Generally, no, for arrival day and sometimes yes for departure day. Arrival day usually involves immigration lines, baggage claim, and flight fatigue, leaving little room for a scheduled tour. Departure day can work with an afternoon or evening flight and a shorter excursion. Costa Rica Fayla Tours handles Guanacaste airport transportation in Costa Rica alongside our birdwatching and wildlife tours, so we can help you plan around your flight times.
Why Isn’t Arrival Day a Good Time to Book a Tour?
Arrival day rarely leaves enough predictable time for a tour. International flights into Guanacaste Airport (LIR) can run late, and immigration and baggage claims add uncertainty before you even reach your hotel. Airport transfers from Guanacaste take you to your hotel, but it’s best to leave the tours for a day when you’re not still catching your breath.
- Flight delays are common and hard to plan around.
- Immigration lines vary by how many flights land close together.
- Most travelers are tired after a red-eye or long-haul flight.
- Tours depart early, often around 7:00 or 7:30 AM, which rarely fits an arrival-day schedule.
Is Departure Day a Realistic Option?
Yes, but only with the right flight time and tour length. If your flight leaves in the afternoon or evening, a morning tour can work well, as long as you build in enough buffer before heading to the airport.
| Scenario | Feasible? | Why |
| Arrival day, any flight time | Not recommended | Immigration, baggage, and fatigue add unpredictable delays |
| Departure day, morning flight | Not recommended | Too little time between tour and check-in |
| Departure day, afternoon or evening flight | Possible | A short tour plus airport buffer can fit comfortably |
How Busy Is Guanacaste Airport, and Why Does That Matter?
Guanacaste Airport has grown quickly, and that growth affects how much buffer time you should plan for. According to The Tico Times, Guanacaste Airport in Liberia handled 1,910,354 passengers in 2024, representing a 16% increase from 2023 and setting a new passenger record for the airport. More passengers generally means busier check-in counters and security lines, which is one more reason to leave extra room in your departure-day schedule.
What Should You Do If You Want a Tour on Departure Day?
Making a departure-day birdwatching tour work comes down to timing and communication. Costa Rica Fayla Tours can coordinate both the tour and our Guanacaste airport shuttle service, so the two fit together instead of competing for the same hours.
- Choose a tour with a return time several hours before your flight
- Store luggage with your hotel or in the vehicle if your tour includes transportation
- Confirm exact pickup and drop-off times with us when booking
- Plan to arrive at Guanacaste Airport (LIR) at least three hours before departure
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a departure-day tour?
As early as possible, ideally when you confirm your flights, since departure-day slots are more limited than open-ended days. This also gives us time to line up your pickup and drop-off around your exact flight.
Does scheduling a tour around my flight reduce my chances of good bird sightings?
No. Shorter departure-day itineraries still visit the same wetland areas, so timing doesn’t change what you’re likely to see. Birds are active throughout the day, so an earlier or later start rarely makes a noticeable difference.
Can I book Guanacaste airport transportation in Costa Rica without also booking a tour?
Yes, it’s available on its own, whether or not you add a tour. Many guests use it just for arrivals and departures during their stay.
Line Up Guanacaste Airport Transportation and Your Tour Today
Costa Rica Fayla Tours can coordinate your tour timing with your flights so the two don’t conflict. We run Guanacaste airport shuttle services for hotels across the region, so pickup and drop-off follow your actual flight schedule. Reach us on WhatsApp at (506) 8797-1515, call us at 011 (506) 7202-7500, or write to info@costaricafaylatours.com.