Monteverde is served by just one airport, Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO).

Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport is the only major airport in Monteverde. Before your flight, it’s a wise idea to know a little about it. The terminal is located 72 kilometres from the center of town.

Monteverde is serviced by 25 airlines from 40 worldwide airports.

SANSA Regional and Costa Rica Green Airways frequently fly to Monteverde. Hopping on a SANSA Regional flight from Tambor is one of the most popular ways to get there.

With roughly 688 direct flights running each week, you’ll be touching down in Monteverde before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently set off from Guatemala City, Houston and Liberia airports when flying to Monteverde.

Which airport you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Tambor to Monteverde, the average flight time is 27 minutes. From Puerto Jiménez it’s more or less 50 minutes, and from Panama City it’s 1 hour and 26 minutes.

We all know those lucky jet-setters who somehow manage to nab incredibly cheap airfares whenever they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Monteverde vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to lock in your flight. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to nab an excellent price by flying into a smaller terminal. Lastly, another simple way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you come across an irresistible bargain, don’t hesitate — snap it up while you can.

We’ve pulled together all the info you need to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you’ll be breezing through airport security and having a ball in Monteverde in no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you’ll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as you can. Don layers of natural-fiber clothing and bring a cardigan in case it gets cold in the cabin. Always opt for well-fitting, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. The good news is there are proven ways to reduce the risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, wander around the cabin whenever possible and wear compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Monteverde a pleasure. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it’s fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• There’s a chance you’ll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.