Liberia Airport, one of Costa Rica’s two international airports, is in Guanacaste province, Costa Rica Blue Zone. The vicinity includes stunning beaches like Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Playa Hermosa, Mal Pais, Playa Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa del Coco and more.
Saying that, let´s find now the best way to travel from Liberia to Santa Teresa.
Driving from Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa Beach
When the international flight lands at Liberia Airport, one option will be to have a car rental to do Liberia -Santa Teresa route.
The biggest Travel Tip for driving from Liberia to Santa Teresa is to go through Route 21.
Stay on Route 21 to avoid crossing rivers and ensure a safe journey all the way to Santa Teresa Beach.
The journey takes about 6 hours when making 1 hour stop.
Why to avoid using GPS from Liberia to Santa Teresa?
The GPS is capable of displaying numbers of routes and shorter path. However, it may not always reflect the actual driving conditions on the ground. There is a likelihood of encountering difficulties during your journey if you rely solely on GPS directions. I highly recommend following route 21 and carefully tracking each town along the way until you reach Santa Teresa. By doing so, you can easily ask for directions by simply referencing the name of the town you are approaching. This will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
How does it look like Route 21 in Nicoya Peninsula?
Three years ago, the roads along the Nicoya Peninsula were rough and hard to drive on. However, lately, the Government of Costa Rica has improved the main roads on the Peninsula to ease travel. Nowadays, it is not only possible but also entirely safe to go from Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa.
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Liberia to Santa Teresa driving itinerary
STEP BY STEP: From Liberia to Santa Teresa
1. From Liberia Airport to Jicaral
When you go your journey through Route 21 you will come to an intersection.
In this point of the route, you need to continue in route 21 to Jicaral which is undoubtedly the best route from Liberia to Santa Teresa.
The other option is to take Route 162, which GPS recommends as it appears to be shorter. The bad news is that there are three rivers to cross before arriving in Santa Teresa. These rivers are usually deep, and everyone gets stuck there.
2. From Jicaral hit Playa Naranjo
When you drive from Guanacaste to Puntarenas, you will see a sign towards Jicaral on the left side at the intersection of Ruta 21 and Ruta 162. It’s important to turn left to stay on Ruta 21. This will take you to your next destination: Playa Naranjo.
3. From Playa Naranjo to Paquera
Paquera is an important town on Nicoya Peninsula map. It has a ferry service that connects the other side of Costa Rica. So, lots of vehicles use this route causing increased traffic. The road is curvy and doesn’t have markings for a while, so travelers should be careful. But then, the road becomes flat and the markings are clear up until Santa Teresa. So, make sure to drive carefully, follow traffic rules, and look for signs while using this road.
4. From Paquera to Tambor
On your way, you will reach Tambor, a special town near Tambor Bay. Tambor is a peaceful town by the beach, and it’s also a place where people catch fish. This is a nice town to take a break and have a meal at a local restaurant before heading to Santa Teresa.
5. From Tambor to Cóbano
From Tambor to Cobano route is in perfect Condition, you will pass across Barcelo Tambor Hotel and you will be in Cobano in about 30 minutes
5. From Cóbano to Santa Teresa
Need Assistance ?
Chat with UsDo you need a 4WD to drive in Costa Rica?
It is always helpful to have a 4WD in Costa Rica as in any moment a road unpaved can appear. For the small diferent in the amount of money of the rental, the is no point in chosing a car that is not 4WD
Friendly advise for driving through Costa Rica
- Follow all of the traffic laws
- Drive Slow, 50km/hr is perfect for Costa Rica road
How to go from Liberia to Santa Teresa by Plane
Liberia – Tambor is the route to Santa Teresa. Flight are around $120 and after it is need a 45minutes ride by car to Santa Teresa. Lear more about How to get to Santa Teresa by Plane
How to go from Liberia to Santa Teresa by Shuttle
As the public transportation is not an option, taking a shuttle is a very popular way to come from Liberia to Santa Teresa.
Prices are around $50 and they pick passagers at the airport and drop them in the hotel or accommodation in Santa Teresa. Shuttles need to be booked in advance. Chat with us to have your booked!
How to go from Liberia to Santa Teresa by Public Bus
There is no public transportation from Liberia to Santa Teresa. The choice is to go in a public bus to San Jose (which can take 7 hours) and from there take the direct bus to Santa Teresa (it will be 6 hours more)
