You’ll get picked up right at SJO Airport by a bilingual local driver who knows all the best stops along the way to Los Sueños Marriott. Enjoy air conditioning, WiFi for your first messages home, cold bottled water, and even a chance to see crocodiles at Tarcoles River if you want. It’s not just a transfer — it’s your first taste of Costa Rica.
I didn’t expect my first real breath of Costa Rica to be in the parking lot outside Juan Santamaria Airport, but that’s where it hit me — this thick, humid air and the faint smell of rain on concrete. I spotted my name on a sign (always a relief after a long flight), and our driver, Andrés, waved us over like he’d been waiting for old friends. He had that easy way about him that made me feel like I could finally relax my shoulders.
The van was cool inside — honestly, after customs, that felt like luxury. We had WiFi (which I used mostly to text home “I’m alive!”) and cold bottled water stashed in an icebox. Andrés spoke English but slipped into Spanish whenever he greeted someone at toll booths or chatted about the road ahead. He asked if we wanted to stop for coffee or lunch; I said yes mostly because I was curious what roadside Costa Rican food would be like. The empanadas were flaky and hot, and there was this sweet smell from a nearby fruit stand — guava maybe?
Somewhere near the Tarcoles River, we paused so we could try spotting crocodiles (I counted three — or maybe four? They barely moved). It wasn’t rushed; Andrés just leaned on the railing with us and pointed out birds I’d never have noticed. The drive to Los Sueños Marriott took a little under two hours, but it felt shorter somehow. Maybe because we kept laughing about my attempts at Spanish or because the scenery kept changing — fields, then palm trees, then suddenly you’re almost at the ocean.
The drive usually takes just under two hours depending on traffic and stops.
Yes, there is WiFi on board the vehicle for passengers.
You can request stops for drinks or lunch; a stop at Tarcoles River is also possible if convenient.
Yes, cold bottled water is included in an icebox during your ride.
Your driver will wait with a sign showing your name at the arrivals area of SJO Airport.
Specialized infant seats are available upon request for safety and comfort.
Yes, service animals are allowed on board during your private transfer.
Your private day trip from SJO Airport includes pickup right outside arrivals with your name on a sign, travel in an insured air-conditioned van with WiFi and bottled water ready in an icebox, plus the option for stops along the way — even pausing at Tarcoles River if you’re up for some crocodile spotting before reaching Los Sueños Marriott.
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