You can get from Jacó to Montezuma and Santa Teresa by bus and boat, shared shuttle and boat, private transfer, or rental car.
This is your go-to guide, with firsthand tips and tricks to make your Costa Rican journey seamless and enjoyable.
Trust me, with the proper guidance, this stretch can be as memorable as the destinations themselves!
Quick cheat sheet:
The cheapest way to get from Jacó to Montezuma and Santa Teresa is by bus and boat (USD 45, approximately 5 hours). The most popular option is the shared shuttle and boat (USD 45+, around 5 hours). The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car (about 5 hours).
These tips come from my own trips, verified by Jean Nájera of GuateGo.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus and Boat | ~5 hrs | $45+ |
| Shuttle and Boat | ~ 5 hrs | $45+ |
| Private Transfer | 5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | 5 hrs | $60 to 219 |
How far is Jacó to Montezuma and Santa Teresa?
The distance between Jacó and Montezuma is 30 miles or 48 kilometers. The distance between Jacó and Santa Teresa is 37 miles or 59 kilometers. Here, you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.
How to get from Jacó to Montezuma and Santa Teresa
1. Taxi Boat
Journey Duration: 2 hours
Riding a boat to each place is a great way to enjoy a scenic ride and spot different marine animals along the way.
A quick look at Jacó on a map will show you that crossing the waters is the best way to travel from there to Montezuma and Santa Teresa.
The most efficient way is by taking a water taxi, more often called a taxi boat.
Head to Playa Herradura and board a standard taxi boat that fits up to 18 passengers. Transport companies also offer to pick you up from your hotel in Jacó.
There is a private taxi boat option at the same dock. This boat can take up to five passengers and leave anytime before 3:30 PM, whenever you wish. This option costs $850.
When the weather does not permit boats to leave from Playa Herradura, there may be a shift in your departure location. It is also the boatmen’s prerogative to change trip timings when necessary.
The trip via taxi boat runs for two hours. Price starts at $45 per passenger.
Children from four to ten years of age get a discounted price of $35, while kids ages three and below ride for free.
If you are going to Santa Teresa from Jacó, add $10 to the rates above. Traveling by taxi boat takes two hours.
A one-way taxi boat ticket gives you up to 22 kilograms of baggage allowance. Surfboards are charged extra. Any land transport you may need to and from the docks can be prearranged with the transport companies.
2. Ferry
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
If you plan to bring your vehicle or a rented vehicle, you can take the ferry departing from Puntarenas.
It arrives at Naranjo or Paquera, but if you travel to Montezuma and Santa Teresa, Paquera is your better option.
From Jacó, you must drive your vehicle to the Puntarenas ferry terminal.
Look for the Naviera Tambor ferry, located about 74 kilometers away from Jacó. It is about an hour’s drive in total. Line up at the car loading area and wait to be served.
If you are traveling by bus and taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, you must get off the bus and let it go through embarkation procedures before you enter the ferry.
Once the ride commences, you can relax and use the amenities available inside the ferry.
Flat-screen TVs, food stalls, air-conditioned areas, and open decks will keep you occupied throughout the trip.
Once the ferry docks, you must continue your trip by land. The travel time by ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera takes one hour and ten minutes.
A ticket for you and your car will cost about $25. If you are coming by bus, the ferry fare is already included in your ticket.
The ferry ride costs only $1.50 per person without any vehicle involved.
3. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Driving by car might seem inconvenient and unnecessary. Still, for those unwilling to take water transport for specific, personal, and valid reasons, ground transport is a highly possible option.
Thanks to Puente La Amistad, you can cross the bodies of water separating the province by taking this bridge. This vehicle and pedestrian bridge runs above the Tempisque River in the province of Guanacaste.
From Jacó, take Route 34, passing through Costanera Sur. Pass by the Carara National Park to the Alajuela-Puntarenas provincial border until the road meets Route 27.
Take the ramp to that route until it connects you to Route 23. Merge onto the Inter-American Highway until you reach Paso del Tempisque.
Turn left and take Route 18, crossing Puente La Amistad to the other side. Turn left once you reach Route 21 and continue until Calle Pura Vida.
From here, Route 624 will take you to Montezuma.
Driving from Jacó to Montezuma takes five hours without crossing by ferry. The total driving distance is 280 kilometers.
Should you wish to continue your trip to Santa Teresa, find your way to Montezuma-Delicias Road and follow the route until Cobano-Delicias Road.
Turn left at the Doghouse Shortcut Road and continue straight. You will arrive in Santa Teresa in 45 minutes.
If you plan on renting a car and taking this journey, there are cars for rent with daily costs ranging from $60 to $219.
The cars come with unlimited mileage and must be dropped off at the same pickup location, as there is no option to leave the vehicle in Montezuma or Santa Teresa.
My Tip:
The water taxi is my favorite! Not only is it efficient, but the views are stunning! However, if you love road trips and want to explore the countryside, renting a car and crossing via the Puente La Amistad is an epic adventure.
Best day tours in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Jaco to Montezuma?
It’s approximately 30 miles or 48 kilometers from Jaco to Montezuma, but the journey can take a couple of hours due to the ferry ride and the state of the roads.
Can I drive?
Yes, you can drive. The route involves taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and then driving to Montezuma. The roads can be challenging, especially in the rainy season, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
How long does the ferry ride take?
The ferry ride from Puntarenas to Paquera typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Using this travel advice? Be sure to cite:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Jacó to Montezuma and Santa Teresa
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