Be sure to set your clocks—here, you're on Central Standard Time (CST), which is +2 hours ahead of Pacific Time, -6 hours behind GMT/ UTC.

Trip Start

Our adventure begins promptly in San José, Costa Rica at 7:45am on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the Costa Rica Marriott (see Trip Overview for hotel location). It is each guest's responsibility to meet at the trip's starting point on time. Unfortunately, we're unable to delay the beginning of our trip and if you're late in arriving.

Arrival Airport

The closest airport to our trip starting point is San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), less than 10 minutes from our hotel, depending on traffic.

Transfer from Airport

Private transportation is available from SJO airport to our meeting point; If you plan on staying at the Costa Rica Marriott the night prior to the trip start, we recommend booking directly through the concierge at the Costa Rica Marriott no more than 30 days ahead of your arrival.

Alternatively, you can arrange your own taxi upon arrival at SJO airport. Ride-share services such as Uber are also available. Expect to pay around US$5 for a one-way ride share to our starting point.

Pre-Arrival Accommodations

We stay in unique, in-demand hotels and lodges on this trip—rooms go fast and daily rates change frequently. If you plan to arrive in San José prior to December 10, we recommend staying at Costa Rica Marriott | Hotel Hacienda Belen, which is also our meeting spot on Day One. Please contact the hotel directly to book, and let them know you will be on a trip with Modern Adventure and would like to extend your stay prior to the trip start. We will do everything in our power to avoid unnecessary room changes, allowing you to stay in the same room from start to finish—however, please note that this is not always an option and rooms are subject to change.

Trip End

We end our trip—after a week of exploration, adventure and family connection—in Playa Hermosa on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

Departure Airport

The closest airport is Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, about a 30-minute drive from our hotel. This is different than the hotel we flew into to start our trip. If flying out of LIR your flight can be scheduled to depart at 10:30am or later.

San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is 3 hours and 30 minute by car from our hotel in Playa Hermosa. If flying out of SJO your flight home should be scheduled to depart at 3:30pm or later. If your flight leaves at an earlier time, or if you are planning on extending your time in Playa Hermosa, you will be responsible for arranging alternative transportation.

Transfer to Airports

After breakfast on our last day, Modern Adventure will provide a complimentary transfer to Liberia's LIR airport, about 30 minutes by car. If you would like to join this transfer, your flight home should be scheduled to depart from ZQN at 10:30am or later. The transfer will then continue on to San José’s SJO airport (3 hrs) if you book your departing flight from SJO, it should be scheduled at 3:30pm or later.

If you are planning on extending your time in Costa Rica, it is your responsibility to arrange alternative transportation from Playa Hermosa to the airport.

Post-Trip Accommodations

We hope you have the opportunity to extend your stay in Costa Rica. If you plan on staying in Playa Hermosa, we recommend staying at Hotel Bosque del Mar. Please note that any post-trip accommodations are your responsibility to book, and reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly.