Traveler Information in Santa Teresa

How to arrive?

Flight from San Jose

There are regular domestic flights between San Jose (SJO) and Cobano (ACO), which is a 25 minute car ride to Santa Teresa. There are two airlines that fly from SJO to Cobano: SansaAir and Green Airways.

Taxi

There are generally taxis waiting at Cobano airfield. To ensure you have a ride, pre-book TAXI. The taxi cost anywhere between $30 and $50. The same link can be used to book taxis within Santa Teresa.

Driving From San Jose – Santa Teresa

You can rent a car in the San Jose Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport.
RENT A CAR

We remind you That the roads can be difficult to navigate and it is therefore recommended that a 4 wheel drive vehicle be used.

The car ride from San Jose to Santa Teresa takes between 5-7 hours.
There are two routes to choose from:
1. Drive directly from San Jose to Santa Teresa around the Nicoya Peninsula.
2. The more common (and faster) option is to drive which requires taking your car on a ferry midway through your drive.

The ferry leaves from Puntarenas every few hours and arrives at Paquera which is about a 1.5 hr drive from Santa Teresa. You can book tickets for the ferry at quickpaycr.com or at the location. (Only half of all tickets are sold online, so even if you cannot buy a ticket online you may be able to buy at the location in Puntarenas)

Tip: use waze, as Google maps tends to lead one through a river somewhere near Tambor.

Shuttle

There are shuttles that go from SJO airport to Santa Teresa. Reach out to the shuttle service HERE.

Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa

Dry Season (December to April): Ideal for outdoor activities, surfing, and beach days. Hot, dry weather. It is also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds and traffic and somewhat higher prices.

Green Season (May to November): Lush landscapes, quieter atmosphere, and budget-friendly options. Higher chance of rain, but great for wildlife viewing. Surfing conditions vary, suitable for intermediates and advanced surfers.

Safety Tips

Avoid visits to the beach at night

Take EXTRA CARE while driving an ATV or motorbike. This cannot be stressed enough. The roads are bumpy and unsafe, and there are ATV fatalities multiple times a year.

The roads can be difficult to navigate and it is therefore recommended that a 4 wheel drive vehicle be used. It is also recommended to avoid driving through rivers after rainfall as the rivers may be stronger then they appear and may pull the car down stream.

Petty (non-violent) theft is not uncommon and it is imperative to look after your belongings.

Emergency: 911

Police station: +506-26400856
Clinic: +506-26420208
ST/ Unimed (also has the X-ray machine): +506 2640-0644
Santa Teresa lifeguard for ocean emergencies: +506-2640-0911
Chabad +50689029749

Sim card

Esimo is an app that you can download and purchase data plans with no need for a physical sim card. Try it out here (use code RABB760 at checkout to get $2 off)

Or you can purchase a Claro Sim at SJO airport at the baggage claim (recommended package cost $20 with data and calling)
Otherwise you may purchase sim cards at many convenient stores throughout the country.

Currency

The local currency is the Costa Rican Colon.
Money can be exchanged at the airport or at a bank.

How to get around

• ATVs and other off road vehicles are commonly used to get around
  BOOK ATV
• Take EXTRA CARE while driving an ATV or motorbike.
• Taxis can be ordered HERE

Other Chabad throughout Costa Rica

Chabad Jaco

Jewishjaco.com
+13476698770

Chabad Tamarindo

Chabad of Tamarindo is currently NOT ACTIVE

Chabad San Jose (this is a community Chabad Shul)

chabadcostarica.com
You may contact them through the website

Kosher options in San Jose

Chabad of San Jose sells Kosher meat and has a catering service.
There is a kosher store here
There are regular food products with kosher symbols that can be purchased in Pricesmart (membership based), Auto Mercado (Pas Yisroel bagels), Walmart and others.

Mikvah

At the moment we do not have a Mikvah. If Mikvah is needed please contact us here

Attractions in Santa Teresa

Surf Lessons & Rentals

Santa Teresa is a surfer’s paradise, offering waves suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. The long, open beaches provide perfect conditions for surfing almost all year round.

Tortuga Island Experiences

Tortuga Island features sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, ideal for sailing, snorkeling, and diving. The tropical landscapes and rich marine life will enchant every nature lover.

Horseback Riding

HORSEBACK riding in Santa Teresa allows you to explore the stunning tropical landscapes of the area. Riding on the beaches, through jungles, or near waterfalls, each ride becomes an unforgettable adventure.

How is Chabad funded?

Chabad does not receive funding from “Chabad Central Offices” or any government organizations.

Around 1/3 of our funding comes from Chai Club members (monthly donors).

The rest is raised from community members and visitors like you.

Please consider joining our Chai Club or making a one time donation at ChabasST.com/Donate

Options to make a donation to Chabad of Santa Teresa

Please consider making a ONE TIME DONATION or join our CHAI CLUB

Bank transfer within Costa Rica (Lafise)
SWIFT : BCCECRSJ
Asociación Chabad ST
Ced Jurídica: 3002594367
[email protected]
IBAN CUENTA COLONES : CR26011400007012000602
IBAN CUENTA DOLARES: CR54011400007812133019

Bank transfer to USA (nonprofit organization)
Bank Name: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Bank
Address: 270 Park Ave. New York, NY 10017
Chabad Studio Inc
23 Tikvah Way Morristown NJ 07960
Account number817302331
Routing number021000021

A Zelle transfer can be made using this email address: [email protected] and a PayPal – Or CashApp

We thank you so much for supporting us in our mission to bring Judaism to Santa Teresa.