About Santa Teresa
A barefoot surf town strung along one main road behind the beach, with yoga studios, cafés and surf shops a short walk from the waves — and the old fishing village of Mal País just to the south.
Best for: Surfers of every level, yogis and travelers who want a slow beach-town pace
Top things to do in Santa Teresa
- Surf the beach breaks at Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen — surf schools and board rentals line the main road
- Join a yoga class — the town is known for its studios and retreats
- Hike Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica's first protected nature reserve, south of Mal País
- Explore the tide pools and fishing boats at Mal País at low tide
- Day-trip to the Montezuma waterfalls on the peninsula's eastern side
Best time to visit Santa Teresa
The dry season, mid-December to April, brings sunny days and dusty roads. The green season, May to November, brings afternoon rain, fewer crowds and bigger swells; September and October are the wettest months.
Local tip: Santa Teresa stretches for several kilometers along that one road, so add your hotel's exact name when you book. Small domestic flights land at the Tambor airstrip, closer to town; flying in internationally, Liberia (LIR) is the nearer airport by road.
The drive from Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa
~4h · ~205 km · private transfer $349 per van, taxes included
It's a long ride — our longest from Liberia Airport. The main road runs south down the Nicoya Peninsula, past Nicoya, Jicaral and Paquera, to Cóbano, the last town before the coast.
Past Cóbano the road to Mal País and Santa Teresa has gravel stretches, so the last few kilometers are slow and bumpy — dusty in the dry season, muddy in the rains.
There are gas stations and small local restaurants (sodas) in the towns along the way, with long stretches in between. Bring water and a snack, and if you can, pick a flight that lands by early afternoon so you reach Santa Teresa before dark.
Flights to Santa Teresa: which airport to fly into
For Santa Teresa, the closest international airport is Liberia Airport (LIR) — about 4h away (205 km) by road.
| Airport | Distance | Drive time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberia Airport (LIR) | ~205 km | ~4h | $349 USDtaxes included |
Your options to reach Santa Teresa
Private transfer (recommended)
EasiestA certified driver meets you at arrivals and takes you door-to-door to Santa Teresa. No waiting, no extra stops, flight tracked. The premium choice for families, groups, surfboards and late arrivals — from $349 USD (taxes included) with Pick Me Up.
Shared shuttle
Cheaper per seat, but you wait for other passengers and stop at multiple hotels. Fixed departure times — less flexible if your flight is delayed.
Rental car
Full freedom to explore, but you'll be driving unfamiliar roads after a long flight, plus parking and insurance costs. Best if you plan day trips.
Public bus
The cheapest option, but slow, with transfers and limited luggage space — not ideal arriving with bags from the airport.
Ready to book your Santa Teresa transfer?
See the exact route, drive time and price, then request in 30 seconds.
Santa Teresa travel FAQ
What is the closest airport to Santa Teresa?
Liberia Airport (LIR) is the closest international airport — about 4h and 205 km by road.
How far is Santa Teresa from the airport?
Liberia Airport (LIR): ~205 km, about 4h.
What's the best way to get to Santa Teresa?
A private door-to-door transfer is the easiest and most reliable — no waiting, no transfers, and your certified driver tracks your flight. Shared shuttles are cheaper but slower; rental cars give freedom but mean driving unfamiliar roads after a long flight.
Is it worth booking a private transfer to Santa Teresa?
For most travelers, yes — especially arriving with family, luggage or surfboards. From $349 USD you skip the lines and arrive relaxed. You pay online when you book, so the price is settled before you land.