Throwing your birthday in paradise? Smart move. Jacó Beach is one of Costa Rica's easiest beach towns to reach, and getting your crew here is simpler than you'd think. Here's exactly which airport to fly into — and how your birthday party planning in Jaco Beach comes together — from your private chef at www.jacobeachchef.com.
Fly into San José: SJO
For a birthday party in Jacó Beach, the airport you want is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José — Costa Rica's main international gateway, located in Alajuela just outside the capital. It has direct flights from major U.S. and international hubs, so most of your guests can fly in without a connection. From SJO, Jacó is only about a 90-minute drive (roughly 100 km / 60 miles) straight down toward the Pacific coast. That short, scenic drive is a big reason Jacó is such a popular birthday-party planning Jaco beach destination.
What about Liberia (LIR)?
Costa Rica has a second international airport — Daniel Oduber International (LIR) in Liberia, up in Guanacaste. It's great for the far northern beaches, but it's about 3.5–4 hours from Jacó, so it's not the one you want for this trip. Stick with SJO and you'll be toasting the birthday on the beach the same day you land.
Getting from the airport to Jacó
Once you land at SJO, you have easy options for the ride to the coast: a private shuttle or transfer (the most comfortable for a group), a shared shuttle van, a rental car, or a rideshare from the San José area. Whatever you pick, it's a straight shot to Jacó — and a scenic one, with mountain and ocean views along the way. For a birthday group, a private transfer keeps everyone together and arrives at your villa in one easy trip.
Let the party start the moment you arrive
Here's where your birthday party planning in Jaco Beach gets really fun: instead of hunting for a restaurant that can seat your whole group on the big night, let a private chef come to your villa. We cook a restaurant-quality birthday dinner right at your rental — custom menu, full service, cake if you want it, and zero cleanup for you. It's the easiest way to make the celebration unforgettable. (Planning more than dinner? See our guide to a party & event catering chef in Jacó.)
Plan the celebration
Fly into SJO, make the easy drive to Jacó, and let us handle the food. Tell us your dates and group size and we'll build the perfect birthday menu. Start planning at www.jacobeachchef.com.