How to get to Santa Teresa & Mal País by car
San José (SJO) to Santa Teresa & Mal País (via the Paquera ferry)
Drive to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, then 1.5 hours to Santa Teresa. Budget 5–6.5 hours door to door;…
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Liberia Airport (LIR) to Santa Teresa
The long way down the Nicoya Peninsula: about 4–4.5 hours via Nicoya and Paquera, with a rough final stretch.
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Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
Only 100 km apart on the map, but the safe inland route takes 4–4.5 hours. The coastal shortcut has river…
Route guide →On this page (8 sections)
Santa Teresa grew from a sleepy surf village into one of Costa Rica’s trendiest destinations, but the road still keeps it wild. Most visitors arrive via the Puntarenas–Paquera car ferry from the San José side, or drive down the peninsula from Liberia.
Roads
The road is paved to Cóbano. After that, sections to Mal País and Santa Teresa’s main street are potholed and partly unpaved: dusty in dry season, muddy in rainy season. Many villas sit up steep dirt driveways — ask your host if you need a 4×4.
Where to stay
Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Mal País run together along one coastal road. Playa Carmen, at the main junction, has the most shops and banks. North Santa Teresa has the best surf and trendier spots. Mal País, to the south, is quieter and rockier. Prices are high for Costa Rica: simple rooms start around US$80 and boutique hotels often cost US$200+ in high season.
Getting around
The main road is mostly unpaved, dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rain. Many visitors rent an ATV or scooter locally for short hops, but your rental car with good clearance is fine. Drive slowly: the road is shared with surfers, dogs and quads.
What things cost
- Surf lessons: roughly US$50–70.
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve (south of Mal País): a small entrance fee; check opening days before you go.
- Restaurants: closer to US prices than elsewhere in the country.
Practical tips
- Bring cash as a backup; the few ATMs can run out on busy weekends.
- If you’re coming by ferry, check the Paquera schedule and arrive early in high season.
- Dust is constant in the dry season, so keep windows up and a cloth handy for the windshield.
Top things to do in Santa Teresa & Mal País
- SurfingConsistent breaks for all levels along Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa and Mal País.
- Cabo Blanco Nature ReserveCosta Rica's first protected area, 20 minutes south.
- Montezuma waterfalls30 minutes away via Cóbano.
- Sunsets at Playa CarmenThe main beach at the town junction.
Driving, parking & safety notes
- Dust in the dry season — keep windows up and AC on recirculate.
- Traffic of ATVs and scooters on the main road.
- Coastal shortcuts north have river crossings.
- Book ferry tickets in advance in high season.
Santa Teresa & Mal País FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for Santa Teresa?
An SUV is recommended. A 4x4 is useful in rainy season or for steep hillside rentals.
What's the best way to get to Santa Teresa?
From San José, drive to Puntarenas and take the ferry to Paquera. From Liberia, drive down Route 21 via Paquera.
How do I get to Santa Teresa from San José?
Either drive to Puntarenas and take the car ferry to Paquera (about 5–6 hours total), or drive around via the Friendship Bridge and Nicoya (about 5–6 hours without the ferry).