San Isidro is a short flight — forty-eight nautical miles — and that is the first thing to understand about the price. From 1,095 USD per aircraft.
First: a short flight is not a cheap flight
Forty-eight nautical miles do not cost half of ninety-six.
Positioning the aircraft, the crew, coordination at two fields and the fees are paid the same whether short or long. On legs of this length, the price per nautical mile sits above the catalogue average. We show a "from" price per route; the final fare depends on the date, the group and the baggage, and is confirmed in writing before booking.
It is not a flaw in the tariff: it is what operating an aeroplane costs, measured over a short distance.
The flight does not buy economy. It buys not crossing the Cerro de la Muerte.
What you avoid
By road, the Interamericana Sur climbs above three thousand metres. It is the country's most demanding pass: frequent fog, tight bends and heavy traffic.
A good three hours in favourable conditions. And with fog there are no favourable conditions.
The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
The five categories
| Aircraft | PAX | From SJO | From Pavas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 206 | 1–4 | 1,295 USD | 1,250 USD |
| Piper Seneca | 1–5 | 1,395 USD | 1,250 USD |
| Piper Navajo | 1–6 | 1,795 USD | 1,895 USD |
| Cessna Caravan | 1–12 | 3,095 USD | 2,895 USD |
| King Air | 1–7 | 3,795 USD | 3,695 USD |
The price is per aircraft, not per passenger. Pavas is 4.1 nautical miles closer, and over forty-eight that is nearly nine per cent: here the choice of field weighs more than on long routes.
And one operational detail that does affect the budget
San Isidro has no refuelling, and sits at six hundred and forty metres: the highest field in the Costa Rican catalogue. We confirm the effect of field elevation on performance in the quote, because it changes with the date and the operation.
On a return trip from the Central Valley it rarely matters. On a chained itinerary it does: fuel has to be planned around a third field, and that can add a positioning leg to the quote.
Say so when you ask for the quote if you plan to continue to Osa or the coast.
The date is not yours to set
If you are heading to Chirripó, the park requires an advance booking on a limited quota managed by SINAC, and we do not handle it. Access requires an authorisation handled by the area’s administration or your local operator, on their own timescales.
That means the flight's date is fixed after the park's. And if the descent runs a day late, the flight moves with it.
Ask for it with that flexibility in mind: it is the reverse of a normal booking.
And what sits close by
| From San Isidro | Distance |
|---|---|
| Quepos | 25.4 NM |
| Palmar Sur | 27.9 NM |
| Drake Bay | 38.0 NM |
| Golfito | 52.2 NM |
It is closer to Quepos than to San José. If your trip combines mountain and coast, ask for the full circuit: it prices better together than as separate legs.
Frequently asked questions
Why is such a short flight not cheap?
Because positioning, crew, coordination and fees are paid the same. The flight buys not crossing the Cerro de la Muerte. We show a "from" price per route; the final fare depends on the date, the group and the baggage, and is confirmed in writing before booking.
Is the price to private charter to San Isidro del General per person?
No, for the whole aircraft.
For to private charter to San Isidro del General, is Pavas the better departure?
It is 4.1 nautical miles closer, nearly nine per cent of the run. Here it does weigh.
Does the lack of refuelling matter?
On a return trip rarely. On a chained itinerary, fuel must be planned around a third field. We confirm the effect of field elevation on performance in the quote, because it changes with the date and the operation.
When do I fix the date?
After the park's, if you are going to Chirripó. We do not handle the quota. Access requires an authorisation handled by the area’s administration or your local operator, on their own timescales.
What is nearby?
Quepos at 25.4 nautical miles, Palmar Sur at 27.9, Drake Bay at 38.0.