Airports

Judging by its exterior, the capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is merely an ugly conglomerate of outdated commercial buildings and decrepit infrastructure—potholed streets and crumbling sidewalks that wind without reason through a mishmash of seemingly thrown together corrugated metal and plaster.  But beyond this superficial analysis, Chepe, as the city is referred to by locals, is a very cosmopolitan city that can be categorized as something in between a modern North American metropolis and the standard Central American capital.  Indeed, San José transitions from a commercial block of department stores, chic cafés, and fast-food establi

Alajuela, nicknamed City of the Mangoes, is one of the most important cities in Costa Rica. It is the capital city of the providence bearing its name and is located just 11 miles northwest (17 km) of San Jose. Just outside of town is where you'll find the Juan Santamaria International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria), Costa Rica's principal airport. It is named after Juan Santamaria, the national hero of the Republic of Costa Rica, who was born in Alajuela. He was fatally injured in 1856 while attempting to halt the army of U.S. filibuster William Walker, who was embarking on a path down Central America attempting to for