{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Costa Rica",
    "addressLocality": "Puntarenas"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "Sansa Airlines",
    "Aerobell Airlines",
    "Regional air taxi services",
    "General aviation"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Puntarenas",
  "code": "JAP",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/JAP",
  "connection_tips": "Chacarita Airport (JAP) is a specialized regional aviation facility serving the city of Puntarenas and the surrounding central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The airport primarily handles domestic flights operated by regional carriers like Sansa and Aerobell, connecting Puntarenas to major hubs such as San Jos\u00e9 (SJO/SYQ). For international travelers, the most efficient route is to fly into San Jos\u00e9 and take a short 20-minute 'puddle jumper' flight to Chacarita, which avoids the 2 to 3-hour road journey. The airport is located approximately 10 kilometers from the Puntarenas city center.\n\nUpon arrival, local taxis and pre-arranged shuttle services meet every scheduled flight. It is highly recommended to coordinate a pickup through your hotel or tour operator, as on-demand options directly at the quiet terminal can be limited. Chacarita is a major gateway for the Pacific ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula (Paquera and Naranjo); if you are using the airport for this purpose, ensure you allow at least 60 minutes for the road transfer to the ferry terminal. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes before domestic departures is typically sufficient to navigate the thorough but generally fast security screening.\n\nFacilities at JAP are functional and minimalist, offering basic passenger amenities including a waiting lounge and a refreshment kiosk. The regional climate is tropical and humid year-round, but late summer months (September-October) can bring heavy afternoon rainfall that may lead to light aircraft delays. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight from San Jos\u00e9, always maintain a 4-hour buffer to account for potential regional delays and the road journey if necessary. JAP provides a professional and remarkably direct entry point for those seeking to explore the unique coastal heritage and marine life of the Gulf of Nicoya.",
  "country": "Costa Rica",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/cr.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=CRC",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Check ahead for limited amenities and operating hours.",
    "Chacarita Airport serves Puntarenas on Costa Rica's coast.",
    "It mainly supports short domestic flights to San Jose.",
    "Plan around a small terminal and simple ground transfers.",
    "Road trips can be slower than the short hop by air."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Chacarita+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=CRC",
  "iataCode": "JAP",
  "icao": "MRCH",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": 9.9814100266,
  "layover_planner_info": "Few on-site services; arrange necessities before arrival.",
  "longitude": -84.7726974487,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 120,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact airline representatives or airport staff for assistance.",
  "name": "Chacarita Airport",
  "region": "Central America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "SJO",
      "name": "Juan Santamar\u00eda International Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "FON",
      "name": "La Fortuna Arenal Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "TMU",
      "name": "Tambor Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Chacarita Airport (JAP) is a domestic aviation facility serving the city of Puntarenas and the central Pacific coast region of Costa Rica. Located in the Chacarita district, approximately 10 kilometers east of the main Puntarenas peninsula, it acts as a primary transportation link for the province, supporting domestic scheduled flights, private charters, and essential air connectivity for the local community. The airport features a single paved runway extending approximately 1,300 meters, allowing it to handle regional turboprop aircraft and private aviation traffic.\n\nThe terminal building at Chacarita is small, functional, and efficient, designed to provide a high level of service for domestic travelers in a friendly environment. It houses a modest check-in area and a security screening zone. While the terminal lacks the extensive retail and dining halls of major international airports in San Jos\u00e9 or Liberia, it provides a well-maintained space with basic amenities, ensuring a smooth and rapid transition from the aircraft to ground transportation. The facility is managed by the Direcci\u00f3n General de Aviaci\u00f3n Civil (DGAC) and is a critical component of the regional infrastructure supporting tourism and commerce in the central Pacific region.\n\nGround transportation at JAP is well-organized, with several authorized taxi services and local shuttle options that connect the airport directly to Puntarenas city center and the major beach resorts along the coast. The airport's location near the Gulf of Nicoya provides a scenic arrival experience, with panoramic views of the turquoise waters and the lush tropical greenery of the coastal plains. For visitors exploring the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Puntarenas area, including the ferry links to the Nicoya Peninsula, Chacarita Airport offers a professional and highly accessible regional gateway.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/MRCH/Chacarita-Airport"
}