Santa Teresa
Endless Pacific waves, jungle-backed beaches, sunset yoga sessions, and the kind of barefoot beach life that makes you forget you ever owned shoes.
1 day in Santa Teresa
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Santa Teresa in a single action-packed day.
Santa Teresa Highlights
Sunrise Surf Session
Wake before dawn and paddle out for a sunrise surf at Playa Santa Teresa — one of the best beach breaks in Costa Rica. The consistent Pacific swell produces powerful waves that work at all tides, with the morning glass-off (no wind) creating perfect conditions. Beginners can take a lesson at one of the many surf schools lining the beach road, while experienced surfers will find hollow barrels and fast walls. The sand-bottom break is forgiving for wipeouts and the water is warm year-round.
Beach Life & Yoga
After surfing, join the beach life that defines Santa Teresa. This is a place where the afternoon revolves around swaying hammocks, cold coconuts, beachside smoothie bowls, and open-air yoga. Drop into one of the many yoga studios for a class ($15–20) or simply lay out on the long stretch of white sand that runs for kilometres in both directions. The beach is never crowded — there is always space to spread out.
Sunset & Beach Bars
Santa Teresa's sunsets are legendary — the Pacific horizon turns from gold to crimson to deep purple as surfers catch their final waves in silhouette. Walk to the Playa Hermosa overlook or find a spot on the main beach. After dark, the beach bars come alive — Banana Beach, Kika, and other spots along the main road offer cocktails, live music, and a backpacker-meets-surf-bum atmosphere that is uniquely Santa Teresa.
3 days in Santa Teresa
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
Surf, Yoga & Beach Life
First Surf at Playa Santa Teresa
Catch your first waves at Playa Santa Teresa as the sun rises over the jungle-covered hills behind you and the Pacific stretches to the horizon ahead. The beach break produces consistent swell year-round — hollow and powerful at low tide, more forgiving at high. Rent a board from one of the dozens of shops along the main road or book a lesson if you are learning. The warm water, sand bottom, and mellow crowd make this one of the world's best places to surf.
Smoothie Bowls & Yoga
Refuel at one of Santa Teresa's health-focused cafés — açaí bowls, fresh juice, and plant-based lunches are the local speciality. The surf-yoga lifestyle is genuine here, not performative. Drop into an afternoon yoga class at one of the beachfront studios, or simply find a hammock and a book. The pace of life in Santa Teresa is deliberately slow — fighting it is pointless and missing the point.
Pacific Sunset & Night Out
Walk to the beach for sunset — the sky above the Pacific puts on a show every single evening, and the silhouettes of surfers catching their last rides make it photogenic beyond belief. After dark, the beach bars and restaurants along the main dirt road light up. Santa Teresa's nightlife is barefoot and unpretentious — live music, DJ sets, fire dancers, and cold beer under the palms.
Montezuma Waterfall & Mal País
Montezuma Waterfall Hike
Rent an ATV or motorbike and ride 30 minutes south to Montezuma — a small bohemian beach town at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. From the edge of town, hike 20 minutes along a river trail through tropical forest to the Montezuma Waterfall — a spectacular triple cascade that plunges 24m into a deep swimming hole. The water is fresh, cool, and surrounded by jungle. It is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Costa Rica.
Mal País Tide Pools & Surf
Return north and explore Mal País — Santa Teresa's more rugged, less developed neighbour. At low tide, the rocky shoreline reveals tide pools teeming with sea creatures: starfish, anemones, crabs, and small fish trapped in the volcanic rock formations. If the swell is right, experienced surfers can try the Mal País reef break — faster and hollower than the Santa Teresa beach break.
Beachfront Dinner
Eat dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants where your table is literally in the sand. Fresh ceviche, grilled fish of the day, and tamarind margaritas are the specialities. The sound of the waves provides the soundtrack while candles flicker in the sea breeze.
Cabo Blanco & Horseback Riding
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Drive south to Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco — Costa Rica's first-ever protected area, established in 1963. The 4.8km Sueco Trail leads through primary tropical forest to a pristine white sand beach at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The forest is home to howler and capuchin monkeys, white-tailed deer, agoutis, and over 150 bird species. The beach at the end is wild, undeveloped, and spectacular — you may have it entirely to yourself.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Join an afternoon horseback ride along the beaches and through the forest trails behind Santa Teresa. The horses wade through the shallow surf as the Pacific sparkles to the west, and the trails wind through tropical forest and farmland with mountain views. Multiple operators offer sunset rides that time the beach section for golden hour.
Final Sunset & Farewell
Catch one last Santa Teresa sunset from the beach. The sky here is wider and more dramatic than almost anywhere in Costa Rica. Have a farewell dinner at your favourite beachfront spot and toast to the surf, the sunsets, and the slow pace of life that makes this stretch of coast so addictive. Many travellers come for 3 days and stay for 3 weeks.
7 days in Santa Teresa
A full week to go deep — from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Arrival & First Surf
Arrive in Santa Teresa
Arrive via the Paquera/Tambor ferry and shuttle or by direct shuttle from your previous destination. The final stretch of dirt road through the jungle signals that you are entering a different world. Check into your hostel or surf camp and get oriented — the entire town runs along one dusty main road parallel to the beach.
First Paddle Out
Rent a surfboard and hit the beach for your first session. Playa Santa Teresa has waves for all levels — beginners stay inside on the white water, intermediates catch the reform, and advanced surfers paddle out to the powerful outside break. The water is warm, the sand bottom is forgiving, and the vibe in the lineup is friendly.
First Sunset
Walk the beach at sunset and understand immediately why people fall in love with this place. The Pacific horizon ignites in colour while surfers become silhouettes and the waves turn golden. Find a beach bar, order a cold Imperial, and settle in.
Surf & Yoga Day
Dawn Patrol Surf
Wake at first light for the best surf conditions — clean, offshore winds and glassy faces. The dawn patrol crowd is small and dedicated, and the waves are at their best before the onshore wind picks up around 10am.
Yoga & Recovery
After surfing, stretch out sore muscles with a drop-in yoga class. Santa Teresa has world-class yoga studios with ocean views, open-air shalas, and excellent instructors from around the world. Follow with a smoothie bowl and hammock time.
Taco Night
Santa Teresa has excellent tacos — both Costa Rican and Mexican-influenced. Several taco trucks and restaurants along the main road serve fresh fish tacos, shrimp burritos, and ceviche tostadas at great prices. Hit the taco trail and compare.
Montezuma Waterfall Day Trip
Ride to Montezuma
Rent an ATV or motorbike and ride the coast road south to Montezuma (30 minutes). The road passes through Mal País and Cabuya with ocean views and jungle-covered hills. Montezuma is a tiny bohemian village with a distinct character — more hippie than surf compared to Santa Teresa.
Waterfall Swimming
Hike to the Montezuma Waterfall — a 24m triple cascade that crashes into a deep emerald pool. Swim in the cool fresh water surrounded by tropical forest. If you are feeling bold, locals jump from the mid-level falls — but assess the depth carefully first. The upper pool is the most peaceful and the least visited.
Montezuma Village & Return
Explore Montezuma village — art galleries, jewellery makers, and a couple of restaurants with a distinctly bohemian vibe. Eat fresh seafood on the waterfront, then ride back to Santa Teresa before dark. The jungle road is not safe to ride after sunset.
Mal País & Tide Pools
Mal País Rocky Coastline
Explore the Mal País coastline at low tide. The volcanic rock platforms reveal tide pools full of marine life — sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, crabs, and small fish. The rugged landscape feels wilder and more untouched than the sandy beaches of Santa Teresa.
Afternoon Surf Session
Return to Playa Santa Teresa or try Playa Hermosa — a slightly more powerful break north of the main beach. The afternoon swell is often bigger than the morning, and the approaching sunset creates beautiful backlit conditions for surfing and photography.
Fire Dancers & Beach Party
Several nights a week, fire dancers perform on the beach at various bars and restaurants. The spinning flames against the dark ocean backdrop create a hypnotic atmosphere. Find a spot in the sand, order a drink, and watch the show.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Hike to the Beach
Drive to Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco — Costa Rica's first protected area. Hike the 4.8km Sueco Trail through pristine primary forest alive with monkeys, birds, and butterflies to reach a wild, white sand beach at the peninsula's tip. The forest is dense and ancient — some trees are over 100 years old.
Wild Beach Time
Spend time at the Cabo Blanco beach — possibly the most pristine beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. The white sand meets turquoise water with no development in sight. Swim, snorkel around the rock formations, and enjoy complete solitude. The hike back through the forest often reveals wildlife that was hiding on the way in.
Chill Evening
Return to Santa Teresa for a quiet evening. After the physical hike, a gentle stretch or yin yoga class feels perfect. Eat at a local soda for budget-friendly food — rice, beans, fresh fish, and plantain. The simple meals are satisfying after a day in the forest.
Horseback Riding & Surf
Sunrise Surf
Your final sunrise surf — paddle out at dawn and catch the cleanest waves of the day. By now you will have developed a feel for the break, know the best takeoff spots, and possibly mastered your first turns or barrels. Savour every wave.
Beach Horseback Ride
Join a horseback ride along the beach and through the forest trails. The horses walk through the shallow surf while you take in the coastline from a different perspective. The forest sections wind through farms and tropical jungle with views of the mountains inland.
Final Night Out
Make the most of your last full evening in Santa Teresa. Start with sunset cocktails on the beach, then move to your favourite dinner spot, and end at whichever bar has the best vibe tonight. The mix of surfers, yogis, digital nomads, and backpackers creates a unique social scene.
Final Surf & Departure
One Last Wave
Wake up early for one final session. The ocean has a way of making farewells bittersweet — every wave could be your last. Paddle out, catch a few good ones, and paddle in with salt water drying on your skin and sand between your toes for the last time this trip.
Pack & Brunch
Pack your bags and enjoy a final brunch at one of Santa Teresa's excellent cafés. Açaí bowl, fresh juice, and one more smoothie for the road. Pick up any last souvenirs — surf wax candles, local jewellery, or a Santa Teresa sticker for your water bottle.
Onward Journey
Depart Santa Teresa by shuttle to your next destination. Connections run to San José (5–6 hours via ferry), La Fortuna (6 hours), Monteverde (5 hours), and Manuel Antonio (6 hours). The journey out always feels longer than the journey in — a sure sign you left part of yourself on the beach.
Budget tips
Eat at sodas
Local sodas serve casado for $5–7 while beachfront restaurants charge $12–20 for similar food. Walk off the main beach road to find where locals eat — the food is better and half the price.
Weekly board rental
Daily board rental is $15–20 but weekly rates drop to $80–100. If you are staying 5+ days, negotiate a weekly rate at any surf shop. Buying a used board ($100–150) makes sense for stays over 2 weeks.
Free yoga at hostels
Many hostels include morning yoga sessions for free. Studio drop-ins cost $15–20, so free hostel yoga saves $100+ over a week. Check when you book your accommodation.
Cook your own food
The Mini Super and fresh market have reasonable prices. Hostels with kitchens let you self-cater for breakfast and lunch, saving $15–20 per day versus eating out every meal.
Walk or cycle
Santa Teresa is stretched along one road — everything is within walking or cycling distance. Bicycle rental costs $5–8 per day versus $25–35 for a motorbike. Save the motorbike for day trips.
Shoulder season discounts
May–November (green season) brings afternoon rain but also 30–50% lower prices on accommodation, tours, and even surf lessons. The waves are still pumping and the crowds thin dramatically.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in US dollars. Santa Teresa is mid-range by Costa Rican standards — budget surfers can manage on $40–60 per day, while the health-food café scene adds up quickly.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Dorm → surf camp → boutique hotel | $10–18 | $30–60 | $80+ |
| Food Sodas → cafés → beachfront dining | $10–18 | $20–40 | $50+ |
| Transport Walk/cycle → motorbike → ATV | $3–8 | $15–30 | $40+ |
| Activities Free surf → lessons → private coaching | $10–20 | $35–65 | $80+ |
| Board Rental Foam → hard-top → custom shape | $12–15 | $15–20 | $25+ |
| Daily Total Budget surfer → comfortable → luxury surf retreat | $45–80 | $115–215 | $275+ |
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities receive 90 days visa-free on arrival
- You may need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket out of the country satisfies this
- Keep your passport safe and dry — the salt air and humidity can damage documents
Health & Safety
- The nearest hospital is in Cobano (30 minutes). For serious injuries, evacuation to San José is necessary
- Surf injuries are the main risk — reef cuts, jellyfish stings, and occasional board-fin lacerations. Carry a basic first aid kit
- The sun is fierce — apply reef-safe sunscreen before every session. Rash guards prevent chest rash from wax
Getting Around
- The town runs along one main dirt road — walkable for the central area, but a bicycle or motorbike helps for day trips
- ATV and motorbike rental available everywhere ($25–80/day). Helmets required by law — insist on one
- The road to Montezuma and Cobano is paved. Side roads are dirt and can be rough in rainy season
Connectivity
- WiFi at most cafés and hostels — quality varies. Some co-working spaces have reliable high-speed internet
- Mobile data works in town but drops in the surrounding forest and hills
- Santa Teresa has a digital nomad community — co-working spaces offer day passes for $10–15 USD
Money
- Currency: CRC (Colón). US dollars accepted everywhere but change given in colones
- ATMs in Cobano (30 minutes away) and a few in Santa Teresa — they can run out of cash, so carry enough
- Credit cards accepted at most restaurants and shops. Cash needed for sodas, taxis, and smaller vendors
Packing Tips
- Surf wax and rash guard if you have favourites — both available locally but at markup
- Reef-safe sunscreen is essential — Costa Rica is phasing out harmful sunscreen chemicals
- Lightweight clothing, sandals, and one pair of hiking shoes for Cabo Blanco. A rain jacket for green season
Cultural tips
Santa Teresa is a place where the ocean sets the rhythm — arrive with an open mind, respect the surf and the community, and you will discover why so many travellers never leave.
Surf Etiquette
Respect the lineup — the surfer closest to the peak has priority. Do not drop in on other surfers, paddle around the break rather than through it, and be patient. Local surfers have right of way and will appreciate respectful visitors.
Protect the Ocean
Use reef-safe sunscreen only — chemicals in regular sunscreen damage coral and marine life. Do not leave any rubbish on the beach. Participate in beach cleanups — they happen regularly and the community takes ocean health seriously.
Respect the Vibe
Santa Teresa attracts people seeking a slower pace. Respect the laid-back atmosphere — do not be the loud tourist in a quiet café. The blend of surfers, yogis, and digital nomads creates a unique community that values presence over performance.
Spanish & Pura Vida
English is widely spoken in the surf and yoga community, but Spanish remains the local language. Basic Spanish is appreciated and opens doors beyond the tourist bubble. "Pura vida" works as hello, goodbye, thank you, and you are welcome.
Support Local Business
Many businesses in Santa Teresa are foreign-owned. Seek out Costa Rican-owned sodas, tour operators, and surf schools to ensure your money supports the local community directly.
Turtle Season
From July to December, olive ridley and leatherback sea turtles nest on the beaches. If you see nesting activity, maintain distance, do not use flashlights, and never touch eggs or hatchlings. Report nesting to local conservation groups — they monitor and protect nests.
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