"Wondering how to move around Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? Discover the best options—ATVs, bikes, taxis, and more. A local’s guide to getting around town easily and responsibly."

Move around Santa Teresa Beach

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a paradise of beaches, jungle trails, and surf breaks—but moving around here is not always straightforward. Unlike larger tourist destinations, Santa Teresa does not have a structured public transportation system, and its unpaved roads can be challenging for first-time visitors.

As a long-time local who has witnessed the town’s evolution, I know that choosing the right transportation can make or break your trip. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, adventure, or a budget-friendly way to explore, this guide will help you navigate Santa Teresa like a pro.

🚀 Best Ways to Get Around Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a long, narrow town that stretches along one main road, connecting restaurants, hotels, and surf spots. The best way to move around depends on where you’re staying, how much you plan to explore, and your level of comfort with local road conditions.

🏍️ 1. Renting an ATV or UTV – The Most Popular Option

If you’re looking for freedom and flexibility, renting an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) or UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) is the most practical choice. The roads here are dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy season, making a 4×4 vehicle almost essential for exploring the area comfortably.

✅ Why Rent an ATV in Santa Teresa?

✔️ Easiest way to reach remote beaches and jungle trails 🏝️
✔️ Faster than walking or biking – No waiting for taxis.
✔️ Perfect for adventurous travelers – Experience the real terrain of Costa Rica.
✔️ Easy to park – Unlike cars, ATVs take up minimal space.

📌 Best for: Travelers who want full control over their itinerary, especially if staying outside the town center or visiting places like Playa Hermosa, Montezuma, or Mal País.

💰 Rental Prices & Recommendations:

ATV rental cost: Starts at $80 per day
UTV rental cost: Starts at $170 per day (fits up to 4 people)
Where to rent? 🏍️ ATV rentals Santa Teresa, reliable option with well-maintained vehicles.

✅ PRO-tip: Book your ATV rental in advance during high season (December to April) to guarantee availability.

🚲 2. Biking – A Budget-Friendly and Eco-Conscious Option

If you’re comfortable with a little exercise, renting a bicycle can be a great way to get around town while staying eco-friendly. Santa Teresa is relatively flat, making biking an option for shorter distances.

🚴 Pros:
✔️ Eco-friendly – No fuel, no emissions.
✔️ Affordable – Rentals start at $XX per day.
✔️ No parking issues – Avoid the crowded roadside parking areas.

⚠️ Considerations:
❌ Roads can be dusty and bumpy—not ideal for road bikes.
❌ Night riding is not recommended due to poor lighting and fast-moving vehicles.

📌 Best for: Travelers staying in the town center who only need to visit nearby locations.

🚕 3. Taxis and Private Drivers – Convenient but Expensive

If you prefer not to drive, taxis and private shuttles are available. However, they can be costly, especially for short distances.

💰 Approximate taxi rates:
🚖 Santa Teresa town to Playa Hermosa: $20
🚖 Santa Teresa to Montezuma: $50
🚖 Santa Teresa to Mal País: $35

📌 Best for: Short trips or travelers who don’t want to drive but are willing to pay extra for convenience.

🚗 4. Renting a Car –

If you’re planning day trips beyond Santa Teresa, such as visiting Montezuma waterfalls or exploring further down the Nicoya Peninsula, renting a 4×4 car is the most practical option. However, cars are not ideal for everyday use in town due to limited parking and bumpy roads.

🚗 Best for:
✔️ Travelers planning longer road trips beyond Santa Teresa.
✔️ Families or groups who need more space.

✅ PRO-tip: ALWAYS rent a car with 4x4 capabilities—many roads here are unpaved and steep

🌱 Responsible Travel: Minimizing Your Environmental Impact

Santa Teresa’s natural beauty is what makes it special—but with the increase in tourism, we must be mindful of how we move around. 🌿

🌍 If you rent an ATV, drive responsibly: Avoid excessive speed, respect local traffic, and never drive on the beach (it damages sea turtle nesting sites!).
🚲 Consider biking or walking for shorter distances to reduce pollution and noise.

Every small choice makes a difference. Let’s keep Santa Teresa beautiful forever. 💚

🏁 Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Get Around Santa Teresa?

✔️ If you want full independence and adventure → Rent an ATV or UTV.
✔️ If you’re staying in town and prefer exercise → Rent a bicycle.
✔️ If you don’t want to drive → Use taxis or private drivers.
✔️ If you’re taking day trips beyond Santa Teresa → Rent a 4×4 car.

👉 SOLO BUENO and travel responsibly. 🌿✨

Is Santa Teresa walkable?

There are some safety concerns that should be taken into consideration when walking on Santa Teresa Street: there is no sidewalks on the street, so walking with kids can be difficult and we should avoid walking on the beach in the dark for safety reasons. Additionally, it is not recommended to walk alone in the night on the street.

Are there buses in Santa Teresa?

The local bus pass every hour, from Playa Carmen to Playa Hermosa and back

Where can I fill up the tank in Santa Teresa?

Gas Station in Santa Teresa > We need to make a 30min drive to the closest gas station which is in Cobano, 16km away

Another option, is to fill it in the Rental places in Santa Teresa. The con is that price is +50%

Are there Ubers in Santa Teresa?

There are not Uber in Santa Teresa, if you need a taxi while in town, contact us and you will get our trusted driver number.

Taxi Santa Teresa Beach

It is a good idea to ask at your accommodation for a reliable taxi. ⁣⁣And if they don’t have one, we can help! Send us an inbox and we will send you our driver number. Do not take taxis without a reference. Additionally, it is always recommended for females to come back in groups whenever possible.

Minimun PRICE $20

Where can I park at Santa Teresa Beach?

Santa Teresa is small, there is only 1 street and there are just a few places where a car can park property >> check our guide: Where to park in Santa Teresa

Do you need a 4x4 at Santa Teresa?

It is always better to rent 4WD when visiting this areas. Also, most accomodation has private entry roads that requires 4WD

What about bicycle to move around Santa Teresa Beach in 2023?

For me, the lack of dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks in Santa Teresa makes cycling more dangerous than it should be. It is essential to have bike lights and a helmet. Being aware of this, bicycles remain an excellent choice for those looking for an inexpensive, eco-friendly way to get around.

Where to rent bicycles in Town? There is a big shop in front of the local soccer field where you can rent them: check the map

PRICE $10/day

Requirements to rent an ATV in Santa Teresa Beach