Things To Do In Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Things To Do In Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa brings a bohemian, "barefoot luxury" energy to the Nicoya Peninsula. Known for unpaved roads and world-class breaks, this Pacific hub attracts surfers, yogis, and digital nomads alike. The coastal stretch extends to nearby gems like Playa Carmen, Mal País, and Playa Hermosa, perfect for sunset watching and tide-pool dips.
What truly sets Santa Teresa apart is its fusion of traditional Costa Rican coastal culture and an international, eco-chic lifestyle. This unique energy comes to life in the town's open-air yoga shalas, stylish boutiques, and thriving culinary landscape. Embracing global flavors alongside traditional Costa Rican staples, local dining relies heavily on fresh Pacific catches, tropical smoothie bowls, and gourmet vegan dining alongside high-end international restaurants that cater to every taste.
Ready to experience Santa Teresa? Allow our travel experts to craft your personalized getaway to this tropical paradise, celebrated for its golden beaches, lush jungle backdrops, and world-class coastal living.
Travel Guide For Santa Teresa Attractions & Activities
Surfing
From Santa Teresa’s powerful beach breaks that handle big swell to Playa Carmen’s forgiving, beginner-friendly sandbars, there's a wave for every level. Advanced surfers can head just south to Mal País to hunt down rocky reef point breaks.
Yoga & Wellness Classes
A central pillar of the Santa Teresa experience is its vibrant wellness scene. Open-air shalas located in the jungle canopy offer daily classes, sound baths, and holistic retreats overlooking the ocean, providing the perfect way to unwind after a morning surf session.
Tide Pools of Playa Hermosa
Just north of Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa houses expansive natural tide pools revealed at low tide. These warm, crystal-clear natural saltwater pools act as mini reefs, creating ideal conditions for relaxing, snorkeling, or wading safely with families.
Cabo Blanco Reserve & Mal País Coast
Take an ATV or 4x4 south through quiet Mal País to explore secret coves, rugged fisherman docks, and the trails of Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve for an authentic look at the peninsula's wild roots. This seabird sanctuary is popular for birdwatching. Around 240 bird species have been recorded in Cabo Blanco, along with several mammals. You might spot armadillos, anteaters, monkeys and coatis.
Talk to a Santa Teresa Expert!
Get insider tips and local recommendations from our Santa Teresa Travel guides. From charming local eateries and scenic coastal walks to off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Best Santa Teresa Day Trips
Montezuma Waterfalls & Village
Located just 40 minutes across the peninsula, the free-spirited village of Montezuma is famous for its multi-tiered jungle waterfalls. A short hike along the riverbed brings you to a large natural swimming hole with a spectacular cascade, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Tortuga Island Catamaran Tour
Departing from nearby Paquera or Montezuma, day trips to Tortuga Island take you across the calm Gulf of Nicoya. The tour features snorkeling over volcanic reef formations populated by angelfish and sea turtles, followed by a white-sand beach lunch under sway palm trees.
Curu Wildlife Refuge
Curu is located on the south of Nicoya Peninsula. The area has abundant wildlife and hosts one of the most beautiful beaches and protected bays on the Peninsula. It offers access to seeing some of the most sought-after species such as White-faced monkeys, Spider monkeys, Scarlet macaws, White-tailed deer, Collared Peccary, Coati, raccoons, coyotes, iguanas and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds.
Barra Honda Caves
Barra Honda's main attraction is a large, intricate system of limestone caverns. It consists of a former coral reef dating back over 60 million years. Tectonic faulting uplifted it from its former seabed and rains created underground waterways
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Where is Santa Teresa Located? + Map
Santa Teresa is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula within the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica. If you are traveling from San José or the Liberia International Airport (LIR), reaching Santa Teresa involves a scenic combination of driving and taking the Tambor Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera (about a 1.5-hour boat crossing), followed by a 1-hour drive across the peninsula. Alternatively, domestic flights land at the nearby Tambor Airstrip (TMU), located just 45 minutes from town.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas
Surf Town
Population: 3,000
Elevation: 0–15 mts.
FAQs About Visiting Santa Teresa
When is the best time to visit Santa Teresa?
December through April offers optimal dry-season weather with sunny days and excellent road conditions. Keep in mind that peak season brings bigger crowds and higher rates, so booking early is recommended. May through November (the green season) brings lush scenery, smaller crowds, and the biggest surf swells.
Is the water safe for swimming?
Only in designated areas. The area experiences strong rip currents and heavy breaks. Check with locals or look out for red warning flags before wading deep into the water.
Is it easy to get around in Santa Teresa?
The main street of Santa Teresa is a long, unpaved road that runs parallel to the coast. While walking works for immediate neighborhoods, renting an ATV or a 4x4 vehicle is the standard way to navigate the dusty roads and explore nearby areas like Hermosa and Mal País.
How many days should I stay?
Plan for 3 to 4 days for a quick surfing and relaxation trip. Stay 5 to 7 days if you want to include day trips to neighboring spots.
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