Juan Santamar�a International Airport (Alajuela)

The San Jose International Airport or as it is known, the Juan Santamaria International Airport is the first and oldest airport in Costa Rica. It was named after the brave drummer boy Juan Santamaria, who died in the Battle of Rivas in 1856 defending his country against the invading forces of American invader William Walker.

The primary airport in Costa Rica, the San Jose International Airport sits just outside of Downtown San Jose, about a 20 minute drive away from most major hotels and accommodations in the San Jose area.

Also very close to Alajuela, the hometown of Juan Santamaria, the San Jose International Airport sits at a distance of about 3 kilometers (1 mile) from the city. Inaugurated in July 1955, this airport was the first in the country to have an asphalt runway, as before this most of the airplanes used to land on runways made from grass.

Run by a private company Alterra Partners, who won a 20-year contract to run the maintenance and administration of the airport, the Juan Santamaria International Airport is quite large and has the usual range of souvenir shops, caf�s, and duty free stores. There is also a food court in the airport with 3 fast food restaurants and a host of other eateries.