Fifty-two point two nautical miles from the Golfo Dulce to the General valley. And it avoids the most tiresome stretch of the Interamericana Sur, which is not the one most people expect. From 1,695 USD per aircraft.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Golfito (GLF / MRGF) |
| Destination | San Isidro de El General (IPZ / MRSI) |
| Distance | 52.2 NM · 97 km |
| Price | From 1,695 USD per aircraft |
It is not the Cerro de la Muerte
When people talk about the Interamericana Sur, everyone thinks of the three-thousand-metre pass. But that lies north of San Isidro, not south.
The stretch between Golfito and San Isidro is another thing: about three and a half hours of valley road, with heavy lorry traffic, one town after another and continuous bends without gaining height.
It is neither dangerous nor prone to closing. It is simply slow and monotonous, with little room to overtake.
Fifty-two nautical miles by air.
It is an uncommon case in the catalogue: the road neither fails nor closes, it simply consumes half a day and gives nothing back. For a working trip between Golfito and Pérez Zeledón, that is seven hours there and back in one day.
The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Two fields that condition for different reasons
That is what is peculiar about this leg, and worth bearing in mind when fixing a date.
Golfito does not restrict by runway size, but it runs along a narrow valley with high ground on both sides. The surrounding terrain shapes the approach and, with it, which aircraft can work the field.
San Isidro sits at six hundred and forty metres — the highest field in the Costa Rican catalogue — and has no refuelling. We confirm the effect of field elevation on performance in the quote, because it changes with the date and the operation. Golfito has none either, so this leg is planned with the tank filled at origin or at a third field.
One conditions the day; the other, fuel planning on chained itineraries. They do not overlap, but both need looking at — the distinction the terrain guide sets out: the first is checked that morning, the second is settled when planning.
The south, without passing through the capital
| From San Isidro | Distance |
|---|---|
| Quepos | 25.4 NM |
| Palmar Sur | 27.9 NM |
| Drake Bay | 38.0 NM |
| Golfito | 52.2 NM |
With this route, the Costa Rican south closes as a network of its own. San Isidro connects to the four main points, none over fifty-three nautical miles: half an hour's flight between any two.
An itinerary of Chirripó, Manuel Antonio, Osa and the Golfo Dulce never needs the Central Valley. It is the first region in the country the catalogue can say that about.
Frequently asked questions
Does this leg cross the Cerro de la Muerte?
No. That pass lies north of San Isidro. Between Golfito and San Isidro the road is valley: slow and monotonous, not dangerous.
How long is it by road?
About three and a half hours, with heavy traffic and towns one after another.
What conditions each field?
Golfito, the narrow valley and weather minima. San Isidro, its 640 metres and lack of refuelling. The surrounding terrain shapes the approach and, with it, which aircraft can work the field.
Is there refuelling at either?
No. This leg is planned with the tank filled at origin or at a third field.
What does San Isidro open?
Quepos at 25.4 nautical miles, Palmar Sur at 27.9, Drake Bay at 38.0.
Do I have to return to the Central Valley?
No. With this route the south closes as a network of its own.