Which airport is better for a first-time visitor?

SJO is closer to the central highlands, cloud forests, and the central Pacific coast. LIR is best if your trip is focused entirely on the northern Guanacaste beaches.

Is it cheaper to book a package deal?

Rarely. Booking flights and accommodation separately almost always results in a lower price and more flexibility for your itinerary.

Booking affordable flights to Costa Rica from the US

Use Google Flights to track prices 3-6 months in advance and target the shoulder season of May, June, September, and October. Stick to flying into San José (SJO) rather than Liberia (LIR) if you want the lowest possible fare.

Set up fare alerts. Go to Google Flights, enter your departure city and San José (SJO). Toggle the 'Track prices' switch. Do this at least 4 months before your intended travel date to capture baseline pricing.
Target the shoulder season. Avoid Christmas, Easter (Semana Santa), and the peak of the dry season (January–March). You will save 30-40% by flying during the 'green season' months of May, June, September, or October.
Compare SJO vs. LIR. Check both airports. SJO (San José) is usually cheaper from major hubs like MIA, IAH, and ATL. If you are going to the Guanacaste beaches, check LIR (Liberia), but calculate the cost of a 4-hour shuttle to see if the flight savings are worth it.
Use low-cost carrier hubs. If you are on the East Coast, look for JetBlue or Southwest flights. From the South, check Copa Airlines (via Panama) or Avianca (via El Salvador), which often undercut legacy carriers like United or Delta.

Which airport is better for a first-time visitor?: SJO is closer to the central highlands, cloud forests, and the central Pacific coast. LIR is best if your trip is focused entirely on the northern Guanacaste beaches.
Is it cheaper to book a package deal?: Rarely. Booking flights and accommodation separately almost always results in a lower price and more flexibility for your itinerary.