| It's no secret that Costa Rica has some of the | | | | By 2017 LIR is expected to see over a million |
| most beautiful beaches in the world, but you may | | | | passengers a year, and plans are underway for a |
| be surprised at just how easy it is to get to | | | | new terminal capable of processing 15,000 people |
| them. Many people know of Costa Rica's central | | | | an hour (the current terminal sees about 700 |
| international airport in San Jose, which is a five | | | | people an hour during peak times). With two new |
| hour commute from the coast. However, a | | | | temporary open air terminals, the Daniel Odbur |
| smaller second international center, Liberia's Daniel | | | | International Airport now offers a bank, medical |
| Odbur International Airport (LIR) is hot with those | | | | services, a gift shop, an Internet kiosk, a fire |
| in the know, and it's gaining popularity fast. Just | | | | department, and snack bars. The facility can |
| seven miles southwest of Liberia's city center, LIR | | | | handle up to four planes at once and offers |
| is only 20 minutes to an hour from most of the | | | | domestic connections to several Costa Rican |
| beaches on the North Pacific Coast. Liberia is the | | | | destinations. |
| capital of Guanacaste province and provides easy | | | | A 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 and | | | | destination 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, this | | | | of the nearby agencies that provide pick up and |
| bustling arrival zone has grown to serve almost | | | | drop off services. |
| 30 airlines, including Air Canada, Delta, American | | | | Because of its intimate, safe environment and |
| Airlines, US Airways and Continental Airlines with | | | | desirable 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 from | | | | deciding factor is finding flights to this airport at |
| the US to Liberia. LIR saw 237,199 passengers in | | | | better rates than those to San Jose. |
| the first six months of 2007 - an increase of | | | | So the secrets out! It's a great time to consider |
| more than 15 percent from the same time period | | | | investing in Guanacaste province - besides the |
| the year before and a figure that continues to | | | | year round appeal of the amazing climate and |
| grow. With the first direct flight from England | | | | beautiful beaches, this area is only growing in |
| arriving in May 2007, the Costa Rican government | | | | popularity as it becomes more accessible. |
| is currently in discussion with at least four | | | | Whether you're looking to invest in a vacation |
| European carriers in hopes of securing regularly | | | | rental or live out your retirement dreams, Costa |
| scheduled flights. | | | | Rica is within reach. |