We are currently in Costa Rica, and it’s time to get out of San Jose and travel to Santa Teresa, one of the most popular surf locations. This time we took a local bus for the first time, watch to hear how to catch the bus and some bonus tips on how to take the bus safely.

Trip Details

Santa Teresa is situated in Puntarenas, a beautiful isolated location primarily known for its surf spots. This spot has magnificent, beaches, bars, waterfalls and lodging and its surround by jungle. Santa Teresa is growing drastically in the last few years so it can get busy.  

There are 4 main ways to travel from San Jose to Santa Teresa, for each option the price dramatically changes. The distance is approximately 280km by road.

Option 1 – Local Bus $12
The cheapest option $12 includes the ferry. (Additional 3000 colones for a surfboard)
We weren’t sure what to expect, so we gave it a try, watch the video to see how it was.
The location for the depo is at Terminal 7-10 (search for this on google) or at the bus stop near the airport in San Jose.
At the depo you can buy your bus ticket, during peak season buses can get full quickly so it’s advised to either buy the ticket the day before or arrive 30 minutes early. If you are catching the bus from Airport you will need to catch a taxi to Para Autobus Puente Viall Bonita, from here the bus will pick you up, it’s really just a basic bus stop. During the season it can be full, if not you can pay for the bus when the bus arrives.
There are 2 buses one at 6am and one at 2pm, this when they leave the bus terminal, the airport bus stop should be about 30min after that depending on traffic.

Option 2 – Shuttle $50+
There are few shuttle companies we have only used Tropical Tour Shuttles from what we experienced they great, on time and driving was decent, the price varies depending on how many passengers, but you can estimate on 50$ per person and that includes a surfboard. during off season be aware that you could be the only one on the shuttle and they can charge about $300 per person.

Option 3 – Rent a Car for approx $52+
Your next more affordable option could be to rent a car, this works out a lot cheaper when you have a few people or if you getting around during the off-season. We hired our small Suzuki 4×4 from Alamo, the most affordable option we could find, we paid $52 per day that includes basic insurance. In Costa Rica, you drive on the right-hand side. Another great thing about Alamo is that they have a branch in Santa Teresa, so if you don’t want it the whole time you could drop it off there. see what it’s like to hire a car in the video below.

Option 4 the quickest option is to fly – from $99
In 35 min you can be at Tambor Airport (closest airport to Santa Teresa) and another 30 min to Santa Teresa
We have not flown yet, but one day I would love to try as I think the view must be incredible as you fly over the jungle. Try Costa Rica green airlines. Please note you will need to organise transport from the airport.

We hope the above information helps you, if you need anything else please comment below or on our youtube video! Have a wonderful week everyone! 

Whats we packed for a 3 month trip around Costa Rica
Products
Work and camera gear
Canon D80 (what we were shooting this video on) 
Rodes microphone
Mac book 13inch
Mac book 15inch https://amzn.to/383pK87
DJI Drone Air
OSMO camera
Go Pro Black 9
Pelican Case (memory card holder)
SanDisk HardDrive
Brevite camera bag
Hershel toiletry bag we use for all our batteries and wires 

Surf
Rash vest women
Rash vest Men
FCS surf bag 6.3 feet
FCS surf bag 6.7 feet
Yoga mat for protection (you will need to DIY this to fit your board)
Epoxy surf fix kit repair
Surf board sock
Surf shoes (booties)

Clothing and accessories
You will need light cool and warm clothes depending on where you go. 1 good waterproof poncho will be super handy for rainy afternoons. Avoid bringing heavy clothes as it takes time to dry clothing here.
Mens waterproof shoes
Women’s waterproof shoes

Dermalogica face products:
Daily Microfoliant
Special cleansing gel
Intensive moisture balance