Location of Casa Helena:
Casa Helena is located in the heart of Santa Teresa, one of Costa Rica’s premier vacation destinations. The town is built along a long road that runs about 150-200 meters parallel to the beach. If you turn one direction, you go up into the hills, and if you turn the other direction, you drive down to the beach. Casa Helena is perfectly located just off the main road, a short walk from restaurants, groceries, and shops. It is right next to Banana Beach Restaurant.
One you’ve arrived in Santa Teresa, here are directions to get to Casa Helena. Turn right at the crossroads at the entrance of town. drive about 1km along the road. You’ll see signs for Banana Beach Restaurant and Banana Beach Bungalows. Continue on the main road, passed the turn off for Banana Beach.
Directly across from La Glida and Peace Loft Santa Teresa, you’ll see an archway on the left. Turn in at the archway. If you pass the Green World Organic Supermarket (on the right), you’ve gone too far. The driveway leading to the villa is on the right. You’ll see a gate on the right hand side. You’ll be in touch with us along the way, so we’ll know what time you arrive, and our concierge will beĀ waiting for you to let you in to the villa, and get you settled in.
How to travel to Santa Teresa:
There are several ways to get to Santa Teresa, depending on your preference and budget. The two international airports in Costa Rica are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. We recommend speaking to our concierge team to determine the best way for you to get to Santa Teresa.
Flying to Cobano:
There is a new airstrip in Cobano, which is only a 20 minute drive from Santa Teresa. There are daily flights to Cobano from both San Jose and Liberia, and the flight time is about half an hour. There are more daily flights from San Jose. If you’re planning on landing in Liberia and flying to Tambor that day, make sure there is a domestic flight at a time that will work for you. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the next day, or use one of the alternative options to get to Santa Teresa.
We can have a taxi waiting to pick you up at the airstrip. You can also rent a car in Cobano, and then drive to Santa Teresa.
These flights are small, and fill up fast, so be sure to book in advance. Remember that these flight have low weight limits, with fees for extra weight. During busy times they may refuse to take overweight luggage or send it on the next flight.
Domestic flights only fly when the sun is out. If you arrive in Costa Rica in the late afternoon, you may have to wait until the next day to get a flight.
Our concierge can also help you arrange a chartered flight that can take off at your convenience.
Driving to Santa Teresa:
The drive from Liberia to Santa Teresa takes a little over 4 hours. Because you do not have to wait for a ferry, you can start the drive whenever you want. This is a big advantage of landing in Liberia. Almost the entire way is paved, but some of the road signs are not as clear as they could be. It is recommended to use a GPS program such as WAZE to keep you on the right path. Google Maps is NOT recommended.
Driving time from San Jose is a close to 5 hours, not include the time spent waiting for the ferry. It takes about an hour and a half from San Jose to the ferry in Puntarenas. Depending on the time of day, San Jose’s traffic leaving the city can get pretty bad. Make sure to take that into account when planning your drive. You need to get to Puntarenas with enough time to get a ticket for the ferry. If the ferry is full, you’ll have to wait for the next one. From Puntarenas, you take a ferry to Paquera. From when the ferry leaves until you get off in Paquera is about an hour and half.The drive from Paquera to Santa Teresa is also about an hour and a half. While it takes longer than driving from Liberia, the roads are well marked, and the drive is not complicated.
Taxi/Shuttle:
You can also take a taxi or shuttle to Santa Teresa. Since there are four rental car companies in Santa Teresa, you may find it convenient to have a shuttle bring you to Santa Teresa, and then rent a car once you’re here.
A private shuttle will leave at a time that is convenient for you and bring you all the way here.