Do You Need a 4x4 in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

What we would tell a friend before renting a vehicle

Do not rent a 4x4 just because someone told you every road around Santa Teresa is difficult. In dry season, we move around these areas ourselves by regular car and motorcycle and can reach the usual routes without a problem.

It comes down to where you are staying and which roads you plan to drive.

What is the drive in like?

The main access roads are paved today, and in about 90% of cases a normal car gets you where you need to go. The last stretch from Cóbano to Santa Teresa takes about 20 minutes. From Liberia the drive is about 4 hours, paved the whole way to Santa Teresa, with no ferry.

We do not recommend driving at night if you do not know the route. The Paquera to Santa Teresa section has many curves, little lighting and animals crossing. If your flight lands late in San José, sleep near the airport and leave in the morning.

When a regular car is enough

During dry season, a regular car works well for normal travel between Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa, Montezuma and Cabuya. Even a small motorcycle can be enough for experienced riders who are comfortable with local roads.

Always ask your accommodation about the final access. A place can look close to the main road on a map and still have a steep or rough driveway.

When we would choose a 4x4 or ATV

Rainy season

If you are staying around Playa Hermosa or Manzanillo during rainy season, a 4x4 or ATV is more comfortable. You have more clearance and more flexibility if secondary roads are wet or rough.

Hillside accommodation

If your hotel or villa is in the hills, ask one question before renting anything: "Is the final access suitable for a regular car?" The answer tells you more than the name of the town does.

The internal Malpaís to Cabuya road

The internal road between Malpaís and Cabuya is the exception: it requires a 4x4 even in dry season. It is rustic, with gravel and river crossings, and when conditions are good it can connect the two areas in roughly 20 minutes.

In rainy season we do not recommend using it as a normal transfer route. There are guided ATV waterfall experiences that deliberately use this road when it is muddy. In that case, the rough conditions are part of the experience and you are going with guides who know the route.

What about each area?

Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Malpaís

For everyday driving on the usual roads, a normal vehicle is generally enough in dry conditions. Check the last section to your accommodation separately.

Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo

Dry season is usually straightforward. In rainy season we personally prefer a 4x4 or ATV because it gives you more freedom if conditions change.

Montezuma and Cabuya

Normal access can be done without a 4x4 in dry season. That means the normal route, which is a different road from the internal Malpaís to Cabuya one.

Regular car, 4x4, ATV or UTV?

• A regular car is best if you want comfort, luggage space and normal routes.

• A 4x4 is useful for rainy season, hills and rough access.

• An ATV is one of the easiest ways to explore locally if you do not need much luggage space.

• A UTV is useful for groups who want more space and an open vehicle.

Three things to check before you book

1. Ask how the final access to your accommodation is.

2. Think about whether you are visiting in dry season or rainy season.

3. Decide if you are planning any rough or remote routes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a 4x4 in dry season?

Usually not for normal local routes. The main exception is the internal Malpaís to Cabuya road.

Do I need a 4x4 in rainy season?

Not for every trip, but we recommend one more often for Playa Hermosa, Manzanillo, hillside properties and secondary roads.

Can I drive from Malpaís to Cabuya on the internal road?

Yes, in suitable dry season conditions with a 4x4. We would not use it as a normal transfer route in rainy season.

Still deciding? Compare the options in our ATV, UTV or car guide or see our transportation options.