Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: The Best places to Eat, Stay…
Santa Teresa is a very special place, far from most other destinations, and that’s a big part of the draw to this amazing beach/jungle town! It’s a bit of a long travel day, but the breathtaking scenery and unique experience make it so worth it!
Have you heard of Santa Teresa yet? I found most people I talk to about the beach town have never heard of it. It’s very trendy with great surf, beautiful people, a slowed-down lifestyle, delicious food, and an overall really fun time.
Santa Teresa is the kind of beach town where you don’t need to wear makeup at all during your trip; everyone is kind and on vacation with similar interests, and the typical outfit any time of day is a bathing suit, sarong, and bare feet. People smile at each other as they walk by, the locals are friendly, and it’s a very safe place to be!
I spent 10 days exploring Santa Teresa and the surrounding towns. My boyfriend and I absolutely fell in love with the area. By the end of our trip, I was trying to think of any possible way we could somehow extend our stay because we loved it that much!
In this guide, I am going to share with you my full list of recommendations! Where to stay, eat, surf, drink, fun things to do, and more!
Why Santa Teresa?
Because it’s one of the most special places in the world!! Everyone is so nice and like-minded: It has the best vibe! It’s safe, offers countless adventures, amazing wildlife and flowers, serves delicious food, has the most beautiful sunsets each night, features amazing waves, offers fun nights, introduces you to cool people, and brings lots of live music to the mix.
Visit for its stunning beaches, world-class surfing, lush nature, fun ATV adventures, incredible yoga retreats, vibrant culture, delicious food, and a welcoming community. Experience the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in this bohemian paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica!
Where is Santa Teresa?
On the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, it’s not the most easy destination to get to in Costa Rica but that’s another reason it’s so special.
What time of the year should I visit Santa Teresa?
The best time to visit Santa Teresa is during the dry season, which typically spans from December to April! This period offers sunny weather and ideal conditions for outdoor activities, including beach days and surfing. However, keep in mind that this is the peak tourist season. If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of late April to early June or September to early November, although there will be occasional rain showers during these times.
We visited from December 23rd – January 1st and had beautiful weather. It rained at night a few times but the locals told us that was strange for the time of year we were there. We noticed during the first few days of our trip the town was fairly quiet and low-key, we saw a huge pickup after December 26th.
If I don’t surf should I still go to Santa Teresa?
100% Yes! If you like beach towns, healthy food/living, beautiful sunsets, endless adventure, and the jungle you should definitely still go! And if you are interested in learning how to surf, there are beginner friendly beaches and lots of places that offer surf lessons!
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: The Best places to Eat, Stay, Surf, Explore, and more!
How to get to Santa Teresa?
To get to Santa Teresa, first you fly into San Jose (Juan Santamaría International Airport) and then you have some options…
Different ways to get to Santa Teresa
- Rent a car and drive yourself: You can rent a car at the airport in San Jose and drive the entire distance avoiding the ferry. Doing the drive this route will take you about seven hours on windy roads. Be sure to rent an SUV, there are often washouts you want to be ready for! If you have extra time this could be a fun option if you make it into a roadtrip!
- Rent a car and take the ferry: You can rent a car at the airport in San Jose then drive to the Puntarenas Ferry. The drive will take you about two hours. You can buy tickets ahead of time here but you can also buy them in person, they only sell a limited number of tickets online. The ferry ride is about 70 minutes long. The Ferry is huge, it hold 170 cars and 700 passengers and the ride is very smooth. Once you get off the ferry you will need to drive about an hour and a half so to Santa Teresa.
- Bus and ferry: If you don’t rent a car and want to go a cheaper route, you can take the public bus
- Take an internal flight *best option*: I highly recommend paying a little extra and going this way, it’s so worth it! Book with Green Airways and fly into Tambor or Cobano (do not book with Sansa!). Setup a taxi to pick you up from here, you can do so with your Airbnb host or hotel. The plane ride is about 30 minutes, it’s actually really fun and you have the most beautiful views! It usually costs $100-$150 each way.
Our experiences traveling to and from Santa Teresa
On our way to Santa Teresa we flew into San Jose and then took a small plane and flew Sansa Airlines over to Cobano. It was very smooth, easy, and offered beautiful views! From Cobano we took a 40 minute taxi to Santa Teresa and arrived at our Airbnb.
This is definitely the way to go. But do not fly Sansa Airlines! At the end of our trip we had planned to go home the same way we got to Santa Teresa. We bought our flights months prior. A taxi drove us from our Airbnb in Santa Teresa to Cobano airport. The airport is very small and it a quiet part of town.
We checked our bags, got our tickets and hung out until our flight. Ten minutes before our flight was supposed to take off, the agent told everyone flying Sansa to come over to their office where he announced to us all that all Sansa flights for the rest of the day had been cancelled with no reasoning why….it was immediate chaos! Oh and that we can’t get our money back…Everyone still had to catch their international flights home and now we were stuck in a very remote part of Costa Rica.
We made friends with someone else who needed to get to San Jose ASAP and shared a taxi with him. We jumped in, the taxi driver took us straight to the ferry got us our tickets and set us up with another taxi driver on the other end. The journey to get to San Jose that should’ve been a half hour plane ride turned into a six hour long crazy adventure and cost us each an extra $85 USD. The experience we had with the taxi drivers, the ferry, to getting stuck in traffic, to driving up a mountain and the car almost not making it, our taxi driver falling asleep at the wheel, his car dying off the exit by the airport, and running across the highway to catch our flight! It was a crazy experience that should’ve been so simple.
We found out afterwards that this is something Sansa frequently does, I do not recommend flying with them! It’s very frustrating and I wish we had known better before hand. The airline you want to fly with is Green Airways! They have a much better reputation, we plan on flying with them next time! Just be sure to buy your tickets as soon as you book your trip, especially during busy season.
After traveling to Santa Teresa via small plane then experiencing one of the other travel options on the way home, I definitely say take the small plane if you can make it work!
Should I rent a car in Santa Teresa?
No, rent an ATV instead of a car! It’s the best way to get around, especially if you are traveling alone or with only one other person. We rented one for our entire trip and used it every single day!
The perks of renting an ATV:
- Easy to park- you can literally park these anywhere!
- Cool you down- once you start driving the fresh air keeps you nice and cool in that hot Santa Teresa sun
- Safe- we found it to be very safe to drive, there were never any issues.
- Doesn’t burn much gas- we only had to fill it up a couple of times.
- Inexpensive- We paid $70 per day for the ATV in peak season. You can probably find even better deals other times of the year!
- We booked our ATV through our Airbnb host who then booked it for us through Ollies Adventures
- Make sure to ask for one with a box on the back for groceries and such!
- They all come with helmets- we didn’t wear ours when driving around town and never had any problems. We would wear them on longer drives like when we went to Montezuma.
The best places to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa truly has something for everyone! Beautiful mid-range hotels, lots of Airbnbs, cheap hostels, luxury mountain-side villas overlooking the ocean, surf houses and more! We stayed at two different places while we were there and talked to people we met about the places they stayed at!
My top picks for accommodations in Santa Teresa:
Buena Onda Bungalows | @buena_onda_bungalows
Eco ocean bungalows across the street from Playa Santa Teresa. Small, clean rooms, with everything you need! Small but a very beautiful resort. Outdoor shower, small kitchen area, wifi, gated, very friendly staff, parking area, and close to a grocery store! Located on the North end of Santa Teresa. Great deals on bungalows. 250 mt. norte del supermercado la Hacienda Puntarenas Playa Santa Teresa, 00111, Costa Rica
Hotel Raratonga & Apartments | @hotelraratonga
A natural lodge with a jungle design just steps from the beach! Located on the quiet, North end of Santa Teresa. Gated lodge with beautiful, clean rooms. There is a pool, wifi, friendly staff, parking spots and just steps from a grocery store. The perfect place for a quick or longer stay in Santa Teresa. Great deals on rooms. 300 meters north from Lora Amarilla, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Don Jon’s Lodge | @donjonslodge
A surf and yoga hostel located in central Santa Teresa just across the street from the beach. Offers inexpensive accommodations in a great location with clean rooms! 150 metros norte plaza futbol Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Santa Teresa, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica
House of Somos | @houseofsomos
Santa Teresa’s most trendy hotel/cafe/bar/surf shop! Located on the North end of Santa Teresa near many restaurants and shops. The entire place is beautiful with the coolest design. If you want to be in one of the most popular places in Santa Teresa, stay here! Very nice staff with the best overall vibe. A little more expensive. LOTE, 25 M AL SUR FRENTE A LORA AMARILLA, Provincia de Puntarenas, 60101, Costa Rica
Top things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Relax on the beaches
The beauty of the beaches is truly unparalleled! Unlike many destinations, there are no commercial high-rise hotels lining the shore here – it’s an entirely different vibe. To reach most beaches, you walk through the woods via narrow paths. This preserves the lush jungle right up to the sandy shores, creating the most beautiful, tropical setting!
Check out these beaches
- Playa Santa Teresa: Located north of Playa Carmen, this area has seen recent development with the addition of shops and restaurants. Access to the pristine white-sand beach requires a bit of navigation due to private residences and jungle separating it from the main strip. Keep an eye out for a narrow dirt road just across from El Facon Grill & Bar! This beach is where we went almost every night for sunset!
- Playa Hermosa: A tiny and tranquil town with gentle waves, perfect for novice surfers – a definite must-visit! The beach is just 10-15 minutes away from Santa Teresa’s bustling main strip. True to its name, Playa Hermosa translates to “beautiful beach” and lives up to its reputation.
- Playa Carmen: The primary beach town, typically lots of activity going on here, is a haven for mid-level and experienced surfers. It’s particularly popular during sunset, offering a spectacular view! While restaurants and shops line the road, they are not directly situated by the beach, which keeps the shoreline a serene, natural ambiance for everyone to enjoy.
- Playa Manzanillo: Located just beyond Santa Teresa, this spot is absolutely worth the visit! The coastal route leading to the beach offers stunning scenery and a much quieter atmosphere. Situated to the north of Santa Teresa, reaching this beach requires transportation. We took our atv here and just loved it, very quiet!
We often drove our ATV along the coast and beach hopped all day long. I recommend either heading toward the direction of Mal País or towards Manzanillo to do this. You will find the most beautiful areas with nobody else around!!
Surf Santa Teresa
There are beaches here for every level surfer! Don’t worry if you have never surfed before visiting here, there are places you can learn with calm waves. There are also places for very experienced surfers. What’s so special about Santa Teresa for surfers is the great surf breaks, consistent swell, and year-round warm water!
- Playa Hermosa: calm waves, great place for beginner surfers
- Playa Carmen: great for mid-level and experienced surfers
- Playa Santa Teresa: beach break for all levels
Where to rent from? Depending on where you are surfing and what kind of transportation you have should be how you decide where you are going to rent from! We rented from Jackalopes Surf Shop at Playa Hermosa which was very convenient for us because we didn’t have to drive around with the board on our ATV. We would rent one day at a time so that meant we had to return our boards by 4pm and it cost us $15 per board for the day.
A few other good places to rent from are- Delmar Surf School & Shop and Kina Surf Shop.
Where to take lessons?
Jackalopes offers lessons and are conveniently located at the beginners beach! We saw a bunch of people taking lessons from Delmar Surf School. Santa Teresa Surf Lessons is another great place to go through!
Don’t be nervous about taking a lesson, the instructors are amazing and will have you up and surfing in no time!
Go horseback riding on the beach at sunset
This is a must-do activity! If you’re in Santa Teresa or any of the surrounding towns, make sure to book the Sunset Beach Tour with Horizonte Horse Experience. Michelle, the owner, has created the most amazing horseback riding experience you could dream of. She is exceptionally kind and takes excellent care of her horses, making sure you feel confident riding around Costa Rica in no time!
Our horseback riding adventure
We began our adventure by the beach in Manzanillo, riding into the village, up to the mountains and through the jungle, crossing a river along the way. Michelle even arranged a stop for us to enjoy some refreshing coconut water. The highlight, however, was reaching the beautiful beach just as the sun was going down! Throughout the journey, Michelle provided guidance on how to maintain control while riding. By the end, she had us full-on galloping along the beach! Although I had ridden horses before, I had never experienced anything quite like this. Alby and I are thrilled we did this, and I cannot recommend it enough while you’re in Santa Teresa!
Day Trip to Tortuga Island- Snorkel, boat, lunch, beach volleyball, fun
While in Santa Teresa, you should set aside a day to visit Tortuga Island!! The most beautiful Island in Costa Rica- White sandy beaches, great snorkeling, calm water for swimming and so much fun to be had on the Island!
We booked our day trip to Tortuga Island with Zuma Tours and we are so happy we did! The morning our our day trip, they had a car pick us up right outside our Airbnb in Santa Teresa and drove us to Montezuma! When we got to Montezuma they dropped us off by the beach where the boat would leave from. We had sometime to get coffee and breakfast before our trip started.
We boarded the boat and were headed off! The boat ride was a lot of fun, they play music and show you all kinds of cool spots along the way.
The captain will bring you to the best snorkel spots near Tortuga Island! He brought us to two different areas where we had plenty of time to snorkel. We saw so many beautiful, bright colored fish, sea urchins, and even saw a shark!
After you are done snorkeling you can relax on the boat where they have drinks for everyone! Once everyone is done snorkeling, it’s time to go to Tortuga Island and eat lunch! The lunch was made on the Island and was delicious, there are options for chicken, fish, or vegetable. After lunch we played beach volleyball against the locals who work on the boats and had a blast! The water is a beautiful clear, blue color and so relaxing to swim in.
I cannot recommend this day trip enough! It’s a really fun and cool way to see a totally different part of Costa Rica and the snorkeling is amazing!!
Search for seashells
When visiting a new beach destination, searching for seashells is one of my favorite things to do!! I didn’t know what to expect in Costa Rica but I was SO pleasantly surprised with the most beautiful shells and rocks!
The more beaches you explore the more diverse shells you will find! Costa Rica had the most cowrie and puka shells I’ve ever found, anywhere!
The key is to explore as many beaches as possible! Hop on your ATV when the tide is out and just drive the coast in both directions- believe me you will find lots! You will find that some of the beaches only have minimal shells because of how sandy they are where others are more rocky and covered in beautiful stones and shells!
Please make sure to never take anything living, only shells that are empty.
Day trip to Montezuma- Explore town, Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve, & the Montezuma Waterfall!
During your time in Santa Teresa, set aside a day for exploring Montezuma! You are so close it’s worth spending a day in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Wake up early, eat a good breakfast, pack up your things and drive your ATV over to Montezuma!
The drive from Santa Teresa is beautiful, and a lot of fun! Be sure to use Waze to find your way to each destination, Google Maps and Apple Maps don’t work well in CR.
Cabo Blanco
Start off your day by heading to the farthest away destination first, the Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve. When you are done exploring the Nature Preserve, drive back over to the Montezuma Waterfall, you will have passed it on your way to The Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve. Give yourself a few hours to explore the falls then head into the town of Montezuma afterwards! This is just minutes down the road from the falls. It’s important to wake up early and give yourself plenty of time to fit everything in, they are all so close to each other it makes sense to hit them all in one day!
- Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve: a fantastic off-the-beaten-path hiking spot that is full of wildlife! Located near Montezuma, this gem is just about an hour drive from Santa Teresa. Easily accessible by ATV, the reserve offers three trails. The Sendero Arboretum Trail that is only about .6 of a mile loop that takes about 30 min, The Danes Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that takes about an hour (we did this one and really enjoyed it), and the Sueco Trail, a 3.1-mile journey to Playa Cabo Blanco, is the park’s highlight, showcasing diverse wildlife like monkeys, bats, butterflies, birds, ants, and lizards takes about 4 hours. Wildflowers and stunning trees add to the natural beauty. Admission is $12 USD, and the park is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Keep an eye out for monkeys and sloths!
Montezuma Waterfall
- Montezuma Waterfall: Montezuma Falls, located just 45 minutes from Santa Teresa, is one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking local waterfalls! Accessible through a scenic 20-minute hike, the falls offer a refreshing plunge to cool off. There is lots of wildlife to be seen so keep an eye out! There is parking for your ATV then you have to hike up. Don’t wear sneakers! You want to wear water shoes, Tevas or something similar- your shoes will be soaking not long into the hike. Set aside the time to do this, it’s so beautiful!
Montezuma
- Town of Montezuma: After the waterfall stop in the town of Montezuma for lunch at Restaurante Montezuma Latino Beach Food located on the water! Food is delicious and the views are beautiful. After lunch walk around town, there are little shops and an area with locals selling jewelry- it’s cool to experience and a totally different vibe than Santa Teresa.
On your trip home it’s a great time to fill up on gas in Cobano. Also keep an eye out for fresh fruit stands! We found one on the drive home and got he most delicious, fresh fruit!!
Tidepools
The ocean’s crashing waves in Santa Teresa can be challenging if you want to just swim and relax in the ocean, but don’t worry, you have options! Opt for a more serene experience at the Santa Teresa Tide Pool, situated between Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa. Be sure to wear Tevas or water shoes, the rocky terrain can be a bit sharp. Parking is easy—look for a convenient spot on your left near some rocks as the road approaches the shore. Or look a little farther down, discover another pull-off with shaded trees for parking. The huge tide pool is easily visible from the parking area, just a short walk away. Enjoy a peaceful swim surrounded by the beauty of nature!
During our time here we saw another family who brought snorkel gear and saw all kinds of cool creatures and fish! We didn’t bring ours but could see bright blue fish and even an eel!!
Shopping
Santa Teresa has dozens of places to go shopping!
Hop on your ATV, start on one end of town then just drive towards the other end slowly, pull over and stop at each store that catches your eye. You can spend a good part of the day doing this.
Somos has the coolest t-shirts and I found a beautiful sarong and accessories at Jackalopes Surf Shop over at Playa Hermosa!
Spend the day at Banana Beach Club
Banana Beach is a must-visit spot! Accessible either by a walk on the beach or through the town road, it offers a really fun experience. Drop by day or night, enjoy a drink and find a comfy place to relax with beautiful views of the ocean. It’s known for the spectacular sunset views and vibrant nightlife, Banana Beach is a popular hotspot.
Banana Beach offers great beach food and reasonably priced drinks, adding to the overall appeal of this beachfront gem. Be sure to check it out at least once while you are in Santa Teresa!
Visit the village of Mal País
We fell in love with the sleepy fishing village of Mal País located just south, neighboring Santa Teresa. If you want a really quiet beach day, or somewhere beautiful to go for a ride on your ATV go to Mal País!
We often beach hopped, watched locals fish out past the strong break, found amazing shells and some of our most favorite little beach spots in all of Costa Rica here! Pack up everything you need on your ATV and spend some of the day exploring Mal País!
If you don’t have an ATV or some sort of transportation this will be a long walk but it is doable.
Watch the sunset
Make it a point to do this every night while you are in Santa Teresa!! The sunset here are just so special.
Each night, you will see most people from town walk over to the beach about an hour before the sun sets. The sunset is so beautiful and different each night, you don’t want to miss it!!
Bring a beach blanket, a few beers, your camera and wear your bathing suit. The water is still warm and so enjoyable at sunset, take a quick dip then relax on the beach with a drink. I couldn’t get over how beautiful the sky was every night and ended up taking hundreds of pictures every time.
We liked to just walk across the street from where we were staying and find a spot on Santa Teresa Beach. There was always plenty of room to find our own place to sit, I would notice a lot of familiar faces from nights before.
Watch the sunset from an infinity pool- Vista de Olas
Located up in the hills of Mal Pais, Vista de Olas offers the most unique sunset watching experience! The pool offers stunning panoramic views of Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, and beyond. It’s an absolute must-visit while in Santa Teresa, especially at sunset, this is when you want to visit.
While Vista de Olas is a hotel, you can spend an evening with a minimum spend requirement (approximately two drinks) to get in the pool…and you want to be in the pool as the sun goes down! You will meet some pretty cool people up here, this hidden gem attracts those looking for a fun and unique experience. We ate an early dinner up here and the food was great!
Best restaurants in Santa Teresa
There are so many options for dining in Santa Teresa, lots of fresh and healthy options! Here are my recommendations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Whenever you see a “Soda” it’s a local, Costa Rican restaurant- we loved these!
Where to get breakfast in Santa Teresa (& coffee!)
- Brekki– Thoughtful food, organic, delicious!
- Somos– The most trendy place in Santa Teresa, transformed from an airstream with outdoor seating, has amazing breakfast options. Get one of their must-try dishes like acai bowls, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos.
- Cafe Social– Coffee & deli
- Eat Street– Outdoor food court with smoothie bowls, avo toast, breakfast burritos and coffee
- The Bakery– The best place for breakfast in Santa Teresa! I love their traditional breakfast plate and they also have amazing pastries! Try their raspberry croissant!
- Ani’s Bowls and Salads– Amazing acai bowls and coffee
- Good Munchies Latin Kitchen– Quick, fresh, and delicious!
Where to get lunch in Santa Teresa
You will find smoothies are very popular for lunch in Santa Teresa! We found ourselves craving them a few days into our trip. It gets pretty hot during the day and if you are out on the water or adventuring a good smoothie is exactly what you want! They know how to make them reaaallyyyy good in Santa Teresa!
- Aroma– Smoothies, sandwiches, quesadillas- good food, comfy space to hangout at
- The Bakery– Great option for lunch! This place is busy all day long because of how good it is!
- Somos– Sandwiches, smoothies, salads
- Eat Street– Santa Teresa’s street food marketplace-tacos, burritos, salads, drinks and more!
- Soda Soy Tico– Local Costa Rican food, delicious, get one of their smoothies!
- Couleur Cafe– One of our favorite lunch spots, located by Playa Hermosa, fun atmosphere, delicious food and smoothies
Where to get dinner in Santa Teresa
- Nami Sushi– The best place for sushi in Santa Teresa, great vibe and drinks
- Kooks Smokehouse– Try their brisket! We loved Kooks, came here multiple times
- Pronto!– Best place for pizza, fun atmosphere
- Soda Tiquicia– Local Costa Rican food, nice staff, lots of options
- El Facon– Argentina style food, often have live music
- Las Piedras Grill Restaurant– Grill style, chicken, ribs, etc., very nice staff & good food
- Rocamar– Tacos, ceviche, beach views
Nightlife in Santa Teresa
Nightlife in Santa Teresa is laid back and a lot of fun, I think it’s the perfect vibe. You will not find any crazy nightclubs like you might in places like Tulum- Santa Teresa is a surf town and the people who visit here like to have fun but it’s nothing wild. We often walked around or rode down the street on our ATV looking for where we could hear music and see people having fun at.
I loved going out in Santa Teresa! Certain places are more fun than others different nights of the week so be sure to ask around while in town- Here is a list of my favorite places to go out in Santa Teresa!
- Banana Beach Club– Check out thier website, they often have live music or events!
- Somos– The place to be on Thursday Nights! Live music, DJ, a really fun time
- Kooks Smokehouse– Live music, often have DJs upstairs, dancing, fun
- Rocamar– Another awesome place to watch the sunset and have a few drinks
- Kika– Fun late night spot, live music, sometimes open mic
- Hotel Vista de Olas– An amazing sunset spot! A totally different view than anywhere else. A pool up on the hill overlooking Santa Teresa, sunset here is incredible. Grab some food and drinks and that will cover your pool fee.
More…
Grocery stores
Santa Teresa has several grocery stores lining the main road, making it very convenient for visitors. During our stay, we were fortunate to have one in close proximity to where we stayed, situated near both Buena Onda and Hotel Raratonga- Super La Hacienda, they always had everything we needed!
While these grocery stores may not be like the large chains you find in the United States, I found them to be perfect for our needs. These stores provide a great range of options for those looking to do their cooking at home, ensuring you have all the essentials.
- Green World Store: Organic, vegan, gluten free- great options!
- Le Pesca: Fish market
- Super La Hacienda: Small supermarket with everything you need located on the North end of town
- Super Ronny’s: Located on the South end of town- also have great options
Things to know before you go to Santa Teresa
- Bring cash- go to your bank at home and get Costa Rican Colons before hand
- Use Waze to get around! Nothing else works- not Google Maps or Apple Maps
- Everyone communicates via whatsapp- be sure to download this and become familiar with it
- Main road is not paved so gets very dusty- have sunglasses on you all times (even at night)
- Thursday nights are the most popular night to go out in Costa Rica!
- The tap water in Santa Teresa is safe to drink
- Fresh fruit!! Try it all!
- If you travel everywhere ATV be prepared for everything to get dirty because of the dirt roads
- Tips are included at all restaurants!! Leave a dollar or 2 extra (what they are expecting)
- It’s safe- I never once felt like I was in danger or in an uncomfortable position as a young woman
- Don’t bring fancy clothes, it’s not the place for it
- The sun is strong- wear sunscreen all day, everyday
- Almost everyone speaks English in Santa Teresa, when you travel to and from you might run into a few people who don’t but just use Google Translate
- Do not fly Sansa Airlines
- Bring a reusable and insulated water bottle!!
- Bring sunscreen from home- it’s marked way up everywhere sold in Santa Teresa
- Be prepared to not ever want to leave, there is something so incredible about this little remote beach/surf town
How long should I visit Santa Teresa for?
At least a full week if not ten days!
Believe me you are not going to want to leave….I never want to leave when I’m exploring a new, beautiful destination but there was just something different about Santa Teresa. I could see myself living my life there, surrounded by like-minded people who truly know how to live life the best possible way. By the end of our trip I was trying to figure out any way possible I could stay longer.
It is not the easiest place to get to so give yourself enough time to really explore all it has to offer since you went through all the trouble of getting out to the beautiful beach town!
Is Santa Teresa expensive?
Yes, it’s expensive.
Compared to a lot of other destinations you can visit in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa is not one of the cheaper options but there are ways you can make it cheaper!
- Book everything as far in advance as possible- your hotel, flights, and any rentals.
- Stay at a hostel instead of a hotel or airbnb
- Cook your meals instead of going out
- Walk- you can walk everywhere once you get to Santa Teresa
Even though Santa Teresa is more expensive, I think it’s so worth it. In ten years, this little hidden gem will be blown up and significantly more popular based on how much it’s currently growing. Experiencing this little beach/surf town is a privilege, if you are able to get here, do it soon – I cannot recommend it enough.
Santa Teresa
I have traveled to a lot of pretty amazing destinations in my life so far and Santa Teresa is up at the top of my list- there is just something so special about this place that you can’t understand until you visit for yourself. If you are considering visiting you 1000% should!!
If you like beautiful remote destinations, the beach, jungle, and adventure take a trip to Santa Teresa! You will create memories that last a lifetime in one of the most amazing places.
Have you visited Santa Teresa or do you have a trip planned? What time of year did you go or plan to go? Tell me in the comments below and please ask any questions you have about Santa Teresa! Also follow along with me on Instagram to see all my travel and adventure photos.
Thanks so much for being here! I hope my Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Travel Guide was helpful for you. If you are headed off to Santa Teresa soon, have a blast!!
Be sure to check out my Santa Teresa Packing List to make sure you have everything you need for your trip!
Safe travels! 🌸🫶🏼🌞🌊🥥🦋💛
Check out my Santa Teresa Costa Rica Travel Vlog Next!!
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! 🌞⛰️🌼🫶🏼🦋🌲📸🥾💛
8 Comments
jeanne dee
Wow, what a fabulous and detailed post!! I love warm winters like this so costa rica is on my list and this looks like an amazing spot. The pictures make me happy just looking at them! 🙂
sierra
Thank you Jeanne! 😊 I hope you can visit Santa Teresa someday! 🌸
cass
omg Santa Teresa looks so so beautiful!! I love that it’s a mix of healthy/slow living but also waterfalls/jungle/adventure. That’s the perfect mix for a trip.
sierra
It really is the perfect mix! Santa Teresa has the best vibe 🌞🌊 Thanks for checking out my post! 💛
Anna
I’ve never been to Costa Rica and had no idea about Santa Teresa. Hope one day to go horseback riding on the beach at sunset. Thanks for sharing!
sierra
The horseback riding on the beach at sunset is the coolest experience!! Thanks Anna! 😊🫶🏼
Linda (LD Holland)
We have Costa Rica on our planning list for a long visit. So it was great to read more about Santa Teresa. We would like this laid back beach town a lot. We don’t surf but do love to watch it. And would definitely plan to snorkel at Tortuga Island.
sierra
I hope you are able to visit Santa Teresa!! The surfers are so fun to watch and the day trip to Tortuga Island is a must! Thanks for checking out my post Linda! 😊💛