It seems that when people research online and decide where to go for their Costa Rica vacations, they often overlook Santa Teresa. Perhaps this is because it is a very small town on the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula. Ticos (this is what Costa Ricans call themselves) call the entire area Malpaís, because it includes the towns of Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa and Malpaís, so this could add to the confusion.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is an off-the-beaten-path surf town on the Pacific coast, northwest of Cabo Blanco National Park, which occupies most of the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s one of Costa Rica’s emerging hot spots, but when you go there it still feels like you’ve discovered a cool, secret destination at the end of the world that few people know about.
Most tourists go to Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio or Jacó because they are much easier to get to. However, if you want to discover a real gem and have a vast expanse of beach all to yourself, make the effort to get to Santa Teresa. Getting there is part of the fun!
From the San José airport you can take a small plane to the Tambor airport, about 40 minutes by taxi from the vacation homes and hotels on the beach, but you miss part of the trip. Most people come by bus or bus.
The shuttle picks you up at the airport and takes you into town with a group of other people in a 10 person van. Large groups can arrange a van for themselves. First, the van drops you off at the ferry in Puntarenas. The ferry is one of the most fun parts of the trip. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and offers fantastic views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the surrounding green hills. The ferry even has a bar/nightclub area, indoor and outdoor seating, and a dining room. Another van picks him up on the other side and takes him up the mountain and down to the beach in Playa Carmen and then to Santa Teresa.
The bus follows the same route as the ferry, but a bit slower. You can take the bus to Santa Teresa at the San Carlos bus terminal in San José. The advantage of the bus is that it also goes on the ferry, so you don’t have to remove your luggage. It is also cheaper than the shuttle.
Many people also rent a car. This is great because it gives you a lot of flexibility once you get to the city and allows you to get out and explore the whole region.
Don’t be scared off by the six-hour drive because once you get there, you’ll realize it was all worth it, and the drive only helps set up the adventures that are sure to follow on your Costa Rica vacation. Now that you know where Santa Teresa Costa Rica is, go ahead and book your Costa Rica vacation rental and get ready for the time of your life.