New Costa Esmerelda Airport opens up transportation options

A new airport, Costa Esmerelda, just opened outside the gates of Hacienda Iguana. You can now take a 30 minute flight to or from Liberia on Sansa Airlines (running twice/day Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun)  and to or from Managua on La Costena Airlines (running twice/day on Saturdays and Sundays). 

While the airlines ask for the traditional 90 minute check in we found that arriving 30 minutes prior to departure left us plenty of time to check in and go through security.  We were the only customers in the Costa Esmerelda airport at that time so lines weren't an issue but they do need to weigh the bags, process paperwork and call in for the flight so make sure you give yourself at least 30 minutes.  The flight left perfectly on time and while you need to check your bags they are waiting for you on the tarmac when you arrive and we were able to go straight to the international terminal (3 minute walk from the domestic one) to check in for our ongoing flight.  Please keep in mind if you fly through Liberia you still will need to go through customs in Costa Rica before taking your flight to Nicaragua so plan accordingly.

If the connections work this can be a great option and significantly reduce your travel time.  These local flights on a 12 person Grand Caravan tend to cost around $100/person – or if you are a large group you can charter their 12 seater plane to fly at a time convenient to you for $1450 per leg.  Helicopter service is also available, though it is a much more expensive option.  It is also a great airport for private planes if that is your preferred way of travel  - which apparently generated much of the airport traffic over the winter holidays.