Santa Teresa doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It unfolds slowly, through dusty roads, long beach walks, and mornings timed to the tide. What began as a remote surf outpost on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula has evolved into one of the country’s most magnetic beach destinations, drawing surfers, wellness travelers, creatives, families, and long-stay visitors from around the world.

It’s not polished. It’s not especially convenient. And that’s exactly why people fall hard for it.

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Overview of Santa Teresa and the Surrounding Area

Santa Teresa sits on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, backed by jungle and facing wide, wave-driven Pacific beaches. Rather than a traditional town center, Santa Teresa stretches along a single coastal road that runs north–south through several connected communities.

Key areas include:

• Santa Teresa North & South – the main surf, dining, and lodging corridor
• Malpaís – quieter, more rugged, and close to fishing and nature tours
• Montezuma – artsy village with waterfalls and tide pools
• Cabuya – home to Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve

This region feels more frontier than resort — even as its food, lodging, and wellness scenes have become world-class.

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The Basics of Santa Teresa

Grocery Stores & Essentials

Santa Teresa is well-supplied but still rural by Costa Rican standards.

• Small grocery stores and mini-markets along the main road
• Organic markets and specialty food shops near surf areas
• Pharmacies in Santa Teresa and Malpaís for basic medications

Selection is good, but not infinite — especially during high season.

Neighborhoods in Santa Teresa

• North Santa Teresa: Surf schools, yoga studios, cafés
• Central Santa Teresa: Restaurants, boutiques, nightlife
• South Santa Teresa & Malpaís: Quieter, more residential

There’s no single downtown — everything is linear and beach-oriented.

Notable Nearby Areas

There are several key areas around Santa Teresa where Airbnb and other rentals are often available. While some of these areas may look relatively close to the beach, the old farm roads in the back country may require 4×4 or ATV to access.

• Santiago
• Manzanillo
• Las Delicias
• Rio Negro
• San Isidro

Nightlife in Santa Teresa

Nightlife here is social but not chaotic:

• Sunset beach bars
• DJ nights and live music
• Small late-night gatherings rather than clubs

Energy rises during high season and holidays, but Santa Teresa still values mornings over hangovers.

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How to Get to Santa Teresa

International Flights to Costa Rica

Most travelers arrive via:

• San José International Airport (SJO) – more international routes
• Liberia International Airport (LIR) – closer for Guanacaste travel

Both airports work, but the final leg is what defines the journey.

Getting to Santa Teresa from San José

• Rental Car: 5.5–6.5 hours (includes ferry or long drive around the gulf)
• Shared or Private Shuttle: Long but direct
• Bus: Budget-friendly, time-intensive
• Domestic Flight: Fastest option to nearby airstrips

Getting to Santa Teresa from Liberia

• Rental Car: 4–5 hours
• Shuttle: Comfortable and common
• Bus: Multiple connections required
• Domestic Flight: Limited but available seasonally

(These routes support internal links like Flying From San Jose to Santa Teresa and How to Get to Santa Teresa from Guanacaste Airport and San Jose Airport.)

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Where to Stay in Santa Teresa

Accommodation in Santa Teresa leans boutique and independent.

Boutique Hotels in Santa Teresa

Stylish, surf-oriented, and often tucked into jungle or beachfront settings.

Santa Teresa Resorts

Small-scale, nature-integrated, and wellness-focused — no mega-resorts here.

Hostels

Social, surf-centric, and popular with solo travelers.

Cabinas & Guesthouses

Simple, locally run, and ideal for longer stays.

Private Houses & Airbnbs

A top choice for families and groups, especially outside the main strip.

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Where to Eat in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa’s food scene is globally influenced and quality-driven.

Quick Breakfast & Coffee

• Espresso bars
• Smoothie bowls
• Fresh pastries

Brunch & Lunch

• Health-forward cafés
• Beachside kitchens
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus

Shakes & Smoothies

Post-surf fuel is everywhere — fresh fruit, protein blends, and cold coconuts.

Casual Dinner

• Tacos and ceviche
• Wood-fired pizza
• Costa Rican staples with modern twists

Fine Dining

• Chef-driven restaurants
• Seasonal menus
• Reservation-worthy during high season

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What to Do in Santa Teresa

Surfing in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is known for powerful, consistent waves:

• Best for intermediate and advanced surfers
• Beach breaks with strong swells
• Year-round surf potential

Yoga & Wellness

Santa Teresa has a strong yoga presence:

• Daily classes
• Retreats and workshops
• Integration with surf culture

Tours & Outdoor Activities

• Horseback riding on the beach
• Snorkeling (conditions vary)
• ATV tours and jungle hikes

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Nearby Attractions Worth the Trip

Montezuma

• Famous waterfall with swimming holes
• Artsy village vibe
• Tide pools and beaches

Malpaís

• Fishing charters
• Ziplining
• Quieter beaches

Cabuya & Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

• Costa Rica’s first protected nature reserve
• Hiking trails and wildlife
• A glimpse of pre-tourism Nicoya

These nearby areas add depth and variety to a Santa Teresa stay.

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When to Visit Santa Teresa

Dry Season (December–April)

• Best weather
• Peak crowds
• Higher prices
• Excellent surf consistency

Green Season (May–November)

• Fewer visitors
• Lush landscapes
• Afternoon rain, sunny mornings
• Strong surf and quieter beaches

Santa Teresa stays active year-round — rainy season doesn’t mean closed.

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Pace and Lifestyle in Santa Teresa

Life here revolves around tides, daylight, and surf conditions. Roads are dusty, schedules are loose, and most days start early and end with sunsets.

Santa Teresa attracts long-stay travelers who embrace simplicity, nature, and physical activity over convenience.

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Things to Be Cautious of in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is rewarding, but not effortless.

• Rough roads, especially in rainy season
• Limited lighting at night
• Petty theft — don’t leave valuables unattended
• Medical services are basic; serious care requires travel

Awareness goes a long way here.

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Why Santa Teresa Works as a Base

Santa Teresa isn’t about checking off attractions. It’s about immersion — into surf rhythm, nature, and a slower, more physical way of moving through the world.

For travelers who want:

• Powerful surf
• A wellness-meets-adventure lifestyle
• A place that still feels a bit wild

Santa Teresa delivers — with dust on your feet and salt in your hair.

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