There are regular domestic flights between San Jose (SJO) and Cobano, which is a 25 minute car ride to Santa Teresa. There are two airlines that fly from SJO to Cobano: SansaAir and Green Airways. You can visit their websites flysansa.com – costaricagreenair.com or book via WhatsApp here at no additional cost.
There are generally taxis waiting at Cobano airfield. To ensure you have a ride, pre-book here. The taxi cost anywhere between $30 and $50.
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 takeing your car on a ferry midway through your drive.
You can rent a car in the San Jose Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport
The leading car rental companies are:
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 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.
There are shuttles that go from SJO airport to Santa Teresa. Reach out to the shuttle service here.
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.
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
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.
The local currency is the Costa Rican Colon.
Money can be exchanged at the airport or at a bank.
Currency data courtesy coinmill.com
Jewishjaco.com
+13476698770
There is a Kosher Restaurant and hostel in Jaco called Izo’s Place. For more information or to book a hostel or outing please reach out to them directly here
JewishTamarindo.com
+972586331228
chabadcostarica.com
You may contect 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.
At the moment we do not have a Mikvah. If Mikvah is needed please contact us here
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
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.
Montezuma Waterfalls
The stunning Montezuma waterfalls offer a magical natural experience, where you can refresh in natural pools or marvel at the impressive falls cascading from great heights.
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.
Santa Teresa and its surrounding areas are ideal spots for breathtaking diving experiences, where you can discover shipwrecks, colorful reefs, and a wide variety of marine life.
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.