Flights to Santa Teresa: flying from San José to Cóbano

The fastest way to Santa Teresa is a short domestic flight from San José (SJO) to the Cóbano airstrip (ACO), about 10 km from town. SANSA and Costa Rica Green Airways both list the route; Green Airways says its flights that used to land at Tambor now use the new Cóbano airport. Pack light, because small planes have strict baggage limits.

The short answer

If you have more money than time, fly. Small planes leave San José's international airport (SJO) for the Cóbano airstrip (ACO), the closest airfield to Santa Teresa, and Costa Rica Green Airways lists the flight at about 35 minutes. Compare that with 5 or 6 hours by road and ferry. From the airstrip it's about 10 km, or roughly 15 minutes by 4x4 taxi, to town.

Cóbano or Tambor?

For many years, flights to this part of the peninsula landed at Tambor (TMU), a paved strip near the town of Tambor, about 45 minutes' drive from Santa Teresa. Things have shifted:

Costa Rica Green Airways says it's replacing Tambor with the new Cóbano airport, and that from November 15th all flights previously booked to Tambor land at Cóbano instead.
SANSA lists "Santa Teresa-Malpais (Cobano-ACO)" among its destinations, with daily flights from San José. Tambor doesn't appear on its current destination list.

So for most travelers today, Cóbano is the airport to book. If an older booking or a charter quote mentions Tambor, double-check with the airline where you'll actually land, because it changes how you get to town.

The airlines

SANSA is Costa Rica's long-established domestic airline. Its Cóbano page says flights connect San José with Cóbano daily. Book on its website or by phone.

Costa Rica Green Airways flies from San José to Cóbano, along with Quepos, Nosara and Puerto Jiménez. Its Cóbano guide gives a flight time of about 35 minutes and offers add-on transfers to town at checkout.

Both fly small propeller planes, so seats are limited. In high season, book well ahead.

Baggage on small planes

This is where most people get caught out. Small planes have tight weight limits, and they're enforced.

Costa Rica Green Airways: one checked bag of up to 14 kg (30 lb) and one carry-on of up to 4.5 kg (10 lb). Its Full fare raises the checked bag limit to about 23 kg (50 lb). Surfboards travel as sports equipment, up to 2.3 m (7 ft 6 in) long, for a fee.
SANSA: checked bag allowance depends on the fare class you buy. Your free personal item can be up to 4.5 kg (10 lb), measuring no more than 30 x 50 x 20 cm. Items over 6.8 kg must be checked. Oversized bags (over 157 cm in total dimensions) may be refused or carried only if there's room. SANSA has a separate page on sports equipment, so check it before bringing a board.

Tips:

Weigh your bags at home.
Leave extra luggage at a San José hotel if you're returning there.
Soft bags are easier to fit into small planes than big hard cases.
If you're bringing several surfboards, a shuttle may be easier.

At the airport in San José

Domestic flights leave from SJO. Green Airways says check-in closes 30 minutes before departure and recommends arriving 45 to 60 minutes early. If you're connecting from an international flight, leave a generous buffer for immigration, customs and the walk between terminals. Many travelers arriving late in the day spend a night near the airport and fly over the next morning.

From the airstrip to town

The Cóbano airstrip is close to town. Green Airways describes it as about 10 km, or 15 minutes by 4x4 taxi, from Santa Teresa, about 10 minutes from Playa Hermosa and about 20 minutes from the Montezuma waterfalls.

Pre-booked transfer: the easiest option. Many hotels can arrange pickups, Green Airways offers transfers at checkout, and local shuttle companies such as Tropical Tours Shuttles can help.
Taxi: you can get a taxi, but it's safer to book one ahead than to hope one is waiting.
Rentals: Green Airways mentions ATV rentals at the airstrip.

If your flight ends up landing at Tambor, plan on around 45 minutes by car to Santa Teresa and book your transfer in advance.

Charter flights

Both SANSA and Green Airways list charter services on their websites. A charter can make sense for a group, for awkward timings, or for flying in from elsewhere in Costa Rica, such as Liberia or another beach town. Contact the airlines directly for quotes and availability.

Weather and delays

Small-plane flights depend on visibility. In the rainy season, especially in the afternoons, delays happen. Morning flights tend to be more reliable, and it's wise not to book a tight connection to an international flight on the same day you fly back from Cóbano.

Frequently asked questions

What's the closest airport to Santa Teresa?

The Cóbano airstrip (ACO), about 10 km from town. The nearest international airports are San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR).

How long is the flight from San José?

About 35 minutes, according to Costa Rica Green Airways.

Is Tambor airport still used?

Costa Rica Green Airways says its Tambor flights now land at Cóbano, and SANSA's destination list shows Cóbano rather than Tambor. Check with your airline if your booking says Tambor.

How much luggage can I bring?

Green Airways allows one 14 kg checked bag and one 4.5 kg carry-on on standard fares. SANSA's checked allowance depends on fare class, with a 4.5 kg personal item.

Can I fly from Liberia to Santa Teresa?

Both airlines' Cóbano pages describe flights from San José only. SANSA does fly to Liberia, so ask about connections, or look at a charter. Otherwise, drive or take a shuttle.