Rent a Car in Santa Teresa Center

Santa Teresa at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica's most popular surf destinations, with world-class waves along a 10 km long black sand beach. The center is about 170 km from Liberia airport (LIR) and 220 km from San José, but the last stretch requires a ferry or mountainous gravel roads. Four rental companies are located on-site.

Santa Teresa extends along a single main street - Calle Principal - northward toward Mal País and southward toward Playa Carmen. The nearby town of Montezuma is 12 km to the south and can be reached in 20 minutes, while the ferry terminal in Paquera is about 35 km away. A 4x4 is necessary in Santa Teresa - Calle Principal is partially unpaved and side roads to the beaches are uneven, especially during the rainy season (May - November).

Refuel in Cobano (10 km to the south) - it's the nearest proper gas station and prices are stable. Remember that the Puntarenas - Paquera ferry takes about 1.5 hours and departs on schedule - book a spot for your vehicle in advance during high season. How do you get to Santa Teresa by rental car from San José?

The most common route is via Ruta 27 to Puntarenas (about 110 km, 1.5 hours), then ferry to Paquera (1.5 hours) and 35 km of gravel road to Santa Teresa. Is it possible to drive to Santa Teresa without a 4x4? It's technically possible during dry season (December - April), but not recommended - the road from Paquera includes steep hills and gravel sections.

How far is it from Santa Teresa to Tamarindo? It's about 120 km to the north via the Nicoya Peninsula's interior roads, about 2.5-3 hours with a 4x4 - beautiful but challenging driving.

We compare prices from all major providers at Santa Teresa Center so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.