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

Weather

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

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:

• Liberia International Airport: Guide to Arrivals and Departures
• Renting a Car from Liberia Airport
• San Jose International Airport: Guide to Arrivals and Departures
• Renting a Car from the San Jose International Airport

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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

We suggest:

• Walk along the Montezuma beach to the waterfall that flows into the ocean (find out more with our Montezuma beach walk guide)
• Hike to the impressive Montezuma Waterfall
• Enjoy a meal and craft beer from Butterfly Brewing Co.

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. 

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:

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

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:

• We suggest carrying your stuff in a large backpack instead of a suitcase if possible. The Osprey 55L is great if you are only bringing a carry-on (take the small bag part off for under your seat) and the Osprey 75L is our go-to for checking in a bag.
• Teva Voya Flip Flops for men and for women: The main road in Santa Teresa jumps from sidewalk to no sidewalk and is in really poor condition. If you want to wear sandals while walking here, make sure they have a good sole like Teva’s.
• Columbia Bora Bora Sun Hat: This hat is slightly nerdy, but great for blocking the sun, folding up small in your luggage, and is made of breathable fabric.
• Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion: Hopefully you don’t get sunburned, but if you do, this stuff is a lifesaver.
• Hero Microfiber Towel: Most hotels will have towels for showering, but not for the beach, Microfiber towels dry quickly and can easily fit in your luggage.
• Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen: SPF 50 because the sun is powerful. We like Sun Bum because they are reef-safe.
• LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle: You can drink the water in Santa Teresa, but it is safer to buy bottled water. We like LifeStraw to filter out any extra bacteria or impurities.

Check out Our Complete Santa Teresa Packing List for all the essentials including clothing items. 

Our Opinion on Santa Teresa

We have somewhat of a love/ hate relationship with Santa Teresa.

This is one of our absolute favorite towns in the country. And, if we ever decide to buy a house in Costa Rica it will be near Santa Teresa.

However, this is such a popular area for surfers, backpackers, and everyone. That’s awesome, but it has made the town somewhat overrun. It is hard to find affordable hotels and the town can just be really busy.

If you would like more peaceful vibes it is better to find a hotel or vacation rental in Mal Pais and hang out in Santa Teresa during the day.

Alternatively, you can stay in Montezuma and take one or two day trips to Santa Teresa.

Travel Tips

• It is a good idea to book your hotel here as early as possible. This especially applies to the dry season when tourism is at its peak.
• The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people in Santa Teresa are used to tourists and speak at least some Spanish.
• Some places here may not accept credit cards. It’s a good idea to carry cash in US dollars or Costa Rican colones.
• Embrace the pura vida lifestyle, take time to relax, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.