Santa Teresa travel guide
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
Santa Teresa is a laid-back beach town on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Be warned, you will likely fall in love with this spot and never want to leave. Surfers, yogis, foodies, and anyone craving an escape all end up here.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
5 to 6 hours
Airports
SJO or LIR
Temperature
77 to 95°F
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Our take
Why we love Santa Teresa
We love Santa Teresa. Our first visit was with my dad, and a tropical storm rolled in while we were there, so we didn’t really get the full feel for it. Thomas and I have been back several times since, and it’s honestly one of our favorite towns in the country. If we ever moved to one of the Pacific beach towns, this is where we’d go.
It has been built up a lot in recent years. Most roads used to be dirt, and now a lot of them are paved. That’s great for convenience, but it has lost a bit of its old charm. Still, the vibe here is really chill and bohemian, and for some reason we enjoy it so much more than Nosara.
How long to stay: Four days is a good amount of time to see Santa Teresa, do a few activities, and take a day trip to Montezuma. You can easily stay longer if you just want to chill and enjoy the surf vibe. Plenty of people end up making it their home base.
Getting there
How to get to Santa Teresa
Getting There
Santa Teresa is accessible from both San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) airports.
From San José, you have two options: drive the entire way (about 6 hours), or take the scenic Puntarenas to Paquera ferry which cuts the driving time and gives you a beautiful 80-minute boat crossing.
From Liberia, it’s a straightforward drive south through Nicoya. This takes about 4 hours. More airlines are adding Liberia routes so it’s worth checking both airports before booking your flights.
You can also fly. Sansa has direct daily flights from San José to Cóbano airport, about 20 minutes from Santa Teresa. The public bus is the cheapest option, but it takes 7 to 8 hours with 3 or 4 bus changes plus the ferry.
We always recommend renting a car. The main roads are now well-maintained and you no longer need a 4×4, though if your accommodation is in the hills above town, an SUV with decent clearance is a good idea. Check exactly where your hotel is located before deciding on a vehicle type.
Full guide: All the ways to get from San Jose to Santa Teresa →
Full guide: All the ways to get from Liberia to Santa Teresa →
Shuttles and tours
Most day tours include transport, which is good if you don’t want to drive. For shuttles between towns, use Bookaway and our code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Santa Teresa is located on the Nicoya Peninsula (the little hook of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast). It’s one of the more remote beach towns in the country, which is a big part of what gives it its character. Despite the fact that it is remote, there is a busy downtown area that runs parallel to the beach with many shops and restaurants.
It sits close to the beach villages of Mal Pais and Montezuma, both are worth a day trip.
The ferry
Taking the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry
Coming from San José, the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera cuts out a lot of driving. The crossing takes 70 to 80 minutes, with restrooms, snack bars, and indoor and outdoor seating on board.
Departures from Puntarenas: 4:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. The schedule changes sometimes, so check before you go.
Cost: about $24 for a regular car and about $2 per adult.
Our tip: Book online on QuickPayCR, especially around Christmas, Easter, and school vacations, and arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you don’t know your rental car’s plate yet, just type “rental car”.
Weather
Santa Teresa weather and best time to visit
Dry season (Dec: Apr)
This is peak season. It is hot, sunny, and busy. Book hotels as early as possible. This is when Santa Teresa fills up and prices are higher.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
Afternoon rains are common but mornings are often clear. Fewer tourists and lower prices. We’ve had perfect weather here in August. You just never know.
Daytime high
77 to 95°F (25 to 35°C)
Nighttime low
68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C)
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:20 AM / about 5:45 PM
Our tip
Pro tip: If traveling during rainy season, ignore the all-day rain forecasts. They are almost always wrong. Mornings are usually clear and perfect for outdoor activities. Plan your beach and surf time in the AM and save the afternoons for food and relaxing.
Check out the complete guide to Costa Rica weather by month →
Where to stay
Where to stay in Santa Teresa
Hotel Nantipa
Luxury · Directly on the beach
Luxurious modern rooms directly on the beach. One of the most consistently praised hotels in Santa Teresa.
LALOON Luxury Suites
Luxury · Adults-only · Playa Carmen
Only 4 rooms, each with its own infinity pool and Pacific Ocean views. Intimate, top-notch, and utterly special.
Vista del Alma
Luxury · Adults-only · Ocean views
Adults-only resort with stunning ocean views. All units have kitchens, balconies, and some have private hot tubs.
Lua Villas
Mid-range · Boutique · North of town
Boutique hotel vibe north of town, away from the crowds. 300 meters from a beautiful beach. We love this property.
Also worth considering: Ohana Villas (mid-range, pool, jungle feel) – Fuego Lodge (mid-range, private garden, steps from the beach) – ICO Living Hostel (budget, great location, walk to beach in 2 mins)
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Santa Teresa rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Santa Teresa
Surfing
Surfing is definitely the main draw of Santa Teresa. Experienced surfers can rent boards from any of the surf shops in town. Beginners do best at Playa Carmen or Playa Hermosa, where the waves are mellower, and Richard teaches lessons at Playa Hermosa. He’ll teach you surf etiquette and safety alongside technique.
Hike Cabo Blanco Reserve
One of Costa Rica’s first protected areas. This is a mostly flat but strenuous hike that rewards you with a stunning, remote beach. Access it from Montezuma rather than through the Mal Pais road, which involves river crossings.
Go fishing
The fishing in Santa Teresa is excellent. Book a half-day inshore fishing trip with Captain Jason. You might catch tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, and more. One of the best activity options for non-surfers.
Do yoga
Santa Teresa has become a hub for yoga lovers. We like to go to the beach at sunrise or sunset, or take a class. Our personal favorite studio is Believe Surf and Yoga.
Day trip to Isla Tortuga
An uninhabited tropical island off the Nicoya coast. Boat tours usually include snorkeling, lunch, and a few hours on the island. Just know that extras like kayaks and lounge chairs cost more.
Rent an ATV
More roads are paved these days, but an ATV is still fun for exploring the unpaved roads above town and the neighboring villages. Read reviews before you rent. We’ve heard some horror stories. There are several rental shops downtown, so compare a few.
Day trip to Montezuma
Montezuma is one of our favorite places in Costa Rica. It is a charming beach town nearby that is worth a full day trip. Walk the beach trail to the waterfall that flows into the ocean, hike to the impressive Montezuma Waterfall, and just enjoy the peaceful vibe.
Bioluminescent Kayak tour
In Paquera (where the ferry lands), you can experience bioluminescence year-round, but it is best at a new moon. The best company is Bahia Rica Adventures. Note that transport is not included so you’ll need to drive yourself to the starting point.
Beaches
Best beaches and sunset spots
The sun sets year-round between about 5:15 and 5:45 PM, and every beach here is a good place to watch it. All beaches in Costa Rica have public access by law, so the whole coast is yours to explore.
Playa Santa Teresa
The main beach in town and one of Costa Rica’s top surf spots. The waves are usually bigger and more hollow than at Playa Carmen and best at low tide. It’s also home to Banana Beach, our favorite spot for sunset cocktails.
Playa Carmen
Lined with palm trees, with a good break for beginners learning to surf. It’s also home to Restaurante Playa Carmen, one of our favorite beachfront spots for dinner with a sunset show.
Playa Hermosa
North of Santa Teresa, this long stretch of beach is often very peaceful. The easygoing beach breaks suit beginners, and it’s where Richard teaches surf lessons.
Playa Mal Pais
Head south to the little village of Mal Pais. The beach is small, often pretty empty, and one of our favorite places to watch the sunset in peace.
Cabo Blanco beach
The stunning, remote beach at the end of the Cabo Blanco Reserve hike. It’s a mostly flat but strenuous walk, and worth every step.
Where to surf
Beginners: Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa have easygoing beach breaks. Intermediate and up: Playa Santa Teresa is usually bigger and more hollow, with point and beach breaks that work best at low tide. Advanced: the reef breaks at Punta Barrigona, Sunset Reef and Manzanillo need a solid swell and are shallow and rocky.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Santa Teresa
Manzú restaurant
Fine dining · Beachfront · Sunset views
Elevated cuisine with a Costa Rican twist, directly on the beach. Come for dinner and order the Pura Vida tasting menu for the full experience.
La Cevicheri
Seafood · Casual lunch spot
Don’t let the look of this place fool you. The food is excellent. Fresh yellowfin tuna, octopus, shrimp, and calamari ceviche done right. Perfect for a relaxed lunch.
Banana beach restaurant
Beachfront · Sunset cocktails · Laid-back
Our favorite spot for a long lazy afternoon on the beach. Directly on Santa Teresa beach with ocean views and seating from beach chairs to proper tables. Better for sunset cocktails than a serious dinner, but the vibe is unbeatable.
Satori Sushi
Sushi · Fresh Pacific fish
When you need a break from Costa Rican food, this is the move. Excellent fresh Pacific sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and ceviche in an open-air setting. Mix of regular tables and floor seating.
Eat Street
Food truck vibe · Quick & casual · Vegetarian-friendly
Healthy bowls, burritos, tacos, and burgers in a relaxed setting. Great for a quick and casual lunch. Several vegetarian options.
Soda Pura Vida
Traditional Costa Rican · Local institution
The best traditional Costa Rican restaurant in the area. Order a casado and I suggest trying their patacones as an appetizer.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Town essentials
Grocery stores
Super Ronny #1 and #2 are our go-to spots. They are a bit pricey but well-stocked. Good for everything you need.
ATM and Banks
Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) is on the corner as you enter town. Carry cash as some places don’t take cards.
Gas
Two gas stations in Cobano (15 min drive): Cóbano Service Station and Servicentro Jimal.
Travel insurance
Not just for injuries, but for lost luggage, trip interruptions, and more. Our go-to is Heymondo. Their plans cover 24/7 assistance, medical issues, trip cancellation, adventure activities, and lost baggage.
Good to know
Safety
Santa Teresa is generally very safe. Your main concern is petty theft (the same as anywhere in Costa Rica).
Good to know
What it costs
There’s something for every budget, from backpacker spots to really high-end places. Even so, Santa Teresa is on the pricier side for Costa Rica, so it isn’t cheap even for budget travelers.
Hotels
Roughly $45 to $55 a night for budget stays, $65 to $100 for mid-range, and around $300 and up for luxury.
Eating out
Plan on around $25 per person for a nice meal. Fine dining with drinks costs a lot more. For an affordable, authentic meal, try Chicken Joe’s.
Good to know
Sunset drinks & nightlife
Banana Beach Club basically becomes our living room in Santa Teresa. There are sunset DJs, beach parties, and live music every day of the week, plus a 2-for-1 happy hour. It had a fire in early 2026 and has reopened, but it may not be fully back to normal yet.
Sunset dinner
For dinner with a sunset show, we like Manzú, Restaurante Playa Carmen, Shambala and Rocamar, all right on the beach.
Getting around
Getting around Santa Teresa
The downtown area is walkable and condensed. Most activities beyond surfing and the beach require a car. We always recommend renting one for the most flexibility.
Rental car
Most flexible option. No 4×4 needed on the main roads, but check where your hotel is located. If it’s in the hills, rent an SUV with good clearance.
ATV rental
Several companies in the downtown area offer daily rentals. They are great for exploring surrounding areas. Always ask about returning with a full tank and where to get gas.
FAQ
Santa Teresa FAQ: your questions
How do I get to Santa Teresa?
From San José, you can drive the whole way (about 6 hours) or take the scenic Puntarenas to Paquera ferry, which cuts the driving time and gives you a beautiful 80-minute boat crossing. From Liberia, it’s about a 4-hour drive south through Nicoya. Our full guides cover every option from San José and Liberia.
Which airport should I fly into for Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is one of the few destinations where either airport can make sense. San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) both work, and more airlines are adding Liberia routes, so check both before booking your flights.
Do I need a 4×4 in Santa Teresa?
No. The main roads are now well-maintained and you no longer need a 4×4. If your accommodation is in the hills above town, an SUV with decent clearance is a good idea, so check exactly where your hotel is before choosing a vehicle. We use Adobe Rent a Car, and our readers get 10% off.
Is Santa Teresa safe?
Santa Teresa is generally very safe. Your main concern is petty theft, the same as anywhere in Costa Rica. Don’t leave anything in your rental car, don’t leave belongings unattended on the beach, and don’t walk alone at night.
When is the best time to visit Santa Teresa?
Dry season, from December to April, is peak season: hot, sunny, and busy, so book hotels as early as possible. In rainy season (May to November), afternoon rain is common but mornings are usually clear, and there are fewer tourists and lower prices. See our Santa Teresa weather guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
Is there an ATM in Santa Teresa?
Yes. Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) is on the corner as you enter town. Carry cash, since some places don’t take cards.
Is there an airport near Santa Teresa?
There’s no airport in Santa Teresa itself, but Cóbano airport is only about 20 minutes away. Sansa offers direct daily flights there from San José. It’s the fastest way in, though it costs more than driving.
How much does the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry cost?
About $24 for a regular car and about $2 per adult. The crossing takes 70 to 80 minutes. Book online on QuickPayCR in busy seasons and arrive 30 minutes early. Our ferry guide has the full schedule and step-by-step process.
How many days do you need in Santa Teresa?
We think four days is a good amount of time to see Santa Teresa, do a few activities, and take a day trip to Montezuma. If you just want to chill and enjoy the surf vibe, you can easily stay longer. Plenty of people make it their home base.
Is Santa Teresa expensive?
It’s on the pricier side for Costa Rica. There’s something for every budget, from backpacker stays around $50 a night to really high-end hotels, but even budget travelers will find it isn’t cheap.
Every guide
All our Santa Teresa guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Nicoya Peninsula
Planning more of the region? See our full Nicoya Peninsula guide.
