Costa Rica is a Central American nation bordering the countries of Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). According to the Institute for Costa Rican Tourism, although the country is relatively small, more than 25 percent of its land area is composed of national conservation and protected parks. This fact, along with the bounty of natural attractions such as white-sand beaches, active volcanoes, and some of the best hiking in the region, makes it a top international tourist attraction. In addition, Costa Rica remains a democratic and peaceful country that stands apart from its neighboring countries due to the fact that it has no army, which it had abolished after the 1948 civil war.
For those wishing to view the spectacular and varying landscapes from a higher vantage point, a number of airlines offer private charters over the region. Each of the following reputable companies include the latest aircraft maintained to the highest safety standards with pilots who have logged in more flight hours than the busiest commercial pilots.
Nature Air
Nature Air, the country's largest private charter company, also includes the only twin-engine aircraft fleet in Costa Rica. In addition, it is also the world's first carbon-neutral airline dedicated toward a sustainable environment. It offers 74 daily charter flights on three types of aircraft: the DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300 with a maximum seating of 19 passengers, the seven-passenger Beechcraft King Air E90, and the Cessna 208-B Grand Caravan, which can accommodate up to 12 passengers. The destinations include all of the major tourist areas from Arenal to Tortuguero as well as flights to Managua in Nicaragua, and Bocas del Toro in Panama. In regard to safety, the company is the only certified Part 121 airlines in the country, which is the highest certification level for both commercial and charter flights. The company also operates its own aviation-training school where each pilot is trained to these high aviation standards. The private charter rates vary by the type of aircraft, number of passengers, and final destination.
Macaw Air
Macaw Air, based at the Liberia International Airport in northwest Costa Rica, has offered private charter flights for sightseeing over a number of major destinations since 2004. It includes a single-engine Cessna 206 that seats up to five passengers with a cruising range of up to approximately 700 miles. The flights depart from either Liberia or Tamarindo to a variety of destinations such as Tortuguero, Arenal, Drake Bay, and the beautiful Quepos region on the Pacific Coast. It also includes flights to Bocas del Toro and Panama City in Panama, and the beautiful colonial city of Granada in Nicaragua. Rates vary by the overall length of the flight, the number of passengers, and the amount of luggage.
Aerotec Costa Rica Airplane Charters
Aerotec Costa Rica Airplane Charters provides both business and private charters to 34 different public and private airports throughout the country. Its large fleet of aircraft range from single-engine Cessnas that seat up to five passengers to the latest 12-passenger turboprops. The company also maintains a business partnership with several jet charter operators, which offers flights on additional aircraft such as a four-passenger Cessna Citation and a 15-passenger Global Express. Through this network, flights can be arranged to any destination in North and South America. Each of the aircraft are regularly maintained to the highest FAA safety standards at the employee-owned COOPESA company located just outside of San José.
HeliJet
HeliJet offers a variety of charter flights for everything from business touring, private sightseeing, and aerial photography. Its fleet of four, single- and twin-engine aircraft include a Cessna Caravan, Piper Seneca, Cessna 206, and a King Air E90. The climate-controlled aircraft includes seating for up to 12 passengers and travels anywhere in Costa Rica. The company was established by Juan Carlos Arguedas, who was a former commerical pilot for TACA Airlines, and each pilot is FAA licensed and trained to the highest international safety standards. The rates vary by the type of aircraft, number of passengers, length of the flight, and the amount of luggage.
These four, air charter companies provide a wide variety of destinations for your next trip to the exciting and beautiful country of Costa Rica. With some of the highest safety standards in the region, all you have to do is sit back, enjoy the view in the climate-controlled cabin, and see why the country is the top tourist destination in Central America.
Sources:
James Nalley - James Nalley is a full-time travel journalist whose work has been published in more than 100 magazines, journals and websites.
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