Getting to Santa Teresa: plan the journey before the first sunset
A domestic flight, a ferry crossing or the road across the peninsula. Choose the route that fits your arrival, luggage and travel style.
By Villa Raya · · 3 min read
How should guests plan transport to Villa Raya in Santa Teresa?
Compare your international arrival and onward journey together. SANSA and Green Airways list San José–Cóbano flights; arrange a separate transfer from Cóbano. The Puntarenas–Paquera ferry is another route from the mainland, followed by a drive to Santa Teresa. For Villa Raya’s mountaintop location, arrange a 4×4 or suitable driver and obtain final directions from the hosts.
Compare the entire journey
Start with the time your international flight lands, the bags you are bringing and who is traveling with you. A route that looks quick on a map may be less comfortable with a tight connection, surfboards or several separate arrivals. Compare San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) alongside the onward road or air arrangements before choosing the international ticket.
For a large group, decide whether everyone needs to travel together. Two well-planned transfers can be easier than having early arrivals wait all day. Share flight details with the person arranging transport and allow time for immigration, luggage and delays.
Flying to Cóbano
SANSA (opens in a new tab) lists flights from San José to Cóbano for Santa Teresa, and Green Airways (opens in a new tab) lists the SJO–ACO route. Check the actual date and connection with the airline. Book the onward car or driver separately and share the domestic flight number so pickup follows the right arrival.
Review baggage allowances before paying, particularly when traveling with surfboards or larger suitcases. Ask which terminal to use, what check-in time is required and whether separate tickets leave enough connection time. Do not plan your first restaurant reservation around an optimistic transfer estimate.
Puntarenas to Paquera by ferry
From the San José side, one option is to travel to Puntarenas, cross to Paquera and continue by road toward Cóbano and Santa Teresa. Naviera Tambor (opens in a new tab) publishes the current sailing schedule, fares and its official online ticket link. Check the sailing for your date and the vehicle category if you are bringing a rental car.
Confirm check-in arrangements and how to handle tickets for the vehicle and passengers. Leave time for the drive to the terminal and the road journey after the crossing. If a flight delay would make the planned sailing unrealistic, discuss the alternative with your transfer provider before the travel day.
Road transfers and the final climb
If you prefer a road transfer, share your airport, luggage and group size when requesting a quote. Agree on stops, pickup details and the full route. Roads and weather influence the journey; ask the driver or rental company for current advice instead of treating a navigation estimate as a fixed arrival time.
Villa Raya sits at the very top of the mountain. We recommend arranging a 4×4 in advance, or a driver with a suitable vehicle, for the final approach and your local plans. Suren and Alina share final property directions through your booking. Use those instructions for arrival and clarify the route before leaving town.
Keep the first evening easy
Decide whether to shop on the way, eat near town or arrange a meal at the villa. Our grocery and dinner guide makes the first morning easier to plan. A chef can be arranged for breakfast, lunch or dinner when availability and the details have been agreed in advance.
Save the more ambitious day trips for later in the stay. On arrival, the useful plan is simple: get everyone to the villa, settle in and leave enough room for a slower start the next morning.
Sources & planning notes
Original planning guidance with the sources below. Host favorites and traveler opinions are identified in the story. Confirm availability, requirements, access and conditions directly with the venue or operator; activities are booked separately from your villa stay.
