Traveling from the beautiful rainforests of Manuel Antonio or the lively town of Quepos to the stunning beaches of Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs is an exciting part of your Costa Rican adventure. Santa Teresa is famous for its great surfing and vibrant atmosphere, while Mal PaÃs is perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. Whether you’re heading there to catch waves, relax by the ocean, or explore, picking the right way to travel can make all the difference. Here are five ways to get there, each with its own perks and considerations.
What is the best way to get to Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Airplane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio by Private Shuttle
Perfect for groups - 7hrs - $427
Traveling by private shuttle from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs offers a seamless and personalized experience. With a private air-conditioned microbus, you can enjoy door-to-door service and travel comfortably at your own pace. The journey takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours, covering scenic routes through Costa Rica’s countryside.
Prices start from $427 and go up to $726, depending on the number of passengers. This option is ideal for families or groups looking for convenience and privacy. While it’s one of the pricier choices, the comfort, flexibility, and direct service make it well worth considering.
Writer's Tips:
Private shuttles are great for groups of 4-12 people. Shuttles are priced for 1-6 passengers. Plan to pay an additional $15 per extra passenger.
Ask your driver to stop along the way. There is so much to see; your driver should know the area well.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttlesÂ
To Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio by Shared Shuttle
Solo travelers & couples - 7hrs - $90
Taking a shared shuttle from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa is an easy and budget-friendly travel method. For $90 per adult and $68 per child (ages 4 to 10), you get door-to-door service that includes both shuttles and a boat transfer, so you won’t have to worry about making connections on your own.
The trip starts bright and early at 7:30 A.M., with pick-ups from any hotel or hostel in the area. You’ll ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned microbus with fellow travelers, and the whole journey takes about 7 hours. It’s a no-fuss, reliable option, perfect if you’re looking for a mix of comfort and value.
Writer's Tips:
Reserve in advance, as these shuttles can fill up.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles.Â
To Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio by Public Bus
cost-effective - 9hrs - $14 US - 4 bus transfers 1 Ferry
Traveling by bus from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs is the most affordable option, though it requires multiple transfers and can be time-consuming. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and provides a chance to experience Costa Rica like a local.
Here’s a breakdown of each leg of the journey:
Manuel Antonio to Quepos (20 min) ($0.67)
The first leg involves a short ride on the Quepos-Manuel Antonio bus. These buses run frequently, every 20 minutes from 5:50 AM to 9:50 PM, seven days a week. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver, and there’s no need to reserve in advance. The ride is quick and convenient.
Quepos to Puntarenas (3 hrs) ($5.39)
From Quepos, take the Transportes Quepos Puntarenas bus to Puntarenas. This ride takes about 3 hours and offers several departure times throughout the day, starting as early as 4:35 AM and running until 6:00 PM. Tickets can also be purchased directly on the bus.
Bus Schedule: 4:35 AM, 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM daily
Puntarenas to Paquera (1 hr) ($1.62)
At Puntarenas, board the Naviera Tambor ferry to Paquera. The ferry ride takes about an hour and is a highlight of the journey, offering beautiful views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Ferries run multiple times daily, from early morning until late evening, with tickets available at the dock.
Bus Schedule: 5:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM daily
Paquera to Cóbano (1 hr 30 min) ($3)
Once you disembark at Paquera, take the Transportes Cóbano bus to Cóbano. The bus ride is scenic, passing through rural landscapes and small villages.
Bus Schedule: 6:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM
Cóbano to Santa Teresa (40 min) ($3.39)
The final leg involves a ride on the Transportes MalpaÃs bus to Santa Teresa. The cost depends on your destination: â‚¡1000 to Santa Teresa center or â‚¡1700 to Playa Hermosa. These buses run frequently from early morning until late evening, with multiple stops in Santa Teresa.
Bus Schedule: 2:30 AM, 4:45 AM, 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:45 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:45 PM, 3:15 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:45 PM
Writer's Tips:
Most companies in Costa Rica provide services from early morning to late afternoon.
Leave as early as possible to make all your connecting bus transfers.
While taking a bus to Santa Teresa is the most cost-effective, it is also the longest option. Consider taking a shared shuttle or flight for this trip to cut your travel time down significantly.
Store large suitcases and bags under the bus, and keep a small bag with you for all your most valued items.
To Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio by Car or Taxi
Fast and Easy - 6hrs - $250
Driving from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs offers flexibility and scenic views of Costa Rica's lush landscapes. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, including a ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. The rental cost ranges from $50 to $80 per day, plus fuel, while taxis can cost $250 to $350 for the trip.
Pros include having control over your schedule, being able to stop at viewpoints, and the convenience of direct travel. However, challenges like navigating unfamiliar roads, including some that may be unpaved near Santa Teresa, and the logistics of coordinating ferry times can make the journey a bit daunting. For those who enjoy road trips, this option is ideal, but ensure you have reliable GPS or offline maps.
Writer's Tips:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Always check with your credit card company to see if international car insurance is an added cardholder benefit. This can save you some money on your rental.
Waze is the most used direction application in Costa Rica, so it normally has the most up-to-date road conditions.
The roads near Santa Teresa, particularly from Cóbano, can be rough and unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle ensures you can handle these conditions comfortably.
To Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio by Airplane
The fun and fast option - 1hr 30 min - $135
Traveling from Quepos to Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs by air is a convenient option, though it may not be the most common. Flights typically depart from Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) and arrive at Cóbano Airport (ACO), which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Santa Teresa. The flight lasts about 30 minutes, offering passengers scenic views of Costa Rica's coastline.
The cost of a one-way flight from Quepos to Cobano ranges from $135 to $150 per person. After landing at Cóbano Airport, a taxi or shuttle ride to Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs usually takes around 30 minutes and costs a few dollars. While this option is faster than ground transportation, it can be more expensive. Additionally, flight schedules may not always align with your travel plans, and luggage restrictions are common with domestic airlines.
Writer's Tips:
Be aware that flying with extra or heavy luggage could come with an additional cost.
Be at the airport check-in at least 1 hour before your flight, or they won't allow you to fly.
To Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio by Private Vehicle
Best for extended visits - Purchase and resell
If you are planning an extended visit to Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the luxury of a private vehicle, consider buying a car or van when you arrive and selling it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle in time before leaving the country, but this hassle could end up being worth the hassle if you can get most of your investment back before you go.
For more information, check our article: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Choosing your ideal route
The trip from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to Santa Teresa or Mal PaÃs is full of possibilities, catering to a variety of travel styles. Opt for flights if you're looking to save time and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Costa Rica's coastline. Rental cars allow you to hit the road at your own pace, offering the freedom to discover hidden gems along the way. For those seeking a comfortable and cost-effective option, both private and shared shuttles strike the perfect balance. Meanwhile, public buses are a great budget-friendly choice, offering an authentic local experience. No matter how you choose to travel, the journey itself promises to be an adventure. Safe travels!
What is the best way to get to Santa Teresa from Manuel Antonio?
0%By Private Shuttle
0%By Shared Shuttle
0%By Air Plane (domestic flight)
0%By Taxi or Rental Car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Shuttle from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa?
Yes, shared shuttles leave in the morning and can be reserved using this link:
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