Star Alliance member Avianca is offering a deal from Madrid to Cartagena de Indias, Panama, and San Jose, Costa Rica, starting at just €498. The cheapest fare including a checked bag is €176 more expensive. Adding a checked bag to the light fare increases the ticket price by €130.
Departures are available in November and from January to March to Panama, in November and from January to April for Cartagena, and in February and March for Costa Rica.
Our availability calendar highlights all possible flight dates at the lowest price for trips up to 28 days. It will forward you to Avianca or Skyscanner with your selected flight dates.
First, you will fly from Madrid to Bogotá with Avianca on a Boeing 787 featuring a 3-3-3 economy class configuration. Then, you will continue on their Airbus A320 to your final destination. Please bear in mind that the service on Latin American flights is not full service, and you will have to pay for food and drinks, similar to what you would experience in Europe with Iberia or other carriers.
Most European passport holders can spend up to 90 days visa-free in Colombia, Panama, or Costa Rica
Search & Book
This deal will expire on August 23, 2024. A maximum stay of twelve months apply. Departures are available in October and from January to March to Panama, in October and from January to April for Cartagena, and in February and March for Costa Rica.
You can find suitable dates using our calendar above or with the help of Google Flights. We recommend booking directly on Avianca’s website.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
This ticket is issued in booking class U. Here are the miles and points you can earn from this deal from Madrid to Costa Rica:
- 5,770 Miles on Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- 5,770 Miles on ANA Mileage Club
- 5,770 Miles on Thai Royal Orchid Plus
- 3,496 Miles on Aegean Miles+Bonus
- 2,996 Award Miles + 240 Points on Miles&More
- 2,996 Miles on EVA Infinity MileageLands
- 2,886 Award Miles + 578 PQP on United MileagePlus
- 2,886 Miles on Singapore KrisFlyer
- 2,886 Miles on TAP Miles&Go
- 2,886 Miles on Egyptair Plus
- Customize Calculation
Destination
Information & Tips for Colombia
Colombia has a mix of attractions, from colonial towns like Cartagena and mountain cities like Bogotá and Medellín to natural spots like Tayrona National Park and the Coffee Region. The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP), and while cards are accepted in most cities, cash is often needed in smaller towns. Prices are generally low, especially for food and transport, though tourist hotspots can be more expensive. Weather depends heavily on altitude—coastal areas are hot and humid year-round, while cities in the Andes tend to be spring-like, with mild days and cool nights.
Transport in Colombia varies by region. Within cities, options include buses, taxis, and rideshare apps, though traffic can be heavy, especially in Bogotá. Medellín stands out with its clean and efficient metro system. Intercity travel is mostly by bus, which can be slow due to mountainous terrain, but services are frequent and affordable. Domestic flights are common and often necessary for longer distances, given the country’s geography and limited rail infrastructure.
→ All Dealz for Colombia
Information & Tips for Panama
Panama City blends modern skyscrapers with colonial history, most notably in the Casco Viejo district with its plazas and churches. The famous Panama Canal is the city’s top attraction, with visitors often stopping at the Miraflores Locks. The official currency is the Balboa, though U.S. dollars are used interchangeably and are the main form of cash payment. Prices are moderate compared to North America—cheaper local eateries and transport exist, but touristy areas can feel pricey. The climate is hot and humid year-round, with a distinct rainy season from May to November.
→ All Dealz for Panama
Information & Tips for Costa Rica
→ All Dealz for Costa Rica
Cover Picture: Photo by JACQUELINE BRANDWAYN on Unsplash
Comment (1)
Avianca writes on their Homepage:
To and from Europe
We offer onboard menu included in all fares, enjoy snacks, breakfast, lunch, or dinner.