Santa Teresa sits on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. This small town draws people who want good waves, quiet spots, and a mix of activities. You find long stretches of sand, steady surf, and places to eat from around the world. It stays simple, with dirt roads and a focus on outdoor life. People come here to surf, practice yoga, or just walk the beach at sunset. If you plan a trip, this guide covers what you need.
How to Get to Santa Teresa
Reaching Santa Teresa takes some effort because of its location. Most fly into San Jose International Airport (SJO). From there, you catch a short flight to Tambor or Cobano. Domestic airlines like Sansa run these routes daily. The flight lasts about 25 minutes, and you see green hills and coast below. After landing in Tambor, a taxi or shuttle gets you to town in 35 to 45 minutes. Expect to pay around $20 to $40 for the ride.
If you land in Liberia Airport (LIR) in the north, options include a domestic flight to Cobano, which takes about an hour. Or drive south for four to five hours through rural areas. Another way from San Jose involves a drive and ferry.
You head west to Puntarenas, board the ferry to Paquera, then drive south for two hours. The ferry ride gives views of the Gulf of Nicoya and costs little. Public buses run once a day from San Jose, taking seven to eight hours total. They leave in the afternoon and stop in places like Paquera and Montezuma.
Renting a car gives you control over the trip. From San Jose, pick up a vehicle at the airport from companies like Alamo, Budget, Adobe, or Jumbo Car. Go for a 4×4 SUV since the last stretch involves rough dirt roads that turn muddy in rain. The drive takes four to six hours. Take Route 27 west to Puntarenas, catch the ferry to Paquera—it runs every two hours and costs about $2 per person plus $20 for the car. From Paquera, follow Route 160 south through Cobano to Santa Teresa.
The road stays paved until after Paquera, then switches to gravel. Some rentals let you drop the car in town for an extra $20 to $50 fee. Costs start at $40 per day for a basic 4×4, but add insurance—liability comes required, and full coverage runs $15 to $30 more daily. Check for one-way rentals if you fly out elsewhere.
From Liberia, renting works even better for the direct path. Grab a car at the airport and head south on Route 21, then connect to Route 160. It covers about 150 miles and takes four hours without stops. Again, a 4×4 handles the final dirt roads well. Rental prices match San Jose, around $40 to $60 per day with insurance. This option suits groups or those with gear, as you stop at spots like Playa Naranjo along the way. Gas costs add up—fill up in Nicoya or Samara to avoid empty tanks on remote stretches.
Once in town, rent an ATV or quad bike to move around. The main road stays dusty or muddy, so cars work less well. Taxis handle short trips, but ATVs let you explore side paths to hidden beaches.
| Transportation Option | From San Jose | From Liberia | Time | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flight + Taxi | Fly to Tambor/Cobano, then ride | Fly to Cobano, then ride | 1-2 hours total | $50-100 flight + $20-40 taxi |
| Drive and Ferry (Rental) | Route 27 to Puntarenas, ferry to Paquera, drive south | N/A | 4-6 hours | $40-60/day rental + $20 ferry |
| Direct Drive (Rental) | N/A | Route 21 south to Route 160 | 4 hours | $40-60/day rental |
| Public Bus | Daily bus via Paquera/Montezuma | Bus changes required | 7-8 hours | $10-15 |
| Shuttle | Shared or private | Shared or private | 5-6 hours | $50-100 |
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa
Options range from basic spots to high-end places. Many sit near the beach or in the hills with ocean views. Hotel Nantipa stands out on the beachfront with rooms that open to the sand. You get private villas, a pool, and meals made from local fish and fruits. It fits people who want comfort after a day outside.
For something smaller, try Mint Santa Teresa. This adults-only spot has just a few rooms, each with a rooftop terrace. You walk to the main street and beach. Prices start around $200 per night. If you prefer budget stays, hostels like Selina Santa Teresa offer shared rooms or private ones from $50. They include pools, yoga spaces, and spots to meet others.
Blue Jay Lodge allows pets and sits close to Playa Carmen. You find simple rooms with air conditioning and access to hiking paths. For families or groups, villas like those at Esencia Hotel work well. They come with kitchens and pools, starting at $150. Book ahead during busy months, as spots fill fast.
| Accommodation Type | Example | Price Range (per night) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Beachfront | Hotel Nantipa | $300+ | Private villas, ocean views, restaurant |
| Boutique Adults-Only | Mint Santa Teresa | $200-300 | Rooftop terraces, central location |
| Budget Hostel | Selina Santa Teresa | $50-100 | Pool, yoga classes, social areas |
| Pet-Friendly Lodge | Blue Jay Lodge | $100-200 | Beach access, hiking nearby |
| Family Villa | Esencia Hotel | $150-250 | Kitchen, private pool, spa services |
Top Things to Do in Santa Teresa
You spend most time on the beach or in the water. Playa Santa Teresa stretches for miles with white sand and palms. Waves break steady, good for walks or swims. Head north to Playa Hermosa for quieter spots with tide pools at low tide. Playa Carmen, in the center, buzzes with surfers and bars. You spot locals fishing or families playing. All beaches stay public, so you roam free.
Surfing draws many here. Breaks like La Lora or Suck Rock suit advanced riders, while beginners take lessons at Playa Carmen. Schools rent boards and teach for $50 to $60 per session. Waves work year-round, but check tides. If you skip surfing, rent a board to paddle or watch from the shore.
Yoga fits the town’s pace. Studios like Horizon Ocean View offer classes with sea views. You join daily sessions for $15, often at sunrise or sunset. Many hotels host retreats that mix yoga with surf lessons.
Food stands out with fresh catches and international spots. Eat ceviche at beach bars or try sushi at Koji’s, where they use local tuna. For Costa Rican plates, sodas serve gallo pinto with eggs and plantains. Places like Zula do Israeli dishes, or head to Zwart Art Cafe for plant-based meals. You find options for all diets along the main road.
Other activities include ATV rides to nearby towns like Mal Pais or Montezuma. In Montezuma, hike to waterfalls for swims in clear pools. The trail takes 20 minutes and shows monkeys overhead. Book a boat to Tortuga Island for snorkeling with fish and rays.
The trip costs $70 and includes lunch. For nature, visit Cabo Blanco Reserve south of town. Trails lead through forest to empty beaches, where you see birds and armadillos. Fishing charters let you catch mahi-mahi from shore or boats.
If you like horses, ride along the beach at low tide. Tours last two hours for $50 and go through hills. Ziplining in Mal Pais gives views over the canopy. You fly through trees for $55.
Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa
Dry season runs from December to April. You get sun most days, with temperatures in the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit. Waves stay consistent, and roads dry out. This time sees more people, so prices rise. Rainy season, from May to November, brings showers in the afternoon. Mornings clear up for activities, and fewer crowds mean lower costs. Green hills pop, and surf picks up. Avoid September and October for heaviest rains.
Water stays warm at 80 degrees year-round. Pack light clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, and bug spray. Bring cash, as ATMs run out sometimes.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Carry colones for small spots, though dollars work in many places. Use apps like Waze for directions, as signs stay sparse. Drink bottled water or use filters to avoid issues. Petty theft happens, so lock valuables and watch bags on the beach.
Rent ATVs from shops on the main road for $40 per day. Helmets come included, and gas stations sit nearby. For health, wear shoes on hot sand and use reef shoes in water. Pharmacies stock basics, but bring meds from home. Support spots that use local goods. Leave no trace on beaches to keep them clean.
Santa Teresa gives a break from busy life. You surf, eat fresh meals, and watch sunsets that light the sky orange. Plan your days around tides and weather but let some time stay open. This town shows Costa Rica’s coast at its best. Pack your bags and head there soon.