{"id":261948,"date":"2026-09-08T18:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T18:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/08\/how-to-use-points-and-miles-for-a-trip-to-costa-rica-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T18:00:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T18:00:25","slug":"how-to-use-points-and-miles-for-a-trip-to-costa-rica-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/08\/how-to-use-points-and-miles-for-a-trip-to-costa-rica-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use points and miles for a trip to Costa Rica – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, dramatic volcanoes, incredible biodiversity and phenomenal hotels ranging from sprawling seaside resorts to intimate jungle lodges \u2026 Costa Rica<\/a><\/span> is truly one of the most unique, welcoming destinations in the world. The coffee is pretty phenomenal, too, if you’re into that (and I am!).<\/p>\n

To travel there is to fall in love with its natural wonders and cultural riches \u2014 I have yet to meet anyone who has visited and not wanted to return.<\/p>\n

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ERIC ROSEN\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Costa Rica pioneered the ecotourism trend, protecting over a quarter of its territory as national reserves and parks, both on land and in the ocean. It’s also a beacon of stability in a region that has been volatile at times, making it a safe bet for a hassle-free vacation.<\/p>\n

While many folks flock to its Pacific and Caribbean beaches, its world-class surf breaks and golf courses, others are enchanted by its teeming forests, where you can spot unique fauna like snuffly tapirs foraging for food, dazzlingly colorful resplendent quetzals, quizzical toucans and languorous sloths sunning themselves in the canopy. Just to name a few.<\/p>\n

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CARLY HELFAND\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, if this little Central American nation has been on your travel to-do list, now might just be the right time to plan your visit, especially once the summer heat has dissipated and the days turn dry and sunny. Here are some of our best tips to make the most of your trip to Costa Rica, and how to get the most out of your points and miles while doing so.<\/p>\n

What’s the best part of Costa Rica for a trip?<\/h2>\n

Although it’s the third-smallest country in Central America (and that’s not saying much!), Costa Rica still clocks in at over 19,000 square miles, which means most travelers will likely want to stick to one or two spots during their visit.<\/p>\n

The capital of San Jos\u00e9 offers plenty of flights to and from U.S. hubs, but for many vacationgoers, the main arrival point is Liberia on the country’s west coast thanks to its proximity to the beach resorts of Guanacaste, the rainforests of the interior and the national parks to the south.<\/p>\n

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HYATT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll just stick to the regions around Liberia, though if you’re interested in exploring other parts of the country, let us know in a comment and we’ll write up guides to those as well.<\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Mix and match Alaska Airlines and American Airlines awards<\/h2>\n
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ZACH GRIFF\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the best ways to fly from the U.S. to Costa Rica is to take either American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, two U.S.-based Oneworld airline partners that, between them, fly to Liberia from the following airports (though note some of these are seasonal):<\/p>\n