The Best Ways to Get Around Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

What Is the Best Way to Get Around Santa Teresa?

Santa Teresa, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, is one of the country’s most stunning and relaxed beach towns. Famous for world-class surf, yoga retreats, and tropical scenery, it stretches along a single coastal road where most cafés, hotels, and beaches are located. The laid-back vibe is part of its magic, but the town’s long shape and unpaved roads can make getting around a challenge.

Understanding your transportation options before you arrive will help you explore easily and enjoy your stay. Below is a detailed guide covering every way to move around Santa Teresa, from 4×4 rentals and ATVs to Bimba’s e-bikes and public buses.

1. Renting a Car or 4×4 for Maximum Freedom

If you plan to visit surrounding beaches such as Montezuma, Playa Hermosa, or Mal País, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. Many roads are unpaved, bumpy, and can become muddy during the rainy season.

Advantages

• Total flexibility to explore remote areas.
• Ideal for families or groups carrying surfboards and luggage.
• Air-conditioned comfort for long drives.

Disadvantages

• Parking near the beach is limited.
• Roads can be dusty and uneven.
• More expensive than other options.

Average cost: 60 to 90 USD per day.
Before renting, confirm that your insurance covers unpaved and off-road use. In Santa Teresa, it is always better to have a capable vehicle than to risk getting stuck.

For road updates and travel regulations, visit the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

2. Renting an ATV or Quad for Adventure and Fun

ATVs are one of the most popular ways to explore Santa Teresa. They are powerful, compact, and perfect for quick trips to nearby beaches or lookout points.

Why travelers love them

• Easy to park and maneuver.
• Perfect for adventurous routes and small hills.
• Great for half-day explorations.

What to keep in mind

• Always wear a helmet and glasses.
• Be respectful of pedestrians and wildlife.
• Do not ride on the beach, as it is restricted to protect nesting turtles.

Cost: roughly 60 to 90 USD per day.
ATVs are ideal for those who enjoy excitement but may not suit travelers seeking quiet or eco-friendly transport.

3. Bimba E-Bikes Rental – Easy, Affordable, and Sustainable

If you want an effortless and sustainable way to move around Santa Teresa, Bimba is the smartest choice. Bimba operates the town’s first shared electric-bike network, giving locals and visitors a clean and convenient way to travel short distances without traffic or noise.

How Bimba Works

1. Download the Bimba app on iOS or Android.
2. Find the nearest station on the map.
3. Scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it.
4. Ride anywhere along the town’s main road.
5. Park or return the bike and end the ride in the app.

Bimba Station Network and Parking Locations

Bimba operates a growing network of multiple stations throughout Santa Teresa, allowing riders to pick up or park a bike almost anywhere along the main corridor.

There are three main docking hubs equipped with solar charging and bike racks:

• Benz (South Santa Teresa) – Near La Carmen Beach, close to cafés and surf shops.
• La Glida (Central Santa Teresa) – Perfect for central accommodations and restaurants.
• Somos (North Santa Teresa) – Near La Lora Beach, convenient for the northern part of town.

In addition to these, Bimba provides many additional parking points around Santa Teresa. These smaller parking areas are marked within the app and let users safely end or start rides near hotels, hostels, and beach access paths. You do not need to return to your original station, which makes Bimba ideal for flexible day-to-day movement.

Pricing

• Daily pass starting at 15 USD
• Weekly pass starting at 70 USD
• Pay-per-minute rides for shorter trips

Benefits of Using Bimba

• Electric assist makes riding easy in heat or light hills.
• No emissions, no fuel, and very little noise.
• Flexible start-and-end locations for maximum convenience.
• Affordable compared to taxis or ATVs.
• Fully aligned with Santa Teresa’s eco-friendly lifestyle.

When Bimba Works Best

• For rides between beaches, cafés, and hotels.
• During the dry season when roads are easy to navigate.
• When you want affordable mobility without dust or fuel smell.

When to Choose Another Option

• For off-road or jungle routes.
• During heavy rain when the terrain becomes muddy.

Bimba offers the most balanced way to explore Santa Teresa: sustainable, affordable, and practical for most visitors. You can learn more or download the app directly from gobimba.com.

4. Taxis and Private Shuttles

Taxis and shuttle services are widely available for short trips or airport transfers. There is no Uber in Santa Teresa, so prices are negotiated directly with drivers.

Tips

• Always confirm the fare before departure.
• For long distances, shared shuttles are a cost-effective alternative.
• Private drivers can be arranged through most hotels and hostels.

This option is ideal for travelers who prefer not to drive or cycle but still want comfort and flexibility.

5. Public Buses for Budget Travelers

Public buses are the cheapest way to travel to and from Santa Teresa. They connect the town with Cobano, Montezuma, and San José.

Details

• Travel time from San José is five to six hours, including a ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera.
• Tickets are available directly from the driver or at bus stations.
• Schedules can change, so check with your hotel or terminal before departure.

Buses are reliable but slow, best suited for budget travelers who are not in a hurry.

6. Walking Around Town

If you are staying near the beach or the center of town, walking is an easy and healthy option. The main road runs parallel to the ocean, and most restaurants and surf shops are within walking distance.

Be aware that sidewalks are limited and that the road can be dusty in the dry season. At night, street lighting is minimal, so carry a flashlight if you plan to walk after sunset. Many travelers combine walking with Bimba rides for maximum flexibility.

7. Responsible and Eco-Friendly Travel

Santa Teresa’s natural beauty depends on keeping the town clean and quiet. Traveling responsibly helps preserve the environment and supports the community.

Simple tips

• Choose electric or shared transport when possible.
• Avoid driving vehicles on the beach.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Respect local wildlife and noise levels.
• Support sustainable businesses like Bimba that use renewable energy.

Every small action helps keep Santa Teresa beautiful for future visitors.

8. Final Thoughts – The Best Ways to Get Around Santa Teresa

Getting around Santa Teresa is part of the experience itself. Whether you are driving a 4×4 through jungle roads, riding an ATV to a hidden beach, or gliding silently on a Bimba e-bike at sunset, transportation here feels like freedom.

For most travelers, the best routine is simple:

• Walk for nearby errands.
• Use Bimba e-bikes for daily rides.
• Rent a 4×4 or take a shuttle for longer trips.

Move at your own rhythm, embrace the slow pace, and you will quickly understand why Santa Teresa is not just a destination but a lifestyle.