If you’ve spent time in travel forums or Facebook groups planning a Costa Rica trip, you’ve probably seen this question come up again and again:
“Should we drive straight to La Fortuna after landing at SJO?”
It’s a fair question. La Fortuna is only about 116 kilometers (72 miles) from Juan Santamaría International Airport, but the drive takes around four hours on winding mountain roads, and that’s under normal traffic conditions. After a long international flight, that first drive can feel much longer than expected.
There’s a better way to begin.
In Costa Rica, one of the destinations that consistently captures travelers’ imagination is the town of La Fortuna, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. The area offers an impressive variety of activities that appeal to nearly every type of traveler.
Visitors can relax in world-class hot springs such as Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, soar across the rainforest on zip lines at Mundo Aventura Arenal, or explore the lava trails and rainforest paths of Arenal Volcano National Park. In total, the region offers more than 40 activities, making it one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic adventure destinations.
Most international travelers arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport, commonly referred to as SJO Airport. The drive to La Fortuna winds through rural mountain roads, with one lane in each direction and many curves along the way. The scenery is beautiful; agricultural fields, coffee farms, cattle ranches, and colorful small towns that immediately tell you: you are in Costa Rica.
But the first hours of your trip are special. They set the tone for everything that follows. It’s a moment that deserves to be enjoyed, not rushed.
This is where Chayote Lodge becomes the perfect first stop. Located just one hour from Juan Santamaría International Airport, the lodge offers travelers a peaceful and scenic introduction to the country. From its hilltop setting, guests enjoy sweeping views of the Central Valley, four volcanoes, including Irazú Volcano, and even the distant waters of the Gulf of Nicoya.
This small boutique hotel, with just 12 private bungalows, is inspired by Costa Rica’s coffee culture. It sits along one of the most scenic routes in the country, placing guests only two hours from La Fortuna the following morning.
And that next morning can begin in a very special way.
Imagine waking up early and watching the sunrise behind Irazú Volcano while the lights of the Central Valley slowly fade away. Before breakfast, you might take a quiet 6:00 a.m. walk along the lodge trails, join a guided birdwatching tour at 6:30 a.m. with our resident ornithologist as the forest slowly awakens, or start your day with a 7:00 a.m. yoga class on our forest yoga deck, surrounded by cloud forest and birdsong.
By 8:30 a.m., many travelers realize they have already experienced something meaningful, an authentic first connection with Costa Rica’s landscapes, sounds, and rhythms.
If you have a couple of hours to spare after breakfast, you can enjoy the Don Carlos & Doña María Coffee Tour, learning about the traditions behind Costa Rica’s most famous crop. Afterwards, you can begin your journey to La Fortuna.
For those who prefer a more scenic route, an optional detour through Bajos del Toro allows you to visit the magnificent Catarata del Toro or swim in the turquoise pools of Blue Falls of Costa Rica, a beautiful stop that turns the drive into a half-day adventure before arriving in La Fortuna later in the afternoon.
Ideally, we recommend spending at least two nights at Chayote Lodge to fully enjoy the area. But we also understand that many travelers have limited vacation time, and that’s exactly the point.
Your first night near SJO doesn’t have to be a throwaway night. At Chayote Lodge, it becomes the beginning of your Costa Rica story: a hilltop sunrise, a quiet forest walk, your first cup of freshly harvested local coffee. By the time you head to La Fortuna, you’ll already feel like you’ve arrived.
Ready to start your journey the right way? Check availability or reach out to us, we’d love to help you plan your first night in Costa Rica.
Chayote Lodge is located one hour from SJO Airport, with private transfer options available both on arrival and for your onward journey to La Fortuna.