Getting Around Santa Teresa: Do You Need an ATV, Car or Other Transportation?

Here’s our local answer:

If you’re staying in Santa Teresa for more than a couple of days, having some form of transportation will make a big difference.

Can you walk?

Absolutely.

But Santa Teresa isn’t a tiny pedestrian beach village where everything is sitting around one central plaza.

The town stretches for several kilometers along the coast. It’s hot. Sidewalks are limited. Parking can be limited. The roads change from pavement to dirt.

And sometimes the beach, restaurant or surf spot you’re looking for is only a two-minute drive away - but a very uncomfortable walk in the midday heat.

For most travelers without a rental car, our favorite option is:

an ATV.

It’s easy to park, handles the local roads well, lets you explore beyond the center of town and is simply a fun way to experience this part of Costa Rica.

But it’s not the right choice for everybody.

Here’s how every option actually compares.

The Quick Answer

Santa Teresa Transportation at a Glance

Prices are approximate and change by season, rental duration and provider.

Can You Just Walk Around Santa Teresa?

Yes.

But whether we’d recommend relying entirely on walking depends heavily on where you’re staying and how long you’re here.

If you’re staying two nights in a well-located hotel and your plans are basically beach, surf, restaurants nearby, sunset and hotel, you may be completely fine.

But if you’re here for five or seven days and actually want to understand the area?

We’d get transportation.

Why Santa Teresa Feels Longer Than It Looks on a Map

Santa Teresa and the surrounding beach communities stretch for several kilometers along one main coastal road.

That means your hotel may be surrounded by restaurants and activity while something that fits your personality much better is only a few minutes north or south.

We’ve seen travelers spend the first couple of days mostly walking around their accommodation and think:

“Is this basically the whole town?”

No.

Sometimes you drive two minutes and the atmosphere changes completely.

That’s one reason we recommend that nearly everybody staying several days gets some form of transportation for at least one day.

Option 1: Walking - Fine for the Right Trip

Walking costs nothing and can work well if:

• Your accommodation is centrally located
• You’re here only 2-3 days
• Your priority is one nearby beach
• Restaurants you like are close
• You don’t mind occasional taxis

But there are several things visitors underestimate.

It’s Hot

Walking ten minutes early in the morning can be nice.

Walking the same road under midday tropical sun can feel completely different.

Sidewalks Are Limited

This isn’t a traditional walkable city with sidewalks on both sides of every street.

You’ll sometimes be sharing the edge of the road with cars, ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, delivery vehicles and other pedestrians.

Distances Add Up

A destination that looks close on Google Maps may still mean a long hot walk there and another one back.

Option 2: Bicycle - Cheapest Rental Transportation

If your budget is tight, bicycles are one of the best alternatives.

Basic rentals can run roughly:

$10-$15 per day

depending on the bicycle, provider and rental length.

For moving around the paved central sections of town, they’re practical and inexpensive.

Bimbaa Bike Sharing

Santa Teresa has also recently had a bike-sharing concept called Bimbaa, similar in idea to bike-share systems found in larger cities.

Instead of keeping one rental bicycle with you constantly, the idea is that you can pick up a bicycle at one station and return it at another participating location.

For somebody who simply needs to get from one part of town to another, that’s potentially very useful.

https://gobimba.com/

Where Bicycles Start Becoming Less Practical

The main route through much of Malpais and Santa Teresa is paved.

Farther north, conditions become dirtier and dustier.

You can bicycle toward Playa Hermosa, but we wouldn’t recommend doing that casually on a basic city bike if you’re inexperienced.

Cars and ATVs will be passing you. During dry season, there’s a lot of dust. The road becomes rougher.

Option 3: Scooter / Honda Navi - Cheap and Efficient

Another popular option is the small automatic Honda Navi-type scooter/motorcycle.

These are somewhat comparable to the small automatic scooters travelers commonly rent in destinations around Southeast Asia.

They’re simple. No clutch. No complicated manual shifting. Easy to park. And relatively inexpensive.

Expect somewhere around:

$50/day

as a rough local estimate.

Great for Surfers Staying Around Town

Rental companies can install a small surf rack.

That makes a Navi especially useful if you’re traveling alone, surfing, moving between local breaks and mostly plan to stay around Santa Teresa/Malpais.

But There’s One Important Rule

Santa Teresa should not be the place where you casually learn how to ride a motorcycle for the first time.

Even an automatic scooter requires balance, braking, traffic awareness, dirt-road awareness and comfort around cars and ATVs.

You’re already learning Costa Rican road dynamics.

Adding “learn how to ride a motorcycle” at the same time isn’t our favorite combination.

If you already ride scooters or motorcycles, great.

If you’ve never done it before, spend a little more and get an ATV.

Option 4: Motorcycle - Our Favorite for Experienced Riders

For somebody who actually rides motorcycles regularly, a proper bike is arguably the most efficient way to move around this area.

Local rental fleets may include models such as:

• Honda XR150
• More off-road-focused Honda CRF models
• Similar dual-sport bikes

If you ride motorcycles back home, have dirt-bike/enduro experience or simply feel genuinely comfortable on two wheels, this can be an amazing place to ride.

You can move easily through traffic, paved roads, dirt roads and back roads. Parking is effortless compared with a car.

Who Should NOT Rent a Motorcycle Here?

If the last time you touched a motorcycle was five minutes in a parking lot ten years ago, get the ATV.

Santa Teresa roads constantly transition between different surfaces and conditions.

Experience matters.

Option 5: ATV - Our Overall Recommendation

If you ask us:

“What’s the best vehicle for Santa Teresa?”

for most solo travelers and couples, we’d say:

ATV.

A regular ATV suitable for two people is usually around:

$80 for 24 hours

depending on season, provider and rental length.

Standard rental machines are commonly in the roughly 400cc+ category.

Two people maximum.

Rental companies generally do not allow additional passengers, and violating passenger limits may result in fees or other problems.

Why ATVs Work So Well Here

ATVs fit Santa Teresa extremely well.

They’re small enough to maneuver easily, easy to park, comfortable on dirt roads, capable of exploring outside town, good for beach-to-beach transportation and fun.

But there’s another reason we like them.

You actually feel where you are.

You’re not sitting inside an air-conditioned car with the windows closed.

You’re outside. You smell the forest. You feel the temperature change. You see everything around you.

When you’re exploring the back roads, that exposure is part of the experience.

Exploring Beyond Town

With an ATV, you can expand well beyond the main Santa Teresa strip and explore toward areas such as:

• Playa Hermosa
• Manzanillo
• Montezuma
• Other surrounding communities and back-road routes

Always use roads appropriate for your vehicle and current conditions, and ask the rental company about routes they do and don’t recommend.

Rainy-season conditions can change roads dramatically.

Parking Is a Huge ATV Advantage

One of the most underrated reasons to rent an ATV:

parking.

Santa Teresa does not have unlimited parking.

A small ATV fits into spaces where trying to maneuver a large SUV can become annoying very quickly.

You’re going to notice this every time you go for dinner, stop at a cafe, visit a beach access, run back to your hotel or change plans halfway through the day.

Those tiny movements around town are simply easier on an ATV.

The Main ATV Disadvantage: Weather

You’re exposed.

Dry season? Dust.

Rainy season? You’re getting wet.

There isn’t much mystery there.

Choosing a Responsible ATV or Vehicle Rental Company

Santa Teresa has everything from established rental businesses with fleets, staff and formal operating systems to very informal people renting out a few vehicles on the side.

That doesn’t mean the cheapest offer is automatically bad, and it doesn’t mean the most expensive company is automatically the best.

But we do think travelers should know what they’re paying for.

A formal rental business has real costs behind the scenes: vehicle maintenance, insurance, staff, taxes, permits, administration and responsibility when something goes wrong.

That can partly explain why one ATV quote is more expensive than another.

Questions We’d Ask Before Renting

Before choosing a vehicle purely because it’s $10 or $20 cheaper, ask:

• Is there a written rental agreement?
• What exactly happens if the vehicle is damaged?
• What insurance or coverage applies?
• What deposit is required and how is it returned?
• Is there a local number or office if the ATV breaks down?
• Can the provider issue a Costa Rican electronic receipt or invoice if you request one?
• Are the vehicle documents and maintenance handled professionally?

Those answers tell you much more than the price alone.

What About Card Payments?

A local card terminal can be a positive sign that you’re dealing with an established local operation because the transaction is passing through a local commercial payment system.

But we wouldn’t use the payment method by itself as a legal test.

Likewise, seeing an online payment link - Stripe or otherwise - doesn’t tell a traveler enough to decide whether a business is compliant or not.

One good sign is an actual office or shop in town. If all the ATVs are parked at someone's house, it's most likely not an official business and might not be as responsible if something happens.

A much more useful check is whether the business can clearly identify itself, explain its rental terms and insurance, and provide a Costa Rican electronic receipt or invoice for the transaction when appropriate.

Option 6: UTV - Excellent for Families and Groups

A UTV gives you many of the benefits of an ATV but fits more people.

Expect roughly:

$180/day

depending on model, capacity and season.

UTVs make a lot of sense for families, groups, parents traveling with kids, travelers who want an off-road experience and groups where only one person wants to drive.

One UTV or Several ATVs?

If everybody wants to drive, rent multiple ATVs.

Now everyone gets the off-road experience.

If only one person wants to drive, get a UTV.

One driver handles the vehicle and everyone stays together.

UTVs are designed to handle rougher terrain much better than a normal road car, while still allowing families or groups to travel together.

And like an ATV, they’re open enough that you still feel connected to the surrounding environment.

Option 7: Car - Great If You Already Have One

Many visitors arrive in Santa Teresa with a rental car because they’re traveling throughout Costa Rica.

If that’s you:

You probably don’t need to rent anything else.

Your transportation problem is already solved.

A car gives you AC, rain protection, long-distance capability, space for families and easy travel between Costa Rica destinations.

Depending on season, the base rental cost can be relatively similar to an ATV.

The major difference is often insurance and associated rental costs.

Always compare the final rental price, not just the advertised daily rate.

Do You Need a 4x4?

That depends much more on your accommodation, season, where you plan to explore and current road conditions than simply whether you’re visiting Santa Teresa.

If you’re staying near the main road and not exploring difficult back roads, your needs are different from someone renting a villa high in the hills during rainy season.

When We’d Rent an ATV Even If We Already Had a Car

One reason:

fun.

If you want an off-road exploration day, rent an ATV for 24 hours.

Especially during periods when certain back roads aren’t particularly comfortable in a standard road car.

Leave your rental car at the hotel. Take the ATV. Explore. Then go back to the car the following day.

The Problem With Very Large Cars

One mistake we see visitors make is renting more vehicle than they actually need.

A huge SUV may sound great at the airport.

Then you get to Santa Teresa.

Now you need to park at a busy restaurant, turn around on a narrow road, squeeze around a delivery truck, quickly run back to the hotel and find beach parking during high season.

Suddenly the giant SUV isn’t quite as fun.

The road is narrow and town can become very busy, particularly during peak high season.

Option 8: Taxis - Useful for Long Trips, Less Useful Around Town

Taxis absolutely have a place here.

But we don’t love relying on them for every short movement around Santa Teresa.

A short local trip may still cost around:

$10

even if you’re only going a relatively small distance.

Availability can also be inconsistent for tiny trips because drivers naturally prefer larger fares.

Where Taxis Make Much More Sense

For longer trips, they’re very useful.

Examples:

• Santa Teresa to Cobano
• Santa Teresa to Cobano Airport
• Santa Teresa to the ferry
• Private transportation elsewhere in Costa Rica

A taxi/private transfer between Santa Teresa and Cobano Airport is roughly:

$59 (taxes and fees included)

as a current local estimate.

For that type of trip, taxi makes perfect sense.

Why We Don’t Love Taxis for Exploring

Imagine you want to visit Montezuma.

A taxi may cost roughly $40-$50 each way.

Maybe you negotiate a better round-trip price.

But compare that with renting an ATV for roughly $80 for the entire day.

Now you can leave whenever you want, return whenever you want, explore along the road, stop for food, take different routes and explore beyond the exact place where a taxi would drop you.

And after returning from Montezuma, you still have the ATV for the rest of the 24-hour rental.

That’s why rental transportation often makes much more sense for sightseeing.

What About Uber?

As of our latest local experience, don’t plan your Santa Teresa trip around Uber.

It isn’t a reliable transportation solution here in the same way it may be in San Jose or major international cities. You can sometimes find trips going from Santa Teresa to San Jose but we have never gotten a trip accepted for short distances.

There have also been informal motorcycle-taxi options appearing around town.

Because these services can be informal and inconsistent, we’d personally reserve them for situations where you understand exactly who is picking you up and what service you’re using.

For normal transportation planning, we’d choose established rental providers or known local taxi drivers.

Option 9: Golf Cart - Useful, But Limited

Some local companies also offer electric golf carts.

These can make sense for groups staying relatively close to the main road.

Their biggest advantages are multiple passengers, simple operation, easy local transportation and potentially good group value.

But understand the limitations.

Golf carts aren’t designed for the same kind of terrain as ATVs or UTVs.

They may struggle with steep hills, rough back roads, longer exploration and certain rainy-season conditions.

Our Recommendation by Traveler Type

Road Etiquette: The Part Travelers Need to Understand

Santa Teresa’s road isn’t complicated.

But it can be chaotic.

You have cars, ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, delivery trucks, dogs, wildlife, limited sidewalks and limited parking all sharing a relatively narrow corridor.

Our best advice?

Drive Slowly

Seriously.

You’re on vacation.

There’s very little reason to rush through Santa Teresa.

Driving slowly gives you time to react to pedestrians, animals, vehicles pulling out, parked cars, potholes, dust, traffic and unexpected road conditions.

Most avoidable problems become a lot easier to avoid when you’re simply not driving fast.

Parking: Get Completely Off the Road

Parking might be the most important practical road tip we can give visitors.

When possible:

Get the entire vehicle out of the travel lane.

Not 90%.

All of it.

The main road sometimes becomes partially blocked by delivery trucks, parked vehicles, construction and traffic.

If your vehicle is sticking into the road, you’re increasing the chance of scratches, broken mirrors, someone hitting your car and creating unnecessary congestion.

If the restaurant parking is full, drive another 50-100 meters and find somewhere safer.

It’s worth the walk.

Remember: You Live in the Jungle for the Week

One of the best parts of Santa Teresa is that nature is still everywhere.

That includes the road.

You may encounter iguanas, raccoons, dogs, occasionally monkeys and other wildlife.

If an animal is crossing, stop and let it cross.

Watch Out for Dogs

Dogs around Santa Teresa often live a very free lifestyle.

Some owners allow them to wander to the beach and around the neighborhood because the dogs know their way home.

The dogs also sometimes behave as if the road belongs to them.

Because, in their minds, it probably does.

They may step directly into traffic expecting vehicles to stop.

Please watch for them.

Occasionally You’ll See Monkeys on the Road

Monkeys generally prefer moving through the trees.

But where tree corridors have been interrupted, they may occasionally need to come down and cross along or over the road before reaching another tree.

Again: slow down.

You’re in their home too.

Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle

This applies everywhere, but especially at beach parking areas.

If you’re spending the day at the beach, leave unnecessary valuables at your accommodation.

Don’t leave a laptop, camera, passport, wallet or expensive electronics sitting visibly in your car.

Break-ins are not something that happens to everybody, but visible valuables create an unnecessary opportunity.

ATV and UTV Storage Is NOT a Safe

ATVs commonly have rear storage boxes.

Those are useful for towels, shoes, water and beach items.

But don’t assume they’re secure.

Many can be opened very easily.

Never treat an ATV box like a hotel safe.

Take important valuables with you or leave them at your accommodation.

Dry Season vs Rainy Season Transportation

Dry Season

ATVs are fantastic.

But expect dust.

Especially once you reach unpaved roads.

Bring sunglasses or eye protection, a bandana/buff and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.

Rainy Season

The ATV is still fun.

But when it rains, you get wet.

A car becomes significantly more comfortable.

Some back roads can also become rougher or more difficult during heavy rain.

So, Do You Need Transportation in Santa Teresa?

Technically?

No.

Practically?

For most visitors staying several days:

Yes, we think you’ll enjoy Santa Teresa much more with it.

And even if you don’t want a vehicle for your entire trip, rent one for at least one day.

Go explore.

Drive from Malpais through town toward Playa Hermosa.

Find different beaches. See different neighborhoods. Understand how the town is laid out.

Then decide whether you still need the vehicle.

Pura Info’s Overall Ranking

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need a Car in Santa Teresa?

No.

For many visitors, an ATV, scooter, bicycle or walking can work better than a car.

A car becomes particularly useful for families, travelers carrying luggage, rainy-season visits and people already driving around Costa Rica.

Do You Need an ATV in Santa Teresa?

You don’t need one.

But for most couples and solo travelers staying several days, we think an ATV is one of the best ways to explore the area.

How Much Is an ATV Rental in Santa Teresa?

A standard ATV is approximately $80 per 24 hours based on current local pricing.

Rates vary by season, rental duration, vehicle and provider.

How Do I Know If an ATV Rental Company Is Reputable?

Don’t judge only by the cheapest price.

Ask for clear rental terms, what insurance or damage coverage applies, what happens if the vehicle breaks down, the deposit conditions, and whether the business can issue a Costa Rican electronic receipt or invoice when requested.

A professional provider should be comfortable answering those questions.

Is Paying by Card Proof That a Rental Company Is Formal?

Not by itself.

A local card terminal can be a useful positive signal, but payment method alone doesn’t prove whether every permit, tax or insurance requirement is in order.

Look at the whole operation: documentation, insurance explanation, written terms, local contact information and electronic receipts/invoices.

Can Two People Ride an ATV?

Standard rental ATVs commonly accommodate a maximum of two people.

Follow the rental company’s stated passenger limit.

Is Santa Teresa Walkable?

Parts of it are.

If your hotel, beach and restaurants are close together, walking can work well.

However, Santa Teresa stretches for several kilometers, gets hot during the day and doesn’t have continuous sidewalk infrastructure.

How Much Is a Bicycle Rental in Santa Teresa?

Basic rentals can be approximately $10-$15 per day, depending on the bicycle and provider.

Can I Rent a Scooter in Santa Teresa?

Yes.

Small automatic bikes such as the Honda Navi are available from some rental providers.

They’re best suited to travelers who already know how to ride.

Should I Learn to Ride a Scooter in Santa Teresa?

We wouldn’t recommend it.

Learning a new vehicle while also adapting to local traffic, dirt roads and road conditions creates unnecessary risk.

If you’re inexperienced, consider an ATV instead.

Can I Rent a Motorcycle in Santa Teresa?

Motorcycles and dual-sport bikes are available from some providers.

We recommend them primarily to experienced riders who are already comfortable on paved and dirt roads.

Are UTVs Good for Families?

Yes.

A multi-seat UTV can be one of the most enjoyable options for a family or group that wants to explore back roads while staying together in one vehicle.

Are Golf Carts Good in Santa Teresa?

They can work for local transportation on flatter and easier roads.

They’re less appropriate for steep hills, rough back roads and serious exploration.

Is There Uber in Santa Teresa?

We would not rely on Uber as your transportation plan in Santa Teresa.

Traditional local taxis and private transportation are much more established for longer trips.

Are Taxis Expensive in Santa Teresa?

For very short local journeys, taxis can feel relatively expensive.

A short ride can still cost approximately $10.

They make much more sense for airport transfers, Cobano, ferry transportation and longer routes.

How Much Is a Taxi From Santa Teresa to Cobano Airport?

Approximately $59 with taxes and fees included is a useful current estimate.

Always confirm the rate when booking.

Can I Drive From Santa Teresa to Montezuma on an ATV?

ATVs are commonly used to explore surrounding areas including routes toward Montezuma.

Ask your rental provider for the currently recommended route and road conditions before setting out.

Is an ATV Better Than a Car in Santa Teresa?

For one or two people during dry weather, we usually prefer the ATV.

It’s easier to park, easier to maneuver and more fun for local exploration.

During heavy rain, with young children, or when carrying lots of luggage, car.

Is It Safe to Drive at Night in Santa Teresa?

Drive slowly and carefully.

Road lighting is limited in some areas, and you may encounter pedestrians, motorcycles, dogs and wildlife.

Extra caution at night matters more than speed.

Should I Leave Things in My ATV While I’m at the Beach?

Don’t leave valuables.

ATV storage compartments are useful but often aren’t designed as secure locked storage.

Leave expensive items at your accommodation or keep them with you.

Need Transportation in Santa Teresa?

Pura Info can help you compare the local options instead of simply pushing you toward the most expensive rental.

Tell us:

• How many people are traveling
• How many days you’re staying
• Where your accommodation is
• Whether you surf
• Whether you’re traveling with children
• Whether you already have a rental car
• Whether you’re comfortable riding motorcycles
• What you want to explore

We’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense.

Depending on your trip, that might be an ATV, UTV, scooter, motorcycle, bicycle, golf cart, rental car, taxi or private driver.

Or we might tell you:

You’re staying two days right beside the beach. Save your money and walk.

That’s what Pura Info is here for.

Pura vida.