One hundred and forty-two point four nautical miles to the capital of Chiriquí. It is the air gateway to Boquete and the Barú volcano from Costa Rica, and one of the few routes in the catalogue where the destination is closer to the neighbouring country than to its own capital. Quoted per aircraft on request.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Juan Santamaría (SJO) or Tobías Bolaños (SYQ) |
| Destination | Enrique Malek (DAV / MPDA), David, Chiriquí |
| Distance | 142.4 NM · 264 km |
| From Panama City | 174.4 NM |
| Type | International |
| Price | Quoted per aircraft on request |
David is closer to San José than to Panama City
It is the second Panamanian destination in the catalogue with this property, after Bocas del Toro: 142.4 nautical miles from Costa Rica against 174.4 from its own capital.
But here the conclusion is the opposite of the one at Bocas.
At Bocas we recommend the Panamanian route despite it being longer, because it is domestic. At David, if you are already in Costa Rica, the border is unavoidable either way — you will cross it by air or by land — so distance does govern.
What does not change is the lead time: exit and entry formalities have their own deadlines and require notice. Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
Departure and entry formalities vary by country and need lead time; we coordinate them with every passenger’s details.
What it competes against
Paso Canoas, the main land crossing between Costa Rica and Panama.
It is the route most people take and it works, but it combines a long drive down the Costa Rican south Pacific with a border crossing whose timings nobody controls. In high season it can stretch considerably.
Flying earns its place when the trip is short, when the group splits the cost, or when the final destination is up in the mountains and the road day becomes a day and a half.
It does not if you have time and want to see the south Pacific along the way. It is a drive plenty of people enjoy, and we say so.
An airport with no restrictions
Enrique Malek is an airport of entry — which matters on an international route — with a single asphalt runway whose extension from 2,100 to 2,600 metres began in 2010.
For your booking: the runway limits nothing. The aircraft is decided by your group and your baggage. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
It sits four kilometres from downtown David, on the south side of the city.
Landing is not arriving at Boquete
David is the gateway, not the destination. Boquete, Volcán and the coffee highlands are a climbing ground transfer away, which we do not operate and which is not in the fare. Ground transfer is not included in the fare: your accommodation or a local operator arranges it.
It is a short run compared with what the flight replaces, but worth confirming before fixing the time, especially if you arrive late in the afternoon.
And if you continue to the Caribbean
From David it is 58.0 nautical miles to Bocas del Toro, crossing the cordillera. It is the natural continuation of this route for anyone wanting both slopes in one trip.
Detail on David to Bocas del Toro.
Frequently asked questions
How long is San José to David?
The flight covers 142.4 nautical miles. Overland you cross the south Pacific and the Paso Canoas border.
Is it not closer from Panama City?
No. David is 142.4 nautical miles from San José and 174.4 from its own capital. It is the second Panamanian destination in the catalogue with that property.
Is it worth it against Paso Canoas?
The overland route works and is cheaper, but nobody controls the crossing time. Flying earns its place on a short trip, in a group, or when the destination is in the mountains.
Do I land at Boquete?
No. David is the gateway; Boquete and the highlands are a climbing ground transfer away that we do not operate. Ground transfer is not included in the fare: your accommodation or a local operator arranges it.
Does the runway limit group size?
No. Enrique Malek is an airport of entry with a runway extended since 2010. The aircraft is decided by group and baggage. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Can I continue to Bocas del Toro?
Yes, 58.0 nautical miles crossing the cordillera. It is the natural continuation for anyone wanting both slopes in one trip.