Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
By Aaron Bailey · Last updated
Santa Teresa is a bohemian surf paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula, beloved for its powerful waves, yoga retreats, and spectacular sunsets. This trendy destination attracts surfers, wellness seekers, and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path beach experience.
Top attractions & tours
Santa Teresa and its neighbor Mal País are first and foremost surf towns, with Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa offering reef-peppered beach breaks that work nearly every day of the year. Dozens of camps and schools set up lessons, rentals, and board storage.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, at the tip of the peninsula 20 minutes south, is Costa Rica's oldest protected area. A well-marked trail drops through primary forest to a secluded beach where you'll often share the sand with no one but pelicans.
To the north, Montezuma is a twenty-minute ride over bumpy roads — worth it for the triple Montezuma Waterfalls and a smaller, artsier town vibe. Isla Tortuga day tours run from Tambor and are the area's classic catamaran excursion.
Local picks
Santa Teresa's dining scene is improbably good for a town this remote. Koji's does memorable sushi, Product C is the sustainable seafood standby, and The Bakery is where everyone shows up for morning coffee and banana bread.
For sunset, Rocamar, Playa Carmen Beach Club, and Ristorante La Bella Napoli all put you directly on the sand with cocktails. Further south, Couleur Café in Mal País is a locals' favorite.
The Playa Carmen intersection anchors everything — restaurants, yoga studios, surf shops — and it's just a five-minute walk from the beach. Weekly markets rotate between wellness fairs, live music, and food-truck nights.
Weather & climate
Santa Teresa sits at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and shares Guanacaste's hot, dry Pacific climate. Highs run in the upper 80s°F year-round and ocean temps hover near 82°F.
The dry season (December–April) is sun every day, offshore winds, and perfect surf. Landscape goes brown and dust from the dirt roads becomes a running joke.
Green season (May–November) brings heavy afternoon rain but also much greener hills, cheaper rooms, and warmer water. Roads can get muddy — a 4WD rental is the smart call in the wettest months.
Monthly climate
Safety considerations
The town itself is safe and community-minded, but ATV and scooter accidents are by far the biggest local safety issue — the main road is unpaved, dusty in the dry season and slick in the wet. Wear a helmet, don't drink and ride, and avoid riding at night.
Ocean safety is the other real concern: the waves are fun but powerful, with rocks and reef near shore. Beginner surfers should use instructors rather than going out alone. Petty theft is modest by beach-town standards — still use hotel safes and don't leave valuables in plain sight in a car.
Getting around
Santa Teresa is a long, linear town strung along one main dirt road, so an ATV or scooter is the most common vehicle and the main rental category. A 4WD car is a good choice if you're a group or want protection from the dust.
Uber does not operate here. Taxis are plentiful along the main road — expect fixed fares of $5–15 for most rides within town. For getting in and out, most travelers fly to Tambor and transfer by shuttle, or drive from the San José area via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry.
When to visit
December through April is Santa Teresa at its peak — blue skies, offshore winds, reliable surf, sunset parties, and crowds. Book hotels months ahead for Christmas and Easter.
The June–August window is underrated: afternoon rain clears the dust, mornings stay sunny, waves are bigger with south swells, and prices drop. Save late September through mid-October for when you can commit to less beach time and more hammock.