Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Guide to a Relaxed Beach Paradise

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is a laid-back beach town. Be warned, you will likely fall in love with this spot and never want to leave.

santa teresa beach
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Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is a Pacific Coast beach destination. The town offers a blend of natural beauty, a laid-back atmosphere, and thrilling adventures. 

The town is located on the Pacific Coast at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It is a bit difficult to get to, but we think that the remote location contributes to the relaxed feel of this part of the country.

One of the defining features of this area are the stunning beaches that are popular with surfers. The waves here are great for more experienced surfers, but there are a few beaches that beginners can try out as well. 

The town itself has a bohemian and relaxed vibe. You can find a mix of locals, expats, and visitors here. The main street is lined with boutique shops, trendy cafes, and excellent restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

In the past, the main part of town was unpaved and it was common to see most people on ATVs. 

In the past year, the main road has been paved, which we feel has kind of taken away the unique vibe here. 

Oh well!

In recent years this town has really taken off as a popular place to visit. So, come visit before it gets completely overrun!

Santa Teresa Background Info

Nearest International Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose and Liberia Airport are both semi-easy to get to

surfing, yoga on the beach, Isla Tortuga boat trips, hike at Cabo Blanco Reserve

Best Way to Get Around

Rental car, ATV rental, tours with transportation included, walking in the downtown area

Best Time of Year to Visit

Dry season is from late December until mid-April. This is also high season and the town fills up.

Best Restaurant

Banana Beach Club for the vibe

Grocery Stores

Super Ronny #1 and #2 are our go-to spots for everything. They are a bit on the pricey side though.

ATM’s

Banco de Costa Rica Mal País. It is on the corner as you enter town

Gas Stations

There are two gas stations in Cobano (a 15 minute drive from Santa Teresa).

Cóbano Service Station and Servicentro Jimal

(keep in mind all gas stations here are full service. So stay in your car and an employee will fill your car up).

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Guide to a Relaxed Beach Paradise

Map Of Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, the little hook of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast.

It is close to the beach villages of Mal Pais and Montezuma.

Weather

santa teresa

Like most of the country, the dry season here runs from mid-December until April or May.

In early May the rainy season usually begins. 

From May until August, you can expect some afternoon rainstorms, however, we once visited in early August and we didn’t have any rain during the four days we were there. You just never know!

From mid-August until December a lot of things close down because the weather can be really rainy.

We visited one year in late September and it rained every day but the next year we visited at the same time and had perfect weather. 

It’s impossible to predict.

  • Sun Rise: Between 5:20 am (June) and 5:50 am (December)
  • Sun Set: Between 5:20 pm (Dec.) and 6:00 pm (June)
  • Average Day Time Temperature: 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 35 °C)
  • Average Night Time Temperature: 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 °C)

Check out our guide to Costa Rica Weather by Month for more info

Pro Tip: If traveling during the rainy season just ignore the weather forecast. They often predict rain all day and that is just not true. 

Transportation

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Guide to a Relaxed Beach Paradise

Flights to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is great because it is accessible from both the Liberia Internation Airport and the San Jose Airport. 

More and more airlines are starting service to Liberia so check out the rates. It may be worth it for you.

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, we suggest using Skyscanner. We consistently find the best rates through their website.

Check out our guides:

Transportation to Santa Teresa

From either the San Jose or Liberia Airport, there are a few different ways you can get here.

We suggest renting your car with our favorite Costa Rica rental car company, Adobe. They have an office at the Liberia Airport and at the San Jose Airport. 

We suggest them because they are upfront with their prices, have excellent customer service, and are just overall a great local company.

They have kindly given us a 10% discount plus other great perks to pass on to you. 

⤷ Book Your Rental Car with Adobe

In the past, you needed a 4×4 to get to Santa Teresa. That is no longer the case. The roads are mostly well-maintained.

However, a lot of accommodation options are located in the hills above the towns on unpaved steep roads.

I suggest checking exactly where your hotel is located to help you decide the right car for you.

We suggest at least renting an SUV for decent clearance. 

Our #1 Car Rental Choice

Adobe Rent-a-Car

  • 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
  • Free second driver
  • 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
  • Excellent customer service
  • New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Driving to Santa Teresa from San Jose International Airport

We always suggest renting a car and driving to Santa Teresa on your own. 

There are two ways to make this trip.

  1. Drive the entire way. This will take about six hours.
  2. Take the ferry from Puntarenas. This will take about five hours (but 80 minutes of that are no driving because you’ll be on the ferry)

So, let’s go through each one.

Driving the Whole Way

If you opt to drive the entire way we suggest driving from the city to the coast on Route 27. This is a toll road. They accept US dollars or colones.

Near Puntarenas, you will exit onto Route 1 heading north. This road has been under construction for a while because they are widening it. So, you may have smooth sailing, but might also hit construction.

In the town of La Palma you will hit a roundabout where you will go to the left onto route 18. 

If you need a bathroom or food break, there is a small plaza on the right before the roundabout that has a KFC and Subway in it.

Other than that, there are not a lot of options for quick meals.

And I will admit, Subway is weirdly very good in Costa Rica. 

Immediately after the roundabout there is also a gas station on the left on the corner. If you need a gas station, snack, or bathroom this is a good spot to stop.

From there, you will continue on Route 18 to Nicoya.

There are always police hanging out on Route 18, so stick to the speed limit. 

In Nicoya you will turn left and finally be heading south of the Nicoya hook. 

They recently redid all of these roads so they are super nice in many spots. But, keep an eye out, there are a lot of speed bumps that are sometimes not well marked. We have definitely flown over a few!

Drive along the coast until you hit the town of Paquera (this is where you would have come out if you took the ferry). 

From Paquera, continue driving on Route 160. Follow the signs for Cobano / Santa Teresa.

Continue on Route 160 until you reach Cobano, which is approximately a 30 to 40-minute drive from Paquera.

In Cobano, follow the signs for Santa Teresa. You will need to take a left turn to connect to Route 618.

Continue on Route 618 until you reach Santa Teresa. The drive from Cobano to Santa Teresa takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Taking the Ferry

The best way to do this (if coming from San Jose) is by going on the Puntarenas ferry to Paquera. In total this trip will take about five to six hours.

However, about two of those hours will be spent on the ferry/ getting off the ferry. So, in actuality, it is not too much driving.

Enter,”Naviera Tambor ferry” as your destination in your GPS. This will bring you to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas.

Basically, you will drive on Route 27 all the way to the city of Puntarenas. Route 27 is a toll road. You will spend about $8 USD in tolls. They accept US dollars or Costa Rican colones. 

In Puntarenas you will exit and drive straight through the downtown area until the very tip of Puntarenas. 

This is a city so there are a lot of traffic lights and people walking everywhere.

At the ferry terminal you will drive your car onto the ferry, exit your car and sit up top and enjoy the ride.

Check out our guide to the Puntarenas ferry for all the details

We suggest prebooking a ferry ticket to ensure you get on board. You want to go in the direction of “Paquera”

From Paquera, continue driving on Route 160. Follow the signs for Cobano / Santa Teresa.

Continue on Route 160 until you reach Cobano, which is approximately a 30 to 40-minute drive from Paquera.

In Cobano, follow the signs for Santa Teresa. You will need to take a left turn to connect to Route 618.

Continue on Route 618 until you reach Santa Teresa. The drive from Cobano to Santa Teresa takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Note: We suggest using the free app Waze for directions in Costa Rica. It is widely used here and people are great about marking where there are police, things in the road, etc.

Want more info on all the ways to get here from San Jose?

Driving to Santa Teresa from Liberia Airport

From the airport head south on Route 21 toward Nicoya.

Continue on Route 21 until you reach the town of Nicoya. In Nicoya there are some food places and gas stations if you need a break.

Also, if you would like one of the most interesting dining experiences of your life, check out, Bernina Artisan Food.

It is about a 10 minute detour but totally worth it.

But keep in mind it is on the high end price wise and you will probably end up spending at least an hour here.

Anyway, in Nicoya, you will stay on Route 21 all the way to Paquera. 

In Paquera, turn left onto Route 160. 

Continue on Route 160 until you reach Cobano, which is approximately a 30 to 40-minute drive from Paquera.

In Cobano, follow the signs for Santa Teresa. You will need to take a left turn to connect to Route 618.

Continue on Route 618 until you reach Santa Teresa. The drive from Cobano to Santa Teresa takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Want more info on all the ways to get here from Liberia?

Note: Google Maps may try to direct you along the west coast on the Nicoya Peninsula. Don’t drive this route! It involves river crossings and is almost impossible to pass. You want to drive along the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. 

🚗 Reserve Your Rental Car with 10% Discount 🚗

Public Bus

The cheapest way to get to Santa Teresa is by public bus (if coming from San Jose).

However, this will take 7 to 8 hours and involves switching buses 3 or 4 times and going on the ferry. 

⤷ Check out the bus schedule

It is possible to do this from the San Jose airport or from downtown San Jose.

The downfall of this is that if you miss one bus connection you are kind of out of luck and may need to wait several hours until the next bus arrives.

The bus goes onto the ferry (which I think is kind of cool). You will need to buy a ferry ticket at the terminal while you are there.

Shared Shuttle

A shared shuttle to Santa Teresa is an easy way to get to the beach town from another area of the country without the stress of driving or the higher price tag of a private shuttle.

If coming from San Jose, these shuttles often go on the ferry to save time.

We always have the best luck finding convenient shuttles on the website Bookaway.

🚐 Reserve Your Shared Shuttle to Santa Teresa 🚐

Private Transfer

If you don’t feel comfortable driving, a private transfer is always a good option. Adobe Car Rental now provides an excellent transfer service.

A trusted driver will take you from any place in the country directly to your place of choice in Santa Teresa. 

Get a Private Transfer Price Quote to Santa Teresa

Domestic Flights

There isn’t an airport directly in Santa Teresa, but the Tambor Airport is only about 45 minutes away by car or taxi. 

Sansa is the main domestic airline in Costa Rica and they offer flights from San Jose Airport to Tambor. 

Transportation in Santa Teresa

Once you arrive in Santa Teresa you will need transportation to get around town and to fun activities. Here is our opinion on that….

We always suggest renting a car because it gives you the most flexibility to do off the beaten path activities and allows you to stay at a hotel that is not right downtown. 

The downtown area is very condensed and walkable, but most activities, besides surfing and relaxing on the beaches, are located within a thirty minute drive of downtown.

Another option is to rent an ATV for a day or two once in town to explore the surrounding areas. 

As we mentioned above, you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle unless you are staying in the hills above Santa Teresa.

Also, if you plan to drive to Montezuma, it is best to go around rather than through the road at Mal Pais. If you go by Mal Pais you will need to do river crossings, which are mostly impossible during the rainy season. 

Our #1 Car Rental Choice
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Guide to a Relaxed Beach Paradise

Adobe Rent-a-Car

  • 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
  • Free second driver
  • 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
  • Excellent customer service
  • New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Once you arrive in Santa Teresa you may want to rent an ATV. There are several companies in the downtown area.

We don’t have a favorite place to suggest to you. But we suggest reading reviews before you book anything.

Also, ask if you need to return the ATV with a full tank and ask where you can get gas. 

Downtown Santa Teresa

The downtown area of Santa Teresa consists of one main long street that runs parallel to the beach. This is where most restaurants and grocery stores are located.

There are several side streets that go up into the hills above the downtown area. A lot of hotels and vacation rentals are located on these side streets.

When you get to the intersection from Cobano, take a right to get into Santa Teresa. If you go left you will head towards the village of Mal Pais.

The Santa Teresa Beaches

surf santa teresa

There are several beautiful beaches in the Santa Teresa area. Here is a break down of each one.

Playa Santa Teresa:

  • A great spot for stunning sunsets and consistent surf.
  • Ideal for surfers of all levels, with various surf schools available.

Playa Hermosa:

  • Known for its long, wide stretch of sandy beach.
  • Intermediate to advanced surfers may enjoy the powerful waves.
  • Approximately 10 minutes from Santa Teresa by car.

Mal País:

  • A quieter beach, great for relaxation and nature walks.
  • Accessible by car, bike, or walking from Santa Teresa.

Carmen Beach:

  • Located south of Santa Teresa, a more secluded spot.

Manzanillo Beach:

  • A peaceful and less crowded beach with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Accessible by car or taxi, approximately 20 minutes from Santa Teresa.

Surfing

costa rica surfing santa teresa

Surfing is the most popular activity in Santa Teresa. 

If you are an experienced surfer you can easily rent a board from one of the many surf shops in town. 

If you would like to take surf lessons, that is a possibility as well. 

We suggest booking your lessons with Richard at Playa Hermosa. 

He will teach you surf etiquette and safety as well as give you a thorough lesson on how to get yourself standing on the board and riding the waves for the first time.

Check Availability and Arrange Your Surf Lessons with Richard 🏄🏽

For beginner surfers head to Playa Santa Teresa. The sandy bottom and relatively mellow waves provide a good learning environment.

Intermediate to advanced surfers should head to Playa Carmen just south of Santa Teresa. Here you can enjoy a mix of beach breaks and occasional reef breaks.

Playa Hermosa is also a good spot for intermediate to advanced surfers. It’s known for its long, powerful waves.

More advanced surfers should go to Mal Pais of Punta Barrigona.

Mal País offers more challenging breaks, including reef breaks. Just be cautious because there is a rocky bottom in some areas.

Punta Barrigona is known for its reef breaks and more challenging conditions.

Things to Do

There are so many things to do in the surrounding area. A few of our favorite activities are:

Go Horseback Riding

It is often possible to take a guided horseback riding tour along the beaches in Santa Teresa.

Typically you will see someone on the beach with horses offering these tours. The best time to experience this is at sunset.

Take a Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

Have you ever experienced bioluminescence? In Paquera (where the ferry lands) it is possible to see bioluminescence year-round (but is is best at a new moon).

The best company for a bioluminescent kayak tour is Bahia Rica Adventures.

Just note that this experience does not include transportation, so you will need to drive yourself to where the adventure starts.

Check Availability and Book Your Bioluminescent Tour

Go Fishing

shore fishing costa rica

The fishing in Santa Teresa is on point. If you would like to go inshore fishing, we suggest booking your tour with Captain Jason.

With him, you can enjoy a half-day fishing experience. You might catch tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, and more!

🎣 Check Availability and Book Your Fishing Trip 🐟

Hike at Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

cabo blanco costa rica beach

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve looks close to Santa Teresa on a map, but we don’t suggest attempting to drive here through the hilly road near Mal Pais.

We have done this drive, but only during the dry season with a 4×4 and even then it was interesting. It is best to drive around and access Cabo Blanco Reserve from Montezuma.

The hike is mostly flat, but a bit strenuous due to the heat. However, you will be rewarded with this beautiful beach pictured above.

🌴 Check out our guide to Cabo Blanco Reserve for more info 🌴

Visit Montezuma

montezuma beach

Montezuma is a cute beach town near Santa Teresa. This is a great day trip because there are several things to do here.

We suggest:

Find out more about this area with our Montezuma Travel Guide

Hotels

High-End Hotels

LALOON Luxury Suites: An intimate hotel with only 4 rooms. Each room has its own infinity pool with Pacific Ocean views. Everything is top-notch here. Note, that this is located on Playa Carmen just south of the downtown area.

Hotel Nantipa: Enjoy luxurious modern rooms directly on the beautiful beach. There is a restaurant, bar, and pool on the property.

Vista del Alma: An adults-only resort with amazing ocean views. All units have a kitchen, balcony, and some units have a private hot tub. There is also a nice pool for guests to use.

Akwa Resorts: Stunning private bungalows with private pools located just above downtown Santa Teresa.

Mid Range Hotels

Ohana Villas: Apartments and hotels rooms in a nice private property with a jungle feel. There are kitchen facilities and a pool for guests to use.

Fuego Lodge: This place is located basically directly on the beach, but is located in a private garden with a pool.

Lua Villas: Located north of Santa Teresa, this is a great place to stay for a boutique hotel vibe away from the crowds but still within 300 meters of a nice beach. We love this property.

Budget Friendly Hotels and Hostels

Salty Enthusiasts: This hotel offers dorm-style accommodations as well as private rooms with shared bathrooms. There is a shared kitchen on the property for guests to use.

Surf Paradise: This place is located just south of downtown Santa Teresa. The beach is just a short path away. The property has shared dorms, private rooms, and small houses.

ICO Living Hostel: They offer mixed dorms and private rooms with a shared bathroom. There is a communal kitchen on the property and you can walk to the beach in about 2 minutes. Plus, it is located in the downtown area surrounded by great restaurants.

Vacation Rentals

We always love renting a home or villa for our vacation in Costa Rica. This gives you more privacy and allows you the flexibility to cook your own meals.

Note: We try to only ever suggest places with good cancellation policies, but always double-check before booking.

Villa Akoya: This villa is on the smaller side (it sleeps eight guests in three bedrooms). Despite that, we love it because it is a very nice home with a pool and is located directly on the beach. If you are coming to Santa Teresa for some daily surfing, this is a good option for you.

Casana: This would be a nice place to stay with a group of other couples. The house has five bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The home is modern and well maintained. However, the real draw is the huge deck area with pool, rancho, and Pacific Coast views.

Casa Helena: This villa sleeps nine guests in four bedrooms. It is located directly on the beach and has a private pool. I like this place for the style of the home and the proximity to the beach. The staff here are amazing and will go above and beyond to help you with whatever you need.

Vacation Packages

Take the planning, stress, and guesswork out of traveling by booking a multi-day tour with an experienced guide.

For more tour ideas check out Tour Radar

Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa (from Liberia Airport)

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars on TourRadar | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  15 Days | ✅ Book it!

  • Take a boat and snorkel day trip and search for marine life in Samara
  • Visit Tortuguero National Park and maybe see sea turtles nesting
  • Go on a thrilling white water adventure through the lush jungle

Costa Rica Adventure

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars on TourRadar | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  10 Days | ✅ Book it!

  • Zip line over the dense Monteverde cloud forest
  • Soak in thermal hot springs with a view of Arenal Volcano
  • Take a sunset yoga class while the waves lap in front of you on Playa Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa Retreats

Another way to enjoy Santa Teresa is with a retreat. This area is known as being the perfect retreat destination. A few of our favorite retreats are:

7 Day Discover Your Inner Wisdom

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars on RetreatBooker | ⏳ RETREAT LENGTH:  7 Days | ✅ Book it!

Includes: 6 Nights in Private Accommodation, Welcome Rebirthing Breathwork, 3 Yoga or Pilates classes, Reiki session, Meditation & Sound Healing, Aura Reading, Cacao Ceremony, a 60 Minutes Massage, Airport Shuttle Service, 5 breakfasts, and so much more!

7 Day “Relaxing Waves” Surf & Yoga

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars on RetreatBooker | ⏳ RETREAT LENGTH:  7 Days | ✅ Book it!

Includes: 6 nights accommodation, 3 yoga classes on an ocean view deck, 5 surf lessons, full daily breakfast, surf equipment, snorkel equipment to dive at a secret location, a 60-minute massage, daily lunch, and more!

Restaurants

Santa Teresa has become somewhat of a foodie paradise. Here are a few of our favorite restaurants, but no matter what your budget or food interest you will be able to find something here.

A lot of restaurants in Costa Rica do not have websites, so the best way to find places is through TripAdvisor.

Fine Dining

Nectar– This restaurant is located at Florblanca Resort. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner date. They have amazing seafood, sushi, and plenty of other options as well. 

Mid-Range

Banana Beach Restaurant: This is our go-to hang-out spot in Santa Teresa. They have good food and a nice two-for-one drink menu, but really, the atmosphere is what makes this place really stand out.

It is located directly on the beach and you could easily spend a long lazy afternoon/evening here.

Eat Street: This place has somewhat of a food truck/cafe vibe. It’s very relaxed and the service is quick. 

Budget-Friendly

Soda Tiquicia: There are a lot of restaurants in Santa Teresa now which cater to the wishes of tourists. However, we think you should at least have one authentic Costa Rican meal. Soda Tiquicia is perfect for that! The food is amazing.

Chicken Joes: If you are looking for a relaxed spot with some tasty food, this is a great option. The chicken is amazing! They also serve good tacos.

Check out our 12 Favorite Restaurants in Santa Teresa here

Safety Tips

Santa Teresa is generally really safe.

Your biggest safety concern should be petty theft. To combat that we suggest:

  • Keep your valuables secure and refrain from openly displaying expensive items. 
  • Don’t leave things in your rental car and always park in secure lots.
  • Don’t walk alone at night.
  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
  • A lot of restaurants are open-air. Don’t leave your cell phone out on the table or your purse just hanging on the back of your chair.
  • Dressing in a relaxed way will also help you blend in.

I’m not trying to scare you. We have never had anything happen to us in Santa Teresa. However, it is always best to be a bit cautious.

If something happens, the emergency number in Costa Rica is 9-1-1. You should be able to get a police officer that speaks English if you need.

Also, always purchase travel insurance. It doesn’t just cover injury, but also helps if things get stolen. Our go-to travel insurance company for Costa Rica is a company called Heymondo. They are great!

Their comprehensive plans offer 24/7 assistance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, lost baggage coverage, assistance in case of medical issues, as well as the option to add-on adventure activity coverage. 

↳ Get Your Travel Insurance Quote

Packing List

santa teresa costa rica

If you are planning to spend most of your time at the beach we suggest bathing suits, UV-blocking swim shirts, SPF 50 sunblock, and bug spray for once the sun goes down.

Some things we always pack for Santa Teresa are: