HOW TO GET TO SANTA TERESA, COSTA RICA
Bad Roads lead to Good Places. Santa Teresa, a hidden gem on the Nicoya Peninsula, is the ultimate destination for surfers, adventurers, and free spirits alike. This laid-back beach town is known for its world-class surf, breathtaking sunsets, and vibrant community — but getting here can be an adventure itself. We’re here to show you exactly how to get to Santa Teresa, covering all the options from flights to ferry rides and scenic road trips. Whether you’re flying into San José or Liberia, we’ve got the best routes and tips to help you reach this tropical haven effortlessly.
Upon arriving in San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), you will have the option of a short domestic flight over the most beautiful views in Costa Rica, or a drive that’s as much about the trip as the destination.
FLYING TO SANTA TERESA
The easiest, and most scenic route to Santa Teresa is to fly. If you choose to fly, you can take a domestic flight from either San José or Liberia to the nearby Cobano Airport. The two local airlines Sansa and Green Airways, offer daily flights that last about 30 minutes. Once you land in Cobano, you’re just a short drive away from Santa Teresa. We can help arrange a shuttle to cover the final 25 minute scenic ride, which winds through lush hills, bringing you straight to the heart of Santa Teresa, arriving at House of Somos. Give us a call to book your Cobano Airport shuttle today!
FLIGHT BOOKING
In Sansa and Green Airways we trust. Both are similar in price, and often will offer you a cold one as you board. Give us a call or message us on Whatsapp and we will gladly help you booking your flight.
DRIVE TO SANTA TERESA
If you are looking for a more budget friendly option, or you believe that the journey is just as important as the destination (we agree), then driving is your best option. You can rent a car or take a shuttle. If you’re renting a car, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring in and around Santa Teresa with ease, taking your rental back with you at the end of your trip. But, if you’re only looking to rent a car to get to the surf, you can drop off your rental in Santa Teresa with companies like Europcar and their Santa Teresa location. From San Jose, you will drive 2 hours towards Puntarenas, where you will hop on the ferry. After a scenic cruise over the Gulf of Nicoya, you will land in Paquera, where winding roads through small towns, lush jungle, and rugged coastline, will take you to the best hotel in Santa Teresa. If you’re arriving in Liberia, it’s even easier. A 3-4 hour drive around the peninsula will take you through Paquera, and into the humble surf town of Santa Teresa. So, what’re you waiting for? Book your stay today!
CAR RENTAL
As we mentioned, there are multiple car rental agencies available upon arrival to SJO. Contact us for help booking. We have offsite parking available.
OUR SANTA TERESA TRAVEL TOP TIPS
When planning your trip to Santa Teresa, there are a few key travel tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. If you’re flying domestically, remember that domestic flights to Santa Teresa do not operate at night, so plan your arrival in Costa Rica accordingly if you want to catch an early flight. Otherwise, enjoy a night exploring the city of San Jose and continue to Santa Teresa the next day. If you’re taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, give yourself extra time, as the ferry schedule can sometimes shift, and lines can be long, especially during peak travel seasons. For those driving from Liberia, it’s best to take the scenic route all the way around the Nicoya Peninsula, passing through Paquera and Cobano for the most reliable roads. This drive is longer but avoids unpredictable river crossings that shorter routes might require, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable trip to this beautiful beach town. Unless you’re looking for that real sense of adventure, but remember, we warned you.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
Shuttle service is $65 per person. Contact us at bookings@houseofsomos.com for booking options.
Whether you decide to go it on your own, sit back and enjoy the views from the comfort of a shuttle, it will be an adventure. Give us a call or message us on our Whatsapp and we will gladly help you booking your shuttle.
ONCE YOU’RE HERE
MOTORCYCLE RENTAL
For those two wheel enthusiasts after a more serious adventure, motorcycle rentals are also available. Email us at bookings@houseofsomos.com or message us on our Whatsapp for all enquiries and have your dirt bike awaiting your arrival.
QUAD RENTAL
Maybe 2 wheels isn’t enough, we get it, that’s why we also offer quad hire from our friends throughout Santa Teresa. Give us an email or message us on our Whatsapp and we can have your quad ready for you upon arrival.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the best ways to get to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?
The quickest and easiest way to get to Santa Teresa is to fly. With a 30 minute flight and a 25 minute drive you can’t go wrong.
Do domestic flights operate at night to Santa Teresa?
Domestic flights throughout Costa Rica only operate during the day, so be sure to plan accordingly. If you fly into Costa Rica at night, or fly out early, you might need to spend a night in San Jose.
What is the ferry schedule from Puntarenas to Paquera?
You can find the ferry schedule HERE. Make sure to get to the ferry 30 minutes before it departs.
How long does it take to drive from Liberia to Santa Teresa?
Driving from Liberia to Santa Teresa can take from 3.5-5 hours, depending on traffic.
What are the road conditions like when driving to Santa Teresa?
The drive to Santa Teresa is all paved and the road conditions are excellent. Once you get to Santa Teresa however, you will hit bumpy dirt roads in multiple sections.
SEE YOU SOON
We will be happy to accommodate any of our guests’ travel and transportation needs getting to Santa Teresa. Please contact us for booking assistance by email at bookings@houseofsomos.com, give us a call or message us on WhatsApp: +506 6401-3808. We’ll chuck a beer in the cooler and see you soon!