How long is the trip from Santa Teresa to Nosara?
| Distance | About 117 miles (189 km) on the paved loop; about 62 miles (99 km) on the coastal road |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 4½ to 5 hours on the paved loop; 3 to 4 hours or more on the coastal road, dry season only |
| Road surface | Paved loop via Paquera, Jicaral and Nicoya, apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa and Nosara's potholed access road. The coastal road is mostly dirt with river crossings. |
| Ferry | None |
| Private van | Request a quote |
| Last checked |
Prices are per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Groups of 7 or more ride in a larger vehicle. The route also runs the other way, Nosara to Santa Teresa.
The drive, stop by stop
- Santa Teresa to Cóbano (about 8 miles / 13 km, 25 to 30 minutes): the dirt road out of town, then pavement from Cóbano. Cóbano has the last gas station for the trip, plus supermarkets and banks.
- Cóbano to Paquera (about 40 to 45 minutes): the paved, curvy road east past Tambor and the Curú refuge entrance. Paquera has larger grocery stores, an ATM and a gas station.
- Paquera to Nicoya: north on Route 21 through Jicaral, up the Gulf side of the peninsula to Nicoya town.
- Nicoya to Nosara: Route 150 toward Sámara, then the Nosara road from Barco Quebrado. The last stretch is potholed and partly dirt. See our Nosara guide.
What to expect on the road
On the map, Nosara is only about 62 miles up the coast. The coastal road is mostly dirt, with river crossings and some beach driving. In the dry season (roughly December to April) it's doable in a high-clearance 4x4; from May to November the rivers can make it impassable. Rental insurance doesn't cover water damage from river crossings, and there have been reports of crime against tourists on the stretch near Santa Teresa, which is why Costa Rica road guides recommend the paved loop.
Weighing the two towns? Read Santa Teresa vs Nosara.
Insider tip: Leave Santa Teresa after an early breakfast. The dirt stretch out of town is slow, and you want the long part of the drive done in daylight: the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year.
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa (from $385)
- San José airport (SJO) to Nosara (from $405)
- San José airport (SJO) to Sámara (from $390)
- Santa Teresa to Sámara (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Tamarindo (from $440)
- Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal) (from $545)
- Santa Teresa to Monteverde (from $465)
- Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Jacó (quote on request)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Santa Teresa (from $65)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Montezuma (from $40)
Compare every way in, including the ferry, flights to Cóbano airport (ACO) and the water taxi, on getting to Santa Teresa, or see all private transfers.
A private driver from Santa Teresa to Nosara
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Santa Teresa to Nosara?
4½ to 5 hours on the paved loop; 3 to 4 hours or more on the coastal road, dry season only. About 117 miles (189 km) on the paved loop; about 62 miles (99 km) on the coastal road. Paved loop via Paquera, Jicaral and Nicoya, apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa and Nosara's potholed access road. The coastal road is mostly dirt with river crossings.
How much is a private transfer from Santa Teresa to Nosara?
We price this route on request. Enter your date and group size in the box at the top of this page and we'll come back with a quote.
Can we take the coast road instead?
Only in the dry season, in a high-clearance 4x4, and with care at the river crossings, some of which are often impassable in the rainy months. The paved loop is longer but reliable all year.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries in Cóbano or Paquera, cold drinks, photos or lunch. Just tell your driver.
We're traveling with kids. What about car seats?
Costa Rica's law requires a car seat for children 12 and under who are shorter than 145 cm (57 in) or lighter than 36 kg: rear-facing under 1, forward-facing from 1 to 4, a high-back booster from 4 to 6 and a booster from 6 to 12. Ask about seats when you book, or bring your own if you'd rather use what your kids know.
Where does the driver pick us up?
At your hotel or rental in Santa Teresa, at the time you set when you book. Our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp if your plans change.