Getting to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Are you planning a getaway to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, a tropical haven known for its stunning beaches and world-class surfing? One of the first steps in making your dream vacation a reality is figuring out how to get there.

Choosing Your Entry Point

Santa Teresa is located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. To get here, you'll need to choose your entry point. The two most common options are San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) airports. Most international travelers arrive at one of these airports before continuing on to Santa Teresa.

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From San José (SJO)

If you're flying into San José, you have a few travel options to reach Santa Teresa. The quickest way is to catch a domestic flight from San José (SJO) to Cobano  and then take a 20 minute taxi to Santa Teresa. 

We recommend using Sansa Airlines or Costa Rican Green Airways who both have multiple direct flights from San José (SJO) to Cobano  daily. There’s a 5-10 minute walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal where Sansa and Green Airways depart. They use propeller planes and the total flight time is 20 minutes. 

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Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive or opt for a shuttle service. The drive includes an hour plus ferry ride and the total driving trip generally takes just over 5 hours. You can book your ferry pass for the Puntarenas-Paquera ferry here. 

From Liberia (LIR)

If you're landing at Liberia (LIR), you can take a domestic flight from Liberia to Cobano and a 40 minutes taxi to Santa Teresa. We recommend using Sansa Airlines or Costa Rican Green Airways who both have a couple direct flights from Liberia (LIR) to Cobano daily. 

You can also opt for a road trip from Liberia to the Nicoya Peninsula, via shuttle or rental car, which takes between 3.5 and 4 hours. 

Travel Tips

• Check flight availability and schedules in advance, especially if you're planning to take a domestic flight, although Sansa and Green Airways often only open up their calendars a month or two in advance. Availability isn’t normally an issue though. 
• Be prepared for various road conditions, including unpaved roads in some areas.
• It's recommended to travel during the day, as driving at night can be challenging due to limited lighting and road signage.

Traveling to Santa Teresa is an adventure in itself, and the journey is part of the experience. The tropical landscapes, lush forests full of howler monkeys, and stunning coastlines make it a memorable trip. Regardless of your chosen route, you'll be rewarded with the natural beauty and vibrant culture that await you in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.