Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Travel Guide: Surf, Sun & Soulful Vibes

Nestled on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a laid-back, bohemian beach town that’s become one of Costa Rica’s trendiest coastal destinations. Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now a magnet for surfers, yogis, backpackers, and digital nomads — all drawn to its year-round waves, jungle-meets-ocean scenery, and relaxed vibe.
 

Yet despite its growing popularity, Santa Teresa has managed to retain its rustic charm, with dusty roads, barefoot beachgoers, and lush greenery framing white-sand beaches. It’s a place where you can surf at sunrise, do yoga at sunset, and feast on fresh seafood in between — all with the sound of howler monkeys in the background.

📍 Quick Facts About Santa Teresa

Province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Closest Airport: Tambor Airport (domestic) or Liberia International Airport (LIR)

Main Beach: Playa Santa Teresa

Languages: Spanish & English widely spoken

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), USD widely accepted

Best for: Surfing, yoga, wellness, digital nomads, couples, and boho-luxury seekers

🧭 How to Get to Santa Teresa

✈️ By Air:

Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) or San José (SJO)

From there, take a domestic flight to Tambor, then a 45-minute drive to Santa Teresa

🚗 By Car or Shuttle:

From San José, you can drive to Puntarenas, take the ferry to Paquera, and then drive to Santa Teresa (total ~6 hours)

Private or shared shuttles run daily from major cities like San José, Liberia, and Tamarindo

🏄‍♂️ Top Things to Do in Santa Teresa

1. Surfing

Santa Teresa is one of the surf capitals of Costa Rica, offering consistent beach breaks all year long.

Playa Santa Teresa: Great for intermediate and advanced surfers

Playa Carmen: Best for beginners with gentler waves

Mal País (next door): A more rugged, reefy break for experienced surfers

Surf schools & rentals: Del Soul Surf School, Zopilote Surf Camp, Barefoot Surf Travel

2. Yoga & Wellness Retreats

Santa Teresa is also a spiritual wellness hub, with daily yoga classes, retreats, and holistic healing centers.

Top yoga centers:

Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat

Nautilus Boutique Hotel Yoga Studio

Selina Santa Teresa

Classes offered: Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Hatha, Yin, SUP yoga, and breathwork

Popular retreats: detox, sound healing, reiki, and digital detox programs

3. Beaches & Sunsets

Santa Teresa has some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.

Playa Santa Teresa: Long sandy stretch with tide pools, sunsets, and surf

Playa Hermosa: Wide, palm-lined beach perfect for swimming and beginner surfers

Playa Carmen: Lively beach near the town center, great for socializing and sunsets

4. Nature & Wildlife Tours

The area is rich in biodiversity, especially within the nearby jungle reserves.

Day trip to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Visit Curu Wildlife Refuge for monkeys, deer, coatis, and birds

Horseback riding on the beach or jungle trails

ATV or quad bike adventures into the hills and waterfalls

5. Snorkeling & Fishing Trips

Take a boat tour from Mal País or Montezuma to snorkel or fish in the Gulf of Nicoya.

Snorkeling at Isla Tortuga is a popular day tour

Deep-sea fishing trips with local guides

6. Waterfalls & Adventure

Visit Montezuma Waterfalls (about 45 minutes away)

Ziplining, canopy tours, and rappelling available in nearby jungle parks

🧘 Wellness & Conscious Living

Santa Teresa is more than just a beach town — it's a lifestyle destination that promotes sustainable, healthy living.

Organic markets, vegan cafés, and raw food restaurants

Wellness treatments: massage, ayurveda, crystal healing, reiki

Emphasis on eco-tourism, plant-based living, and community wellness

🏨 Where to Stay in Santa Teresa

🌟 Luxury & Boutique Resorts:

Pranamar Villas – beachfront villas, yoga studio, and organic dining

Hotel Nantipa – modern luxury with private bungalows and infinity pool

Casa Chameleon – adults-only luxury with panoramic jungle and ocean views

🛏️ Mid-Range:

Funky Monkey Lodge – yoga, surf, and social vibes

Lua Villas – modern, minimalist bungalows near the beach

Banana Beach Bungalows – vibrant beachfront stay with pool bar

💰 Budget & Hostels:

Selina Santa Teresa – perfect for digital nomads, coworking and events

La Posada – cozy hostel with surf packages and communal kitchen

Pura Vida Mini Hostel – budget-friendly, close to shops and surf

🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa’s culinary scene is vibrant, global, and healthy.

🌱 Health-Focused Cafés:

The Bakery – artisan bread, great coffee, and healthy brunch

Zwart Café – smoothie bowls, raw desserts, and vegan lunches

Drift Bar – smoothie bowls and fresh juices in a trendy outdoor setting

🍴 International & Fusion:

Katana Asian Cuisine – sushi, curries, and cocktails

Koji’s – upscale sushi and Japanese cuisine

The Roastery – burgers, poke bowls, craft beer

🐟 Local Eats & Seafood:

Soda Tiquicia – affordable Costa Rican casados

Las Piedras Parrilla – grilled meats and Argentinian-style BBQ

Habanero Mexican Food – beachfront tacos and margaritas

🛍️ Shopping & Local Art

Artisan shops sell handcrafted jewelry, woven bags, surf gear, and Costa Rican skincare

Farmers markets (like the one at Selina) offer local produce, crafts, and live music

Boutiques: Find eco-fashion and yoga wear in stylish beachside shops

🌤️ When to Visit Santa Teresa

☀️ Dry Season (December to April):

Ideal beach weather, sunny skies, peak tourism season

🌧️ Green Season (May to November):

Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and better prices

Occasional rain showers, mostly in the afternoon or night

🧳 What to Pack

Swimsuits, flip-flops, and light beachwear

Surfboard or yoga mat (optional – rentals widely available)

Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen

Reusable water bottle

Light rain jacket if visiting in green season

Beach towel or sarong

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Santa Teresa

Sunset at Playa Hermosa

Surfboards lined up on the beach

Jungle yoga decks and villas

Tide pools at Playa Santa Teresa

Street art and boho cafés in town

🌱 Sustainability in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa has become a model of eco-conscious tourism:

Many hotels are solar-powered or use natural ventilation

Recycling and composting programs are common

Local initiatives like Beach Cleanup Projects involve travelers and locals alike

Support local businesses that practice ethical sourcing and green operations

🧘 Why Visit Santa Teresa?

Santa Teresa offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re catching waves at dawn, enjoying a healing yoga class in the jungle, or sipping coconut water at a beach bar, this town embodies the pura vida lifestyle.

Come for:

Consistent surf and stunning sunsets

Mindful wellness and yoga culture

Eco-chic hotels and incredible food

A thriving community of artists, digital nomads, and surfers