We're planning a trip to Costa Rica for the first time in late September. Any pros/cons or recommendations for flying into Liberia vs. San Jose? Flights are basically the same price. Don't want to just park ourselves at a resort and plan on getting out and about either way. Thanks in advance.

I think it completely depends on where you want to stay and where you are traveling. They are quite far apart. Most of my clients fly in to Liberia but that's because they're going to the Guanacaste region where the all inclusive resorts are.

For people who are traveling across the country, some will fly into one and out of the other to save backtracking time. When I went we flew in and out of San Jose.

Can't speak to SJ but Liberia is a complete ****-show; can't beat the location but it is one of those airports where your literally need to get there three hours before departure in order to make your flight.

We have flown into San Jose with no problems. Actually seemed easier to deal with than some airports in the USA.

Below is somewhat paraphrased from a previous post on our trip to CR.

I would highly recommend Los Suenos outside of Jaco. It's a resort with a Marriott Hotel, private condos & homes, golf course and a very nice marina. It's safe and secure and the marina has numerous shops and restaurants and a Scotibank branch. Close to all the typical CR excursions so it's a perfect base. Also if fishing (or just boating) is your thing you have numerous boats at the marina that offer excursions.

Overall it is the best of both worlds.

Agree with JMac that it depends on what you want to do. We flew into San Jose and out of Liberia on a 10 day honeymoon and that was very doable. If you're just wanting to stay in one side of the country then just fly into the closest airport. That being said, San Jose airport is pretty nice while Liberia airport is the worst airport I've ever been to. I agree with the other poster to get to Liberia well in advance of departure. Amenities are few and far between so eat before you get there. I'm not sure if it's changed, but they also sold a bunch of stuff in the duty-free shop that is after security and then confiscated a bunch of it in a second security checkpoint they set up right at the gate when we boarded.

Flown in and out of Liberia a couple of times. We didn't experience any of the issues that other posters encountered at the Liberia airport. If traveling to the Guanacaste region, definitely Liberia. I have heard that the town of San Jose can be a bit more dangerous in comparison, however, I've never been to the town. Costa Rica is a blast. Have a great time.

I have flown into and out of both. Liberia is a great airport to fly to/from. On my most recent trip, I was in and out of the airport in thirty minutes. Rental car was a breeze and on to the beaches very quickly. If you are travelling to that region, then I would recommend it. From what I have read, the rainy season is in full swing and the Carribbean side is the most pleasant during the months of September and October. For that reason, we are flying into San Jose.

I don't really like driving in San Jose, and would avoid if possible, but the San Jose airport is much more centrally located than Liberia.

With all of that said, enjoy your travels.