How to Get to Costa Rica — My Personal Guide

• Costa Rica is the country where I became the national freediving champion — and the place I returned to when I wanted to explore it on a deeper level: the people, the nature and the food.

• Before the adventure begins, here’s the practical side of the trip, explained step by step so your experience can be stress-free.

✈️ Flying from Europe to Costa Rica

The fastest way to reach San José is through Madrid, which offers direct flights to Costa Rica.
I usually spend one night in Madrid so I can fly rested, without rushing through time-zone changes.

🛏 Madrid Stopover — Where I Stay & Eat

My routine before flying to Costa Rica:

• stay at a hotel near the airport

• eat well

• sleep properly

• Hotel recommendation:
  https://www.booking.com/Share-cHaNGi

Restaurant: Bar Restaurante Albariño — the best octopus I’ve ever eaten.
A meal for two is around €70.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ChLHbAAHRiD8i7THA?g_st=ipc

Next morning: a quick 10-minute Uber ride to the airport → ready for Costa Rica.

📶 eSIM & Internet in Costa Rica

You can buy an eSIM from BarcaMobile either in Madrid or directly in Costa Rica.
Unlimited data — ideal for maps, WhatsApp, Instagram and bookings.

🛬 First Stop: San José

After landing, I recommend staying at a hotel close to the airport to rest before driving across the country.

Hotel I used:
https://www.booking.com/Share-kNzWeDa

Right next to it, you’ll find rent-a-car companies. I contacted them in advance.

🚙 Car Rental — VERY Important

📞 Contact: +506 6003 8177

A 4x4 vehicle is mandatory if you want to reach the remote places featured later in this guide.
I didn’t believe it until I saw the roads myself.

⚡ Voltage Warning

European Dyson devices (and some other gadgets) do not work in Costa Rica due to voltage differences.
Keep this in mind if you rely on certain electronics.

This is the essential logistic foundation of the trip.
From here, the real Costa Rican adventure begins.