Nestled in the Puntarenas Province on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a small yet vibrant town in Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches and surf culture.
Santa Teresa blends its natural beauty with modern amenities. It’s appeal lies in its white sand beaches, consistent surf, and a nature lover’s paradise.
The town, which initially relied on agriculture, cattle ranching, and small-scale fishing, now thrives on tourism. Its growth has been fueled by surf camps, yoga retreats, and a range of accommodations catering to various budgets.
Santa Teresa offers a unique blend of natural beauty, surf culture, and a laid-back lifestyle, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Costa Rican experience.
Read on, to learn more about this fascinating paradise.
What to Do in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, a vibrant town in Costa Rica, offers a plethora of activities for visitors. Here are five top activities to enjoy in Santa Teresa:
Surfing: Santa Teresa is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers from around the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are perfect waves for all levels. Numerous surf schools offer lessons and board rentals. Popular beaches like Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen provide ideal spots for surfing.
Yoga and Wellness Retreats: The town is a haven for yoga enthusiasts, offering a variety of yoga studios and retreats. Many hotels and resorts also provide yoga classes, making it easy to integrate yoga into your vacation. The serene environment of Santa Teresa, with its natural beauty, creates a perfect backdrop for rejuvenation and relaxation.
ATV Tours: Exploring Santa Teresa and its surrounding areas on an ATV is a popular activity. These tours allow you to navigate the rugged terrain and visit remote beaches, waterfalls, and other attractions in the area. ATV rentals are available in town, and guided tours offer a safe and exciting way to explore the region.
Visit Montezuma Waterfalls: A short drive from Santa Teresa, the Montezuma Waterfalls are a must-visit natural attraction. Comprising three separate tiers of waterfalls, this spot is perfect for swimming, exploring, and enjoying the lush Costa Rican jungle. The hike to the waterfalls is an adventure in itself, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
Wildlife and Nature Exploration: The proximity of Santa Teresa to several natural reserves, like the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, provides opportunities for wildlife and nature exploration. These reserves are home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and other tropical animals. Guided tours offer a chance to learn about the local ecosystem and see wildlife in their natural habitat.
These activities not only highlight the natural beauty and adventure that Santa Teresa offers but also cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every visitor has a memorable experience.
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Where to Stay in Santa Teresa
Hotel Nantipa
Santa Teresa offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. For a luxurious experience, there are upscale resorts and boutique hotels offering stunning ocean views, pools, and spa services.
Mid-range options include comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with direct beach access. Budget travelers can find hostels and budget hotels providing basic amenities at affordable rates.
Eco-friendly accommodations are also popular in Santa Teresa, with several eco-lodges and sustainable hotels that focus on minimizing environmental impact while providing a unique experience close to nature.
Here are three popular places to stay:
LALOON Luxury Suites: These suites offer a blend of luxury and natural beauty, providing guests with an experience of relaxation and opulence. Each suite is designed to exude sophistication and comfort, featuring stunning ocean views, plush furnishings, and contemporary amenities.
The private terraces and infinity pools add to the exclusive feel of LALOON, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious stay.
Hotel Nantipa: Located by the beach, Hotel Nantipa is a wellness-focused hotel that combines luxury with a bohemian vibe. It offers stunning suites with pools, great food, wellness options, and world-class service.
This hotel is perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation, luxury, and beachside enjoyment. The ambiance of coastal elegance and the panoramic ocean views from the private terraces make it a top choice for visitors.
Selina Santa Teresa North: Known for its bohemian charm, Selina Santa Teresa North attracts a diverse crowd including surfers, yogis, and artists. It’s set along white-sand beaches and surrounded by natural wonders.
The property offers guest-centric amenities like a juice bar, surf classes, an outdoor pool, billiards, and a cinema room. With both dorms and private rooms available, it caters to a wide range of travelers, especially those looking for a sociable and laid-back atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Santa Teresa
The culinary scene in Santa Teresa is diverse, catering to a variety of tastes. Restaurants range from beachfront bars serving casual fare like burgers and pizzas to upscale dining offering gourmet meals. Local seafood is a highlight, often freshly caught and served in innovative ways.
Popular dining spots include:
The Bakery: Located near Franks at Playa Carmen, The Bakery is known for its French-American fusion cuisine. It’s a bustling cafe offering pastries, fresh coffee, brunch meals, and gluten-free sandwiches. The atmosphere is cozy with outdoor seating offering a splendid view.
Sunset Lounge (Vista del Olas): Situated at Hotel Vista de Olas in the foothills of Santa Teresa, Sunset Lounge offers international cuisines with organic vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The restaurant is famed for its fantastic cocktails and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and sunsets.
El Tercer Ojo: Next to Hotel Rustico in Santa Teresa, this restaurant specializes in Caribbean cuisine and offers a variety of seafood, local dishes, and fresh cocktails. El Tercer Ojo is known for its relaxing and trendy atmosphere, perfect for various occasions.
The Somos Cafe: A popular brunch spot in Santa Teresa located on Calle Cabana. Known for its open-air dining and friendly staff, Somos Cafe offers fresh food with locally sourced produce, meats, and fish, along with homemade pastries and desserts.
Eat Street: Situated in front of Costa Riki Apartments, Santa Teresa, Eat Street features a selection of international and local food served in a food truck-style venue. It’s an ideal place for a quick meal with plenty of cuisine choices, including vegan options.
Hotel Tropico Latino (Shambala): This beachfront property on Banana Beach, at Playa Carmen’s northern end, is known for its craft cocktails and lounge seating perfect for sunset watching. Although the food is notable, the highlight here is the bar offering, including the best margaritas in town.
Uma: Located at Playa Cielo hotel, Uma is a beachside restaurant known for its Mediterranean cuisine and vibey atmosphere, especially on Friday nights. The restaurant offers a range of tapas and starters, and it’s an excellent place for beachside sunset drinks.
La Cevicheria: Specializing in ceviche and Peruvian cuisine, La Cevicheria is open for lunch and dinner, offering an outdoor dining area with a cozy atmosphere. Everything is made in-house daily, and they have a variety of cooked dishes to choose from as well.
How to Get There
Reaching Santa Teresa involves a mix of land and potentially water transport. From San José, options include a 6-hour minibus, a 4.5-hour private transfer, or a 6-hour bus journey.
Alternatively, a scenic route involves driving from San José to the port of Puntarenas, taking a ferry to Paquera, and then driving to Santa Teresa.
The journey showcases Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from urban areas to lush forests and coastal views.
How to Get Around
In Santa Teresa, the main mode of transportation is by ATV or 4×4 vehicles, due to the uneven and sometimes challenging road conditions.
Renting an ATV not only provides a convenient way to navigate the town and its surroundings but also adds an element of adventure to the travel experience. Bike rentals are also available for shorter distances.
For those not driving, local buses connect Santa Teresa with nearby towns and beaches.
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Final Thoughts
Santa Teresa is a unique destination that offers an authentic Costa Rican experience. Its combination of natural beauty, surf culture, and a laid-back lifestyle make it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
This small town on the Nicoya Peninsula has evolved from a humble fishing village into a bustling tourist destination. Its growth in popularity among tourists has not diminished its charm, as it continues to offer a laid-back lifestyle and a connection with nature.