This is what we explain to our guests on arrival. It's modest, it's practical, and it's precisely what makes the difference between a smooth start and a scrambled one. A thousand small things you wish someone had told you before you got to Santa Teresa.
Getting around
No Uber taxis, no or minimal public transport. Three realistic options: scooter (35 USD/day with our partner, insurance included), 4x4 rental (80–130 USD/day depending on season, book before arriving December–April), or our driver for specific trips. Most of our guests combine them: 4x4 for the week, scooter for short runs. Roads are unpaved. It matters—bring an appropriate vehicle.
Getting here
Two ways to arrive: Sansa domestic flight from San José to Tambor (35 minutes, 70–120 USD, extraordinary views), then 45 minutes by car. Or the full drive from San José, 5–6 hours, with ferry crossing at Puntarenas. We recommend the flight for a first visit—simpler, shorter, and you see the gulf.
Shopping
Two main supermarkets on the main road: Súper Costa and Súper Frank. You'll find most things, but at imported-goods prices (many products are shipped in). For vegetables, hit the feria Friday morning on the Carmen Beach parking lot: local farmers, real prices, better quality. For fish, Rancho Pescadores in Malpaís, very early.
Arrival groceries
We can stock your fridge before you arrive. Send us your preferences, allergies, cravings. Everything's ready in the kitchen when you step in—no first-morning supermarket run.
Connectivity
Fiber arrived in 2022. All our villas have fast wifi (100–300 Mbps depending on location). Mobile 4G works well on the main road, less so in remote spots (like Nouli, our minimal sanctuary). For longer stays, a local Kolbi SIM costs 10 USD and avoids roaming charges.
"What drains travelers is never the place—it's the logistical details they had to sort themselves."
Healthcare
A medical clinic in Santa Teresa center, open 7 days/week during high season. For serious issues: CIMA clinic in San José, 5 hours away. Pharmacy on the main road, open until 9 PM. We have trusted doctor contacts for night emergencies—they know us.
Banking & cash
Two ATMs (Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica), best used during business hours. US dollars accepted everywhere, Visa/Mastercard at most restaurants. Keep 100–200 USD in small bills for sodas, the market, tips.
Seasons & weather
Two distinct seasons. Dry season (December–April): sunshine, no rain, peak tourism, high prices, book well ahead. Green season (May–November): afternoon showers, brilliant mornings, lush countryside, fewer visitors, better rates. Our favorite month? June. Just enough rain, empty beaches.
Your stay with us
Everything above, we pre-organize when you book one of our villas — Casa Noa, Les Roches, or Nouli. Car, SIM, groceries, a doctor if needed, water delivery—all set for your arrival. That's what we call accompaniment, and it's exactly what you're paying for.
