Here’s to the Journey:
How to get to Golfito and Cielo Lodge

Getting to Cielo Lodge is easy, though the journey is an adventure in and of itself.  We are happy to help you decide on and arrange your logistics. Just let us know what you are thinking and we'll help you work out your details.

The first step is to get to Costa Rica - usually by flying to Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica - aka SJO. From there you can fly or drive to Golfito, Costa Rica.

Your transportation from Golfito to Cielo Lodge is included in our rates.

 
 

By Air

The flight from San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) to Golfito is 50 minutes. The planes are small (usually 12 seaters) and the flight is quite stunning and picturesque.

There are 2 airlines that fly. The first is Sansa, which offers 3-4 flights to Golfito, daily. The other airline is Carmon Air - a private charter company. Both airlines leave from the Domestic terminal, which is right next to Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose (SJO).

No matter which airline you fly, we will pick you up from the Golfito airport, where the lodge is just a 30 minute drive away.

Write to us at reservations@cielolodge.com and we can help you book your flights and give you advice on other logistics.

 

Some tips if you fly:

Sansa:

  • In certain cases, if you fly on Sansa, you can get to Golfito from your departure city in one day - just make sure you leave about 2 hours between your arrival at Juan Santa Maria International Airport and your Sansa flight.  Immigration lines vary - sometimes you'll be through in 20 minutes; other times it can take an hour.  Then you'll collect your bags and go through customs, which is usually quite quick.

  • Once you're outside of customs, turn to the left and start walking along the sidewalk—don't cross the street, just stay along that sidewalk, going towards the left.  You'll pass a few parking lots/structures and then you will see the sign for the Domestic/Sansa terminal.  It is about a 7 minute walk.  No need to take a taxi! 

  • Many people also stay in San Jose over night. Your hotel can arrange transportation to the Domestic/Sansa terminal.

Carmon Air - a private charter company

  • With Carmon Air, you can get to Golfito in one travel day - because the flights are charter flights.

  • They have planes for 4 - 12 people. They are more expensive but they will arrange their schedule based on your arrival schedule. So if you arrive into SJO at 3 pm, they can arrange for a 4 pm flight to Golfito - so you don’t have to sleep overnight in San Jose, and they will wait for you as you get through immigration.

  • They can also fly to Golfito from the Liberia airport or any of the smaller airports, so they can truly create a custom flight schedule for you.

 
 

By Car (Ideally a 4x4)

 

  • The drive from San Jose to Golfito is 6-7 hours, along the Pacific Highway and the Pan-American Highway.  The roads are paved and you can turn the journey into an adventure by staying overnight in some lovely hotels and towns.  We are happy to make recommendations for you!

  • The last 4 kilometers of the journey to Cielo Lodge require a 4 wheel drive elevated vehicle - such as a Toyota Landcruiser or a LandRover.  If you don't have access to a 4x4 vehicle, then we suggest that you park your car at a safe spot in Golfito (we'll tell you where) and then we'll pick you up in town.  Once you're in our hands, you won't need a vehicle.

  • Planning on driving?  Here are printable driving directions.  And here is our link on Google Maps.

 
 

By Boat

Boat - Golfito Costa Rica

  • Golfito is a 40 minute boat ride from Puerto Jimenez.  For about $80 - $90, you can take a private water taxi  from the public dock (the muellecito) in Puerto Jimenez to the muellecito in Golfito and we will  pick you up there.  Your hotel on the Osa can help you arrange for your private water taxi. 

  • There is also a public ferry that runs a couple  of times a day for about $6 a person.  The current ferry schedule is below:

 
 

Thinking about including Arenal or Manuel Antonio on your itinerary?

Here are the logistics if you want to visit Golfito and also include Manuel Antonio and/or Arenal in your itinerary:

  • Manuel Antonio is a 3 hour drive from Golfito. So, you can rent a car in either location and make the drive up (or down) the Pacific Coast. You’ll get a nice taste of the South Pacific beaches and towns, and you won’t spend the entire day in the car.

  • If you’re thinking of just doing Arenal and Golfito, then the best option is to fly or drive to Arenal (La Fortuna) from San Jose. And then get back to San Jose and fly down to Golfito.

  • If you are thinking of doing all three and you have time, you can drive all the way (San Jose - > Arenal -> Manuel Antonio -> 3 hours to Golfito). Or you can mix and match and drive and fly - Drive to Arenal and back to San Jose; Fly to Manuel Antonio (Quepos) and then drive to Golfito.

  • As an FYI, Manuel Antonio is similar to Golfito in terms of weather and wildlife. It is more touristed, while Golfito is definitely more off-the-beaten path. Arenal has a different feel and different weather. So it is a nice match for people who want to see another part of the country and experience a different eco-system.