Santa Teresa Costa Rica: Ultimate Guide + Things to Do

If you’re looking for great surf, gorgeous sunsets, good food and laid back vibes, look no further than Santa Teresa Costa Rica. We put together this ultimate guide with everything you’ll need to know when planning a visit: when to go, where to stay, things to do, and essential tips.

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is known for surf, sun and partying. If you want to avoid the Gringo-packed beaches of Tamarindo, head south to the town of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Here you’ll find beaches that are just as beautiful with far fewer crowds. The laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sunsets will make you fall in love with this little corner of Costa Rica.

There are plenty of things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and we’re about to break down everything you need to know to plan your trip. 

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica guide

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Getting around
• Things to do
• FAQs
• Tips for visiting
• Where to stay
• Where to eat
• What to pack

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Best time to visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

If you don’t mind occasional showers, the best time to visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is during the months of August and September. Prices are considerably lower, there are fewer crowds, and you can still get beach time on the sunny Caribbean coast.

Dry season on the Caribbean Coast is short-lived from September through October. You’ll likely experience warmer temperatures and sunny skies, but the crowds will come as well.  

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica. 

How to get to Santa Teresa

How you get to Santa Teresa will depend on where in Costa Rica you are coming from and there are many different options.

By rental car

No matter which airport you fly into, it’ll be easier to get to Santa Teresa by driving your own rental car. 

The good news is, renting a car in Costa Rica is much more affordable than we would have guessed and we have an entire car rental guide that’ll walk you through how to find the best price!

By flight

You can opt to take a domestic flight from elsewhere in Costa Rica to Tambor Airport (TMU), which is about a 1-hour drive from Santa Teresa. From there you will either need to rent a car, take the bus or take a shuttle to Santa Teresa. 

Tropical Tours Shuttles offers direct shuttles to Santa Teresa from TMU that cost $55 USD for a one way ride. 

By bus/ferry

The cheapest way to get to Santa Teresa from San Jose will be by taking the bus, which will then ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya. 

The direct bus service from San Jose leaves from Terminal 7-10 and is timing with the ferry schedule so there won’t be much waiting around. The ride to Puntarenas takes about 2.5 hours, the ferry is 70 minutes, and the remainder of the journey is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Paquera. A ticket will cost about $15 USD. 

By shuttle

You can book a shuttle transfer from elsewhere in Costa Rica to Santa Teresa. Shared shuttles will be more cost effective, but often run on a set schedule at certain times of day while private shuttles will cost a lot more but can be arranged according to your schedule. 

A shared shuttle to Santa Teresa from San Jose will run about $69 USD while a private shuttle can be upwards of $200 for your whole group.  

Getting around in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa encompasses a long stretch of coastline. While it is walkable, it’ll take quite a while to walk from one end to the other. Plus there is so much more to do in the surrounding area outside of town. 

Most people in Santa Teresa get around by ATV or motorbike. Having a car rental during your time in Santa Teresa is also a good option. 

ATV/motorbike

There are plenty of ATV and motorbike rentals all over Santa Teresa. These rentals are expensive at around $50 USD per day, but you can sometimes get better rates if you negotiate for weekly or even monthly prices. 

Rental Car

The roads on the Nicoya Peninsula were some of the worst we encountered in all of Costa Rica. We ended up being just fine because we took it slow, but it was easy to see why most of the town’s residents get around on ATVs.

If you do end up renting a car, we would recommend renting a 4×4 or SUV if possible. 

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15 Cool things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

The town of Santa Teresa may be small, but it’s a great base to explore much of the southern Nicoya Peninsula. 

Below are some of the top things to do in Santa Teresa and the surrounding area.

1. Learn to surf

One of the most popular things to do while visiting Santa Teresa is to surf, duuuude. But don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a wave and don’t have the surfer lingo down… Santa Teresa is the perfect place to learn.

Costa Rica is known for some of the best surfing in the world, and the Nicoya Peninsula is a popular place for seasoned pros and beginners alike to get in the water.

There is no shortage of schools and surf camps to choose from, but remember, you get what you pay for.

After a bit of research, we found just who we were looking for! Audrey, from Costa Rica Surf and SUP, is originally from France, but has been living in Santa Teresa for several years, teaching people from all around the world to surf. She speaks French, English and Spanish and firmly believes anyone can learn to surf.

We are still far from being experts, but after our class with Audrey, we both feel comfortable enough to rent a board and go out on our own. Mission accomplished!

And if surfing doesn’t appeal to you, try Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) instead. Audrey can take you on a tour around the local rivers in Mal Pais.

How to book your surf lesson in Santa Teresa

You can find more information about Audrey’s company on her website, Costa Rica Surf and SUP. Contact her via the website, email or WhatsApp and she will get back to you quickly. And when you do, tell her Katie & Ben from Two Wandering Soles sent you!

2. Relax at the beach

After playing in the waves, take some time to chill out on the sand and soak up the views of the Pacific. There are several beautiful beaches to choose from in the Santa Teresa area:

• Playa Santa Teresa: Main beach in town and largest in the area. It’s nice, but could get a little busy.
• Playa Hermosa Cóbano: If you continue walking north on Playa Santa Teresa, it’ll eventually turn into Playa Hermosa Cóbano. 
• Playa Carmen: South of Santa Teresa, and a little more chill. Good beginner surf spot and nice spots for sun and shade.
• Playa Montezuma: Nice views with strong waves (not recommended to swim here), but the sand is dark and not best to lay on.
• Piedra Colorada: Twenty-minute walk north of Playa Montezuma is Piedra Colorada, a shady spot with colorful rocks which local artists have stacked into cairns.
• Playa Manzanillo: Short drive up the west coast, this beach is supposed to be one of best in the area with great views, waves and nice places to lay out.

3. Take a yoga class

Get your downward-dog on and show up to a yoga class in Santa Teresa. There are tons around the area, and some are even free. We took a free class at the Selina Santa Teresa South Hotel and it was a great way to start the day. 

Walk-in yoga classes are typically between $12 to $15 USD, and if you buy a package it will cost less per class. Some of the best studios and retreats are at Florblanca Resort, Hotel Tropico Latino, Believe Surf & Yoga, Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat, and Horizon Yoga Center. 

Psst! Are you headed to Costa Rica’s adventure capital? Check out our guide to the most adventurous things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

4. Watch the sunset with a drink in hand

Anytime we’re on a westward facing beach, we make sure to watch the sunset. Santa Teresa is a perfect spot to watch the sky turn pink to orange to purple as the sun dips beneath the waves.

Just bring a sarong to sit on and a beer to sip on!

If you want to take your viewing up a notch, why not catch the sunset from a cliffside infinity pool? 

Hotel Vista de Olas is perched on a cliffside in the hills of Mal Pais, overlooking Santa Teresa town and beach. They have a minimum spend of about 2 drinks, but it’s well-worth it to spend an afternoon there. 

5. Get work done at a coworking space

If you need good internet, the co-working space at Selina Santa Teresa South is wonderful. With strong internet speeds, comfy work chairs, coffee and A/C, this place is a digital nomad’s dream. 

Psst! Did you know Costa Rica is a great place to teach English? Find out how to get certified to teach English abroad.

6. Take a day trip to Montezuma

Located just 17 km east of Santa Teresa lies the small town of Montezuma. If I had to describe this little village in one word, it would be hippy.

If walking down the street lined by dreadlocked gringos crystals and necklaces sounds like your kind of vibe, you might prefer staying here over Santa Teresa. But if you’re not into that scene, a day trip might be a better way to see Montezuma.

Insider Tip: Renting a car is cheap in Costa Rica, and it makes getting between these two towns quite easy. If you’re traveling in Costa Rica with kids, renting a car is definitely the way to go because it will keep the cost down on transportation (since you’d have to pay for each individual person on a shuttle or bus). Plus, it’s just more convenient! 

7. Help protect turtles in Montezuma

Montezuma is a fun little town that is getting more and more popular each year. This is great for the shops and the community, but the extra beach foot traffic is bad for the hatching sea turtles. 

The baby turtles hatch during the dry season and the Romelia Sea Turtle Conservation Program helps protect and preserve their nesting environment. 

There is an application process to work with the program, but you can contact them to figure out when they are planning on releasing the babies so you can watch from a distance.

Remember: You should never touch a wild animal, especially a baby animal. Learn more responsible travel tips before your next trip.  

8. Visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Located at the very southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Cabo Blanco was named Costa Rica’s first Nature Reserve back in 1963. It’s a great spot to get away from the crowds (unlike the popular Manuel Antonio National Park) and get up close and personal with nature. The trails here are pretty rustic, but that’s part of the charm of this reserve.

If you’re up for a hike, try the out and back beach hike within the park. It is 2 hours in and 2 hours back. We’ve heard there’s not much to see, but it could be a good way to really get out in nature. 

Cost to enter: $12 USD and is open Wednesday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

9. Walk to Cemetary Island at low tide

Just a 25-minute drive outside of Montezuma lies a tiny island unlike any you’ve visited before. The Cabuya island small plot of land surrounded by water is a cemetery. When the tide is low, you can walk out to the island via the sliver of rocky land that peeks out of the water. Walk through the white arch on a small path that will lead you to a collection of graves.

It’s not as creepy as it sounds, trust us. I’d go as far to say it’s actually pretty peaceful and interesting to visit if you have the time. 

The story behind this strange burial ground (or at least from what we translated from the sign) is that a man was found dead at sea and the locals did not know where to bury him, so they made a grave for him on the island. After that, locals started making their final requests to be put to rest on the island. 

Just be sure to check the tide times and leave before the water comes in. This isn’t a place you’d want to get stranded!

10. Discover the Montezuma waterfall (in dry season)

We heard great things about the waterfall near the town of Montezuma, so we ventured there with high expectations. Well, nobody told us that during rainy season we wouldn’t even be able to get near the falls. 

A heavy rainfall the night before meant water was rushing down at a rate unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The whole area was flooded and the path was washed away in the muddy brown waters. 

That said, if you visit during dry season, it will be a much different scene with pools to swim in and a rope swing!

How to get to the Montezuma Waterfall

There are two ways to get to Montezuma Waterfalls: The lower trail and the upper trail. 

For the lower trail, drive the road south out of Montezuma along the shore, and cross over the first bridge (which is the river of the waterfalls). You can park your car to the right after the bridge and pay 1000 CRC ($2 USD), or you can walk the 0.3 miles from town to this trailhead.

From here it is an easy walk along the riverbed for about 20 minutes until you reach the lower (biggest) waterfall and swimming pools. You can climb the hundreds of steps up to the middle and upper falls, or you can drive to the upper falls. 

To get to the upper trail, you will turn right and take the steep uphill after the first bridge. You’ll drive all the way past the hanging bridges and park at the Butterfly Brewing Company (you might want a beer afterwards).

There is a trailhead about 100 feet up the road to the right from the brewery. You’ll walk the trail and follow it down to the fork. If you go to the right it will lead you to the middle waterfall, and to the left is the upper waterfall. 

The one-way hike will take about 20 minutes, but this property is owned by the Canopy Tour, so you may need to pay a 1000 CRC ($2 USD) entrance fee (when we were there, no one was collecting money, but it was during the rainy season). 

11. Mal Pais Tide Pools

A somewhat hidden gem just south down the coast from Santa Teresa, the Mal Pais Tide Pools (sometimes referred to as Mar Azul or Playa Mal Pais) are an impressive natural phenomenon. 

These secluded and rocky pools, created by the ebb and flow of the tides in the volcanic rock that makes up the coast here, provide a unique environment for exploration. Some of the pools are narrow and deep while others are shallow and wide. 

Visitors can discover a diverse array of sea creatures, from colorful fish to intriguing invertebrates. You can also relax in the pools—some of which feel like they were perfectly constructed as a private hot tub—all while surrounded by the stunning coastal beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula. 

12. Tortuga Island

If you’re looking for a white sand beach in Santa Teresa, you might be disappointed. However, visiting Tortuga Island off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula is the closest thing to tropical paradise you will find in the area. 

Located in the Gulf of Nicoya, this pristine island boasts white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. And, true to its name, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting sea turtles!

One thing to note is that Tortuga Island is only accessible by boat and a visit requires you to be part of a tour. 

Lots of the hotels/hostels in Santa Teresa offer day trip options which will include a shuttle to Paquera and a 20 minute boat ride to the island. The whole thing is a day-long excursion and will cost you around $100 USD per person. 

13. Sip craft beer at a local brewery

If you’re a craft beer lover like us, check out the Butterfly Brewing Company (Mariposa Brewing), just a short (but steep!) drive from town. They serve a small variety of craft brews and tasty food as well.

Butterfly Brewing Company is located near the upper entrance to the Montezuma Waterfall, so it’s a nice place to park and chill out after exploring the falls.

Tip: There’s a butterfly garden right next to the brewery, so if that’s up your alley, you might want to check it out!

14. Enjoy a typical Costa Rican meal

If you’re looking for an affordable meal while in Santa Teresa, stop and one of the few sodas—traditional restaurants—for a tasty meal.

We stopped at Soda Tipica Las Palmeras, which was recommended to us by a local. We ordered the grilled fish casado (a typical Costa Rican meal) to share and it was more than enough food for both of us. Oh, and the maracuya (passionfruit) smoothie hit the spot! 

Food in this area of Costa Rica isn’t exactly cheap, but you’ll find the best prices at the sodas.

Tip: For a nice dinner in Montezuma, Playa de los Artistas looks amazing! It is only open for dinner or lunch on Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly.

15. Party on the beach

While Santa Teresa is notably lacking in night clubs, you will find plenty of opportunities for a more laid back style night life on the beach. Head to the beach just after sunset and you’re likely to find something going on. 

There are beach bonfires, parties and events happening weekly at La Lora Amarilla, Banana Beach and Rancho Itauna.

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FAQS

We’ve got answers to some of your most common questions about Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.

Is Santa Teresa Costa Rica worth visiting?

If you’re looking for a laid-back surf town without the crowds of Tamarindo, we think Santa Teresa is absolutely worth visiting!

However, you should be aware that you’re not going to find 5-star luxury in this part of Costa Rica. With mostly dirt roads and an attitude towards sustainability, Santa Teresa caters to the backpacker and nomad crowd more than high-end travelers.  

How many days do you need in Santa Teresa?

As with most destinations, the number of days you need in Santa Teresa can vary based on your interests and what you want to experience. We think one week is a good amount of time to get your surf on and experience some of the unique things to do in the area. 

Here are some general guidelines:

• 2-3 days: If you’re short on time, a 2-3 day visit can provide a taste of Santa Teresa’s surf, beach, and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy some beach time, take a surf lesson, and explore the local dining scene.
• 4-6 days: For a more comprehensive experience, consider spending 4-6 days. This allows you to explore nearby attractions, take additional surf lessons, and truly unwind in the laid-back ambiance.
• 1 week or more: If you’re an avid surfer, nature lover, or remote-working digital nomad, spending a week or more in Santa Teresa is ideal. This time frame allows for deeper exploration, more beach days, and the chance to partake in various activities like yoga classes or day trips to surrounding areas.

Where is the nearest airport to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

The nearest airport is Tambor Domestic Airport (TMU), which is about an hour drive from Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. 

How long is the ferry to Santa Teresa?

If you are coming from San Jose and decide to take the ferry across from Puntarenas to Paquera, the ferry ride will take about 75 minutes. But you’ll still have to transfer from Paquera to Santa Teresa, which is just over an hour drive. 

How long is the shuttle from Liberia to Santa Teresa?

The road between Liberia Airport and Santa Teresa is about a 4 hour drive, however the shuttle usually takes around 5 hours for the journey.

Is Santa Teresa Beach swimmable?

In short, yes. However, given that this is the Pacific Ocean, and the waves can be intense, often people prefer to cool off in the tide pools in the area. 

Is Santa Teresa Costa Rica a party town?

Not exactly. You can certainly find nightlife and beach parties in Santa Teresa, however, it doesn’t have the same reputation for being a party town as others such as Jaco. 

When we were there, the town got pretty quiet after the sunset and we found it to be a bit “sleepy” during the rainy season. 

Can you drink the tap water in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

No. The tap water in Santa Teresa comes from local wells. Brushing your teeth and washing your produce in tap water is fine, but to err on the side of caution we wouldn’t recommend you drink it. 

As with a lot of countries in Central America, we’d recommend drinking only bottled water.  

Is Santa Teresa Costa Rica walkable?

Yes and no.

While you can walk from place to place in Santa Teresa, the town is spread out across a long stretch of coastline that would take about an hour to walk from one end to the other. 

If you plan to explore beyond the area around your accommodation we’d recommend renting a vehicle (car/ATV/motorbike) to get around. 

Do you need a car in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

No. There are ATV and motorbike rentals available all over town, so if you choose to come to Santa Teresa by shuttle and not rent your own car, you will be able to rent a vehicle when you arrive. 

Why is the Nicoya Peninsula considered a Blue Zone?

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, where Santa Teresa is located, is considered a  “blue zone,” where inhabitants exceed the average life expectancy. 

There are lots of theories as to why the people of Nicoya are blessed with longer than average life spans. But in general it is thought that the Nicoyans are physically active people, eat whole foods, prioritize rest and share a strong sense of purpose, all which lead to living longer and healthier lives. 

Tips for visiting Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Here are our top tips for visiting Santa Teresa to make the most out of your stay. 

• Embrace the surfing culture: Santa Teresa is a renowned surf destination. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, take advantage of the consistent waves and consider signing up for a surf lesson to make the most of your visit.
• Pack sun protection: The sun in Santa Teresa can be intense. Be sure to pack and wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
• Cash is king: While there are ATMs in town, it’s a good idea to carry some cash as well, as some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards. The national currency is Costa Rican colones, but U.S. dollars are often accepted, too.
• Respect the environment: Santa Teresa places a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainability. Follow Leave No Trace principles, dispose of waste properly, and respect local wildlife and ecosystems.
• Stay hydrated: The warm and humid climate can lead to dehydration. Carry an insulated water bottle and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re active or spending time on the beach.
• Try the local cuisine: Don’t miss the chance to savor the local flavors and fresh seafood while in Santa Teresa (refer to #14 above!) And remember to embrace Pura Vida, a Costa Rican saying that translates to “pure life” and extends to enjoying good food and company.

Where to eat in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa actually has some amazing restaurants, but they are not cheap. Expect to pay the same prices you would in the U.S. 

• Chicken Joes: The owners of this restaurant are super sweet, and while the food isn’t cheap, it’s a decent deal for Santa Teresa. They claim to have the best fish tacos in Santa Teresa, so I had to give them a try (one of my favorite meals!). While I didn’t try any others to compare, I can say they were damn good. We also got a ceviche, which was delicious and super fresh!
• The Bakery: This is a gringo hot spot in town, and with a selection of healthy and splurge-worthy Western foods it’s easy to see why. Choose from wood-fired pizzas, paninis, hamburgers, wraps, pastas and more. Or relax with a coffee and pastry (it’ll be hard to choose just one). And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, try their maracuya (passionfruit) cheesecake!
• The Roastery: Offering freshly roasted beans and a cozy atmosphere, this place has the best coffee in Santa Teresa. 
• La Cevicheria: A seaside gem known for its mouthwatering ceviche and fresh seafood dishes. 
• The Somos Cafe: A popular spot for healthy food, they have an all-veg and organic menu with a cute little courtyard dining area. 
• Eat Street: Vibrant food truck scene featuring a diverse range of international street food flavors, perfect for casual and adventurous dining experiences.
• El Tercer Ojo: Specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes with unique and savory flavors.
• Satori Terrace: There is definitely a debate as to where the best sushi in Santa Teresa is, but we think the rooftop terrace here is worth it alone!
• Soda La Amistad: There are few local restaurants (“sodas”) that serve pretty cheap breakfasts and lunches. Soda La Amistad had a pretty good casado lunch with chicken or fish, rice, bean, plantains and a small salad for around $5 USD. Probably the cheapest meals we had in the area. 
• Taco Corner (La Esquinita del Taco): Tiny place that smelled great everytime we walked by. So good that we eventually had to stop! The tacos looked fresh and the poke bowl was delicious. It can get a little pricey, but won’t break the bank like some of the other restaurants nearby.  

Where to stay in Santa Teresa

What to pack for Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Here are some specific items we’d recommend packing for Santa Teresa, Costa Rica:

• reef safe sunscreen
• insulated water bottle
• bug repellant (solids are the way to go)
• dry bag or waterproof phone case
• reusable straw & reusable bag
• loose, lightweight clothes & layers
• rain jacket (it can rain during any season, so you’ll want to be prepared!)
• swimwear
• rashguard (if you plan to do any surfing)
• microfiber towel
• Chaco sandals (we’d recommend these for Costa Rica instead of hiking boots as they are less bulky and are good for walking through water) or other sturdy shoes

Be sure to download our complete packing list for Costa Rica! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Costa Rica trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?

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Planning a trip to Costa Rica?

We have lots more resources on travel in Costa Rica and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Guide for all the answers you’re looking for, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Amazing Things to Do in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
• Adventurous Things to Do in Costa Rica
• Fun Things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
• Best Things To Do in La Fortuna & Arenal, Costa Rica

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? What questions do you have? Have you been to the Nicoya Peninsula? What was your favorite part? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!