Liberia to Santa Teresa Beach tickets

How to get from Liberia to Santa Teresa Beach

Liberia, in the northwest corner of Costa Rica, is a popular spot for all visitors. You're close to stunning Pacific beaches, sprawling national parks, and the Nicaraguan border. But don't forget to see other corners of the country! 

Santa Teresa Beach is a hip surf town on the western Nicoya Peninsula. This peninsula is filled with spectacular things to do and see, and Santa Teresa should be up there on your itinerary — especially if you want to chill out for a few days in a quiet beach town surrounded by verdant forests, wildlife, and calming waves. 

The journey from Liberia to Santa Teresa covers 218 km (135 miles) and takes anywhere from 3.5 to 6 hours, depending on your transportation, which in this case, is a minivan. 

You'll probably depart Liberia from your hotel or the Guanacaste Airport (LIR). And most minivans drop you straight to your hotel. Book your accommodation ahead to make this trip easier! 

Reaching this slice of paradise is simple. Read the expert advice below.

What to see in Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has hidden gems and out-of-this-world landscapes around every corner. So, why make the trip to Santa Teresa? Here are the top activities to do and things to see while visiting this peninsula town. 

1. Surfing lessons — Santa Teresa is known for excellent surf. Grab a board and take on the Pacific waves.

2. Yoga on the beach — Unsurprisingly, this hippy town also has plenty of yoga studios. Whether you're a newbie or a crow pose expert, this calming activity is worth a try.

3. Santa Teresa Beach — You can't visit the area without spending at least an afternoon on the pristine white sand of Santa Teresa Beach. 

4. Horseback riding — Did you know Costa Rica has a cowboy culture? Book a horseback riding tour to see the area via the most traditional mode of transportation.

5. Admire Santa Teresa village — The main town isn't huge, but it is home to boho shops, eco-stores, cafes, and plenty of seafood restaurants. Stop and enjoy the scene. Or grab a fresh breakfast from a vegan cafe. 

Can you swim in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

Yes, but as with any seafront, you'll want to stay on the shore if there's bad weather.

You can also take a few surfing lessons. However, beginners might want to step back from the surf on rougher days. Experienced surfers will love it, though!

How to get from Liberia to Santa Teresa

The main option from Liberia to Santa Teresa is a minivan. Here's what you need to know:

By minivan

Minivans might not be your leading transport choice at home, but they're extremely popular in Costa Rica. 

The cheapest minivan starts at $47 per person, but prices can go up to $219, depending on which you book. This route is more expensive than other routes in this country, and it's simply because you're traveling to a lesser-known destination and fewer providers travel here. 

The journey from Liberia to Santa Teresa can range from 3.5 to 6 hours. This depends on traffic and whether your driver makes any extra stops on the way. 

Two main types of minivans are available for this route. Here's a quick overview of each:

1. Shared Minivan — Shared Minivans are more affordable with A/C, individual seats, and a 25 kg luggage allowance per person. Hotel and airport pick-ups are also available.

2. Private Minivan — Private Minivans are more expensive, starting at $219 per van. Amenities include A/C, English-speaking staff, hotel or airport pick-ups, stops on request, and a large luggage allowance. Surfboards are allowed, but you must pay $15 to the driver.

Most minivans to Santa Teresa are shared rides. If you want a private ride, look for the Private Transfer toggle on the left side of the page. Not all offer this, so don't book until you see the sign.

About the ride from Liberia to Santa Teresa

The ride from Liberia to Santa Teresa takes you south from Liberia in Guanacaste Province onto the Nicoya Peninsula and to Santa Teresa in Puntarenas Province. 

Most minivans follow the Route 21 highway, a safe and frequently used road by locals and tourists. It connects Liberia to Santa Teresa and many other popular beach destinations, like Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, and Tamarindo. 

Along the route, you'll see lots of stunning green vistas and maybe some wildlife, as the Nicoya Peninsula comprises wet and dry tropical forests. You might even pass through a few small towns and get an authentic glimpse of Tico life. 

All travelers, including solo travelers and women, will feel safe and comfortable on this route.

The best time to travel from Liberia to Santa Teresa

The best time to is from December to April. It's the dry season, where you can delve into nature and the coastline without frequent showers. The daily temperature in this period is 31-34°C (87-93°F). 

The wet season starts in May. August, September, and October receive the most rain, with an average of 475 mm per month. You'll need an umbrella during this period, the rain comes in heavy bursts. 

The temperature in the wet season sits around 30°C/86°F. 

While you can still admire the scenery in the wet season, visiting Santa Teresa when it's dry is best. You'll have more chances to explore the area and won't need to pack extra rain protection.

Where to visit after Santa Teresa?

If you have time to spare after Santa Teresa, keep your tour of the Nicoya Peninsula going. 

Montezuma is another relaxed beach town in Puntarenas Province, known best for white sand beaches, jungle trails, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, there's a big expat community and lots of activities. Santa Teresa Beach to Montezuma takes 45 minutes via minivan.