and natural beauties of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. It is important to understand that this is not a major international hub, but a compact airport serving mainly domestic flights on small aircraft. Infrastructure here is minimal and focused on the quick and convenient boarding or disembarking of passengers heading to places such as Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Mal Pais.

Restaurants, Shops, and Wi-Fi. You will not find large restaurants or duty-free shops in the terminal building. Only the most basic amenities are available to passengers. Sometimes a small kiosk operates here where you can buy water, soft drinks, and light snacks. We recommend bringing food and drinks with you. Access to Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable, so it is better to arrange mobile internet in advance. The number of sockets for charging devices is also small—a portable power bank will be very useful.

Financial and Medical Services. There are no banks, ATMs, or currency exchange points at Cobano Airport. All financial transactions, including money exchange, should be completed in advance in larger cities such as San Jose, or upon arrival at your hotel if it provides such a service. There is also no specialised medical centre at the airport. In emergencies, staff will be able to provide first aid and call medics from the nearest settlement.

Waiting Rooms and Passenger Services. The airport has a small waiting area with basic amenities. There are no VIP halls or business lounges here. Services for passengers with children or people with disabilities are also minimal. However, thanks to the airport's compact size, moving around it causes no difficulties. If you require special assistance during boarding or disembarking, you must notify your airline in advance.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels within the airport territory or in its immediate vicinity. All accommodation options are located in neighbouring resort towns and villages, which can be reached by taxi or transfer. It is recommended to book transport from the airport to your hotel in advance. Conference rooms or business centres are absent at Cobano Airport, as it is intended exclusively for servicing passenger air transport.

When planning a flight through Cobano Airport (ACO), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport, serving mainly domestic flights to the Nicoya Peninsula. Due to its compact size and focus on quick transfers, the choice of dining establishments here is extremely limited and not comparable to the assortment at major international airports.

On the airport territory, you will most likely find a small kiosk or a modest café. The assortment usually includes basic options for a quick snack: sandwiches, crisps, pastries, chocolate bars, as well as soft drinks, water, and coffee. These establishments are oriented towards passengers waiting for their flight and usually operate during flight hours. Prices are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is typical for airports.

Full-service restaurants offering hot meals and a wide menu selection are absent at Cobano Airport. Also, finding specialised options, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, will be practically impossible. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you to avoid inconvenience.

For a full lunch or dinner, it is best to use establishments in nearby towns such as Cobano itself, Santa Teresa, or Montezuma. There you will find many restaurants and cafés offering both traditional Costa Rican cuisine, for example, casado or gallo pinto, and international dishes. We recommend setting aside time to visit one of the local establishments before arriving at the airport or after arriving at your destination.

Travelling through Cobano Airport, a small and cosy air hub on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, has its own specific features. Here are a few tips that will make your trip more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Given the compact size of the airport, you do not need to arrive many hours before departure. As a rule, arriving 1–1.5 hours before the flight departure is more than sufficient. This time will be enough to calmly check in for the flight and pass security screening, which is organised very quickly here without long queues.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Local airlines serving this airport use small aircraft, so there are strict limits on the weight of hand luggage and checked baggage. Be sure to check the baggage allowance with your airline in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises and extra charges. Standard security rules (liquids up to 100 ml, no sharp objects) also apply.

Seat Selection and Views. If possible, try to take a window seat. Flights over this region of Nandayure and its surroundings are a real visual treat. You will be presented with unforgettable panoramas of the Pacific coast, dense jungles, and picturesque mountains. It is more like an exciting aerial excursion than a regular flight.

Customs Control and Transfers. It is important to remember that Cobano Airport is a domestic airport. There are no border or customs control counters here. You will go through all international procedures at the main airport of arrival in Costa Rica, for example, in San Jose. If you have a connecting flight, ensure you have enough time between flights at the main hub.

Savings and Convenience. To save money, book flight tickets in advance, especially during the high tourist season (from December to April). Travelling light is not only convenient but also cost-effective, as it allows you to avoid surcharges for excess weight. Keep boarding passes and documents in electronic form on your phone to speed up procedures.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays, especially due to changeable tropical weather, sometimes happen. In such a situation, contact an airline representative for information. The airport has a waiting area where you can spend time comfortably. The staff are usually very friendly and ready to help with resolving any issues that arise.