Liberia: Key to the Beach

It's no secret that Costa Rica has some of theBy 2017 LIR is expected to see over a million
most beautiful beaches in the world, but you maypassengers a year, and plans are underway for a
be surprised at just how easy it is to get tonew terminal capable of processing 15,000 people
them. Many people know of Costa Rica's centralan hour (the current terminal sees about 700
international airport in San Jose, which is a fivepeople an hour during peak times). With two new
hour commute from the coast. However, atemporary open air terminals, the Daniel Odbur
smaller second international center, Liberia's DanielInternational Airport now offers a bank, medical
Odbur International Airport (LIR) is hot with thoseservices, a gift shop, an Internet kiosk, a fire
in the know, and it's gaining popularity fast. Justdepartment, and snack bars. The facility can
seven miles southwest of Liberia's city center, LIRhandle up to four planes at once and offers
is only 20 minutes to an hour from most of thedomestic connections to several Costa Rican
beaches on the North Pacific Coast. Liberia is thedestinations.
capital of Guanacaste province and provides easyA number of shuttles service the airport making it
access to Playa del Coco, Tamarindo, Playa Negra,an easy, hassle free alternative to get to your
Playa Flamingo, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa anddestination quickly. If you'd prefer to drive
beautiful nearby parks.yourself, you can rent a vehicle from any number
Since the inaugural international flight in 1995, thisof the nearby agencies that provide pick up and
bustling arrival zone has grown to serve almostdrop off services.
30 airlines, including Air Canada, Delta, AmericanBecause of its intimate, safe environment and
Airlines, US Airways and Continental Airlines withdesirable location, Liberia's quickly gaining a positive
flights arriving from cities like Miami, Houston,reputation with Costa Rica's more seasoned
Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto and Vancouver.travelers and travel agents alike. For some the
In fact, Continental offers 16 weekly flights fromdeciding factor is finding flights to this airport at
the US to Liberia. LIR saw 237,199 passengers inbetter rates than those to San Jose.
the first six months of 2007 - an increase ofSo the secrets out! It's a great time to consider
more than 15 percent from the same time periodinvesting in Guanacaste province - besides the
the year before and a figure that continues toyear round appeal of the amazing climate and
grow. With the first direct flight from Englandbeautiful beaches, this area is only growing in
arriving in May 2007, the Costa Rican governmentpopularity as it becomes more accessible.
is currently in discussion with at least fourWhether you're looking to invest in a vacation
European carriers in hopes of securing regularlyrental or live out your retirement dreams, Costa
scheduled flights.Rica is within reach.