Santa Teresa sits on the southwestern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The area offers sunny beaches, surfing, and lush jungle. It feels like a separate world.
Waves greet you in the morning, you chase hidden beaches in the afternoon, and evenings unfold with music, sunset colors, and laughter.
This coastal village isn’t just a destination — it’s a rhythm. From surf breaks to yoga studios, artisan markets to jungle trails, Santa Teresa offers layers of discovery. Many of its treasures lie beyond the main strip, waiting for those with the freedom to roam.
And this is where a car rental in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica comes in.
With Adobe Rent a Car as your trusted partner, your journey begins the moment you hit the road. Make your Santa Teresa Beach car rental TODAY!
Quick Guide to Renting a Car in Santa Teresa
- Top Reasons to Rent a Car in Santa Teresa
- Great Experiences to Have with Your Santa Teresa Car Hire
- Car Rental Locations in Santa Teresa
- Driving in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Tips
Top Reasons for Renting a Car in Santa Teresa
Follow your own rhythm
Santa Teresa is charmingly compact, but its best treasures are scattered along the coast and inland. In fact, Santa Teresa is nestled between the popular beach towns of Mal Pais, Carmen, and Playa Hermosa.
A Santa Teresa car rental gives you the freedom to explore each of these remarkable destinations at your own pace. This could mean chasing sunrise waves on Hermosa Beach, lingering at a quiet bay such as Los Suecos, or detouring to explore something unexpected like the Montezuma Waterfall.
Unlock hidden corners
Some of Santa Teresa’s magic is in hidden places that many people don’t see—small surf spots, jungle trails, and quiet beaches.
Comfort and freedom
A car gives you the luxury of carrying your gear, surfboards, or picnic baskets without fuss. With a car in Santa Teresa from Adobe Rent a Car, you gain not just transportation but the ease and independence to make every day an adventure.
Perfect for spontaneous day trips
Santa Teresa is more than a destination — it’s a jumping-off point. A Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, car rental lets you wake up one day and decide to explore Montezuma, Mal País, or the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve without missing a beat.
Peace of mind with a trusted rental company
When you choose a car rental company in Santa Teresa like Adobe Rent a Car, you get more than just a vehicle — you get reliability, transparent pricing, and local support.
From budget-friendly options to premium 4×4 car rental Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, Adobe helps make your trip smooth and hassle-free.
Great Experiences to Have with Your Santa Teresa Car Hire
Chase the Sunrise at Playa Carmen
With your Santa Teresa car rental, you can greet the day at one of the most popular surfing beaches just before dawn. Sunsets at Playa Carmen are a must-do ritual and a great way to mingle with the locals and like-minded travelers.
Discover Hidden Surf Spots
Santa Teresa is a surfer’s paradise, but some of the best breaks require a little exploration. A rental car in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, lets you follow the coast to secluded beaches where waves meet privacy.
Drive to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
A short drive from town brings you to Costa Rica’s first protected reserve. Hike through lush jungle trails, spot wildlife like howler monkeys and tropical birds, and finish your day with breathtaking coastal views.
Explore Mal País Village
A short drive brings you to Mal País, a calm fishing village with a scattering of boutique hotels and restaurants. There are nice cafés, yoga lodges, and quiet beaches. A Santa Teresa car rental turns this spontaneous day trip into a simple reality.
Day Trip to Montezuma
With your car hire in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, you can take a day trip to Montezuma. Explore waterfalls, stroll artisan streets, and enjoy a relaxed vibe — then return to Santa Teresa with stories to tell.
Car Rental locations in Santa Teresa
Adobe Rent a Car has no offices in Santa Teresa, but you can reach the area easily with your own vehicle. The easiest place to pick up a car is when you arrive at one of Costa Rica’s two international airports: Juan Santamaría (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) in Liberia.
From San José, you can drive to Santa Teresa in about 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules. From LIR, the drive takes about 4 to 5 hours along scenic coastal roads.
If you’re driving from San Jose to Santa Teresa, the best route is to drive to Puntarenas and take the Naviera Ferry Tambor across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera Port. From Paquera, the drive to Santa Teresa is approximately one hour.
Purchase your ferry tickets online (for your vehicle and passengers) at least 3 days to 2 weeks before your travel date. Vehicle space on the ferry is limited, so make sure to reserve your space as early as possible.
In-country flights and your Adobe rental
Many visitors choose to combine domestic flight travel with renting a car. The closest landing strip to Santa Teresa is the Cobano Airport. It serves beach towns and local villages of the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
Thinking of flying to Santa Teresa? If so, speak with an Adobe agent at reservas@adobecar.com. We can arrange for your vehicle to be waiting for you upon arrival (supplement costs and conditions apply).
From the Cobano Airport, it is an approximately 20-minute drive to several hotels in Santa Teresa and Mal Pais.
Ask us about Adobe’s one-way car rental, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Driving in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Tips
Santa Teresa is a dream to explore, but driving here is its own little adventure. The roads have character — and sometimes a mind of their own. Here are a few friendly tips to help you enjoy the ride.
Pick a car that matches your itinerary
Santa Teresa roads range from smooth stretches to gravel tracks that feel like a backcountry adventure. A sturdy 4×4 car rental, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, will make all the difference. Adobe Rent a Car offers SUVs and 4×4 vehicles for beach trips and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Embrace the slow rhythm
Driving here isn’t about speed; it’s about the journey. Expect to go a little slower, not just because of road conditions, but because the view is worth it. Stop for coffee, snap a photo of a stray dog sunbathing by the side of the road, or take a detour just because it feels right.
Keep an eye on the weather
In the green season (rainy season), road conditions can deteriorate quickly. Prepare for potholes and washouts, and give yourself extra time.
Fuel up — and then fuel up again
The nearest gas station to Santa Teresa is in Cobano, approximately 16 km (10 miles) away. Fill up before leaving town, and keep an eye on your tank if you’re heading deep into the peninsula.
Respect the locals and the pace
Santa Teresa is a mix of surfers, yogis, locals, and tourists.
Drive considerately, watch for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles.
Pull over to let faster traffic pass, and smile. You’re in a place where kindness travels farther than speed.
Let the road become part of the adventure
A car rental in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, isn’t just transportation, it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re heading to a hidden beach, a jungle trail, or a roadside café, the drive is a story in itself. Enjoy it.
FAQ – Car Rental in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Yes. With the best car rental in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, you will have the freedom to explore Malpais, Carmen, Santa Teresa, and Hermosa, which are side by side and stretch for at least five miles.
Choose Adobe Rent a Car for honest pricing, reliable vehicles, and local expertise.
The Adobe company in Costa Rica is the country’s largest and longest operating car rental company. We have a variety of cars, ranging from compact sedans and economy rentals to pickups, passenger vans, and mid- or full-size 4×4 SUVs.
Are you looking for a cheap car rental, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? For the best cost of car rental in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, it’s best to book during non-peak seasons between April and June or September and November.
For most visitors, a 4×4 or SUV is the best car rental Santa Teresa beach, Costa Rica. Roads in Santa Teresa and the surrounding areas are often sandy, narrow, and sometimes unpaved. Though we handle different brands, our extensive fleet matches any Toyota car rental, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, or Jeep rental, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
You must be at least 23 years old, with a valid license for 2+ years. Some exceptions apply—check with us for details.
Basic car rental requirements at Abode Rent a Car.
Valid driver’s license – issued at least 2 years prior. Valid for the legal term of your stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
You must present an International Driving Permit if your license is not in the Latin alphabet. We do accept digital licenses.
Age requirements: You must be at least 23 years old and have held a valid license for 2+ years. Some exceptions apply—check with us for details.
Credit card (American Express) Debit Card
Present a valid ID or passport with an entry stamp to the country.
You will also need a credit card with your printed name required for the $1,000 deposit (we accept MasterCard, VISA, Discovery, and American Express).
The cardholder must be the same person picking up the vehicle. What about insurance? Click here for information about Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, car rental insurance.
