Seventy-six point three nautical miles to the Térraba valley. It is the least known gateway to the southern Pacific, and the only one in the area that imposes no aircraft restriction. From 1,395 USD per aircraft.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Juan Santamaría (SJO / MROC) |
| Alternative | Tobías Bolaños (SYQ / MRPV), 72.3 NM |
| Destination | Palmar Sur (PMZ / MRPM) |
| Distance | 76.3 NM · 141 km |
| Runway | 1,400 × 12 m, asphalt |
The only southern field that does not restrict
This is what makes it useful. Compare the four fields in the area:
| Field | Runway | Restricts |
|---|---|---|
| Drake Bay | 1,000 × 18 m | Yes, severely |
| Puerto Jiménez | 822 × 18 m | Yes |
| Palmar Sur | 1,400 × 12 m | Not by size |
| Golfito | 1,400 × 20 m | Not by size |
Palmar Sur and Golfito are the two large fields of the southern Pacific, and Palmar sits further north: 17.3 nautical miles from Drake Bay and 26.8 from Puerto Jiménez.
With a large group, it is the shortest entry into Osa with no runway restriction. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
What it opens by road and by river
Palmar is not the destination: it is the point three different trips start from.
Sierpe and the Térraba mangroves, half an hour by road, and from there the boats to Drake down the river and out through the mouth. The boat leg on the Térraba depends on tides and is arranged by your accommodation or a local operator.
Uvita, Ojochal and Bahía Ballena, the southern Pacific coast, along the Costanera.
And the archaeological sites of the Diquís delta, with the pre-Columbian stone spheres.
It is another case of the pattern the catalogue describes at Santa Catalina and at Flores: the airport is not at the destination, and the flight's advantage is measured against the whole journey.
The river before the runway
Fourteen hundred metres pose no length problem. What defines Palmar is the way in.
Approach and departure to the north cross the Térraba river, with a mountain immediately north of the town and high ground from northwest through northeast. The surrounding terrain shapes the approach and, with it, which aircraft can work the field.
As at Golfito, it is not the runway that conditions things: it is the relief around it. They are the two southern fields where the criterion changes dimension.
Frequently asked questions
How long is San José to Palmar Sur?
The flight covers 76.3 nautical miles. By road it is the whole Costanera Sur, several hours.
Why choose Palmar over Drake or Puerto Jiménez?
Because it does not restrict the aircraft. With a large group it is the shortest entry into Osa with no runway limitation. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
How do I continue to Drake?
By road to Sierpe and from there by boat down the river and out through the mouth. We do not operate that transfer. The boat leg on the Térraba depends on tides and is arranged by your accommodation or a local operator.
Does it work for Uvita and Bahía Ballena?
Yes, along the Costanera. Palmar is the nearest field to that coast.
Does anything limit operations?
Not by size. Approach and departure to the north cross the Térraba, with high ground around. The surrounding terrain shapes the approach and, with it, which aircraft can work the field.
Is Pavas better as a departure?
It is 4.0 nautical miles closer. If you are already in the city, yes.