One hundred and eleven point three nautical miles between Costa Rica's two rainforest parks, one on each ocean. And it is the route where each end imposes a different constraint, with neither having anything to do with the other. From 2,095 USD per aircraft.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tortuguero (TTQ / MRBT) |
| Destination | Drake Bay (DRK / MRDK) |
| Distance | 111.3 NM · 206 km |
| Destination runway | 1,000 × 18 m |
| Price | From 2,095 USD per aircraft |
Two constraints, one at each end
| End | Constraint | What it limits |
|---|---|---|
| Tortuguero | Last river departure | The flight's hour |
| Drake Bay | Eleven metres of width | The group's size |
Neither can be solved with the other. A small group on a tight schedule has one problem; a large group with the whole day ahead has another.
Elsewhere in the catalogue constraints stack on the same axis — Bocas–Drake Bay has four, all on the date. These two act on different variables of the booking and do not offset one another.
The river governs on departure: if the boat to the airport arrives late, the flight shifts entirely. Access to the lodges is by river and has a last departure of the day that sets your flight time.
And the runway governs on arrival: with six passengers or bulky baggage, there may be no suitable aircraft. 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.
And here the stop takes a third form
At Tambor–Drake Bay the catalogue distinguished two stops: Quepos, the short one; Puerto Jiménez, the safe one.
From Tortuguero a third consideration appears:
| Option | Distance |
|---|---|
| Direct | 111.3 NM |
| Via Quepos | 76.8 + 52.2 = 129.0 NM |
| Via Puerto Jiménez | 122.7 + 23.0 = 145.7 NM |
Quepos adds eighteen nautical miles; Puerto Jiménez, thirty-four. Less penalty than from Tambor, because Tortuguero lies further east and both stops fall more nearly on the way.
Two rainforests, two oceans
Tortuguero is canals, turtles and flooded forest on the Caribbean. Corcovado is primary rainforest and gulf on the Pacific.
They are the country's two most important rainforest parks and they sit on opposite coasts. Overland, the combination requires climbing to the Central Valley and dropping back down: two long days.
If your trip is about nature, this is the link that joins them.
The links we do not operate
At Tortuguero, the river transfer to the lodge. Access to the lodges is by river and has a last departure of the day that sets your flight time.
At Osa, the sea or track journey from the airstrip to the accommodation. Ground transfer is not included in the fare: your accommodation or a local operator arranges it.
And the park requires a certified guide with quotas coordinated in advance. Access requires an authorisation handled by the area’s administration or your local operator, on their own timescales.
Three outside links in a single day. That is why we ask for dates with margin.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Tortuguero to Drake Bay?
The flight covers 111.3 nautical miles. Overland you have to climb to the Central Valley and drop back down: two long days.
What does each end limit?
Tortuguero limits the hour, through the last river departure. Drake Bay does not limit the group: its runway is 18 m wide.
Can they be solved together?
No. A small group on a tight schedule has one problem; a large one with the whole day ahead has another.
Does a stop suit?
Quepos adds eighteen nautical miles and Puerto Jiménez thirty-four. Less penalty than from Tambor.
Are the transfers included?
No. The river one at Tortuguero and the Osa one are links we do not operate. Ground transfer is not included in the fare: your accommodation or a local operator arranges it.
Do I need a permit for Corcovado?
The park requires a certified guide and quotas are coordinated in advance. Access requires an authorisation handled by the area’s administration or your local operator, on their own timescales.