The Ultimate Guide To Santa Teresa

Welcome To Santa Teresa

Our guide to Santa Teresa highlights one of Costa Rica’s most iconic beach towns. This destination is known for its surf culture, laid-back vibes, and unspoiled coastline. Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, it’s a hotspot for surfers, backpackers, and digital nomads looking to soak in the beach-meets-jungle atmosphere.

We visited in March, when the dry season was in full effect. The days were scorching, the roads were dusty, and the landscape of brown tropical dry forest was waiting for the rains to return. Despite the heat, Santa Teresa delivered epic sunsets and a buzzing atmosphere. While I enjoyed the energy, Anna found it a little too hectic, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something more laid-back. This guide to Santa Teresa will highlight activities, lodging, and a few of our favorite restaurants. Let’s go!

Getting There

Santa Teresa may feel remote, but that’s part of the charm and what makes it special. There are two main routes, and the best option depends on where you’re coming from.

Option 1: Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera

(Best for Travelers from San Jose & Central Pacific)

If you’re coming from San José International Airport (SJO) or the Central Pacific coast (Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, etc.), the most common route is:

1. Drive or shuttle to Puntarenas Ferry Terminal (1.5–2 hours from San Jose).
2. Take the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry (90-minute scenic ride).
3. Drive from Paquera to Santa Teresa (1.5 hours via Route 21 through Cobano).

This is the fastest way from San Jose, and the ferry ride is a nice break from driving. However, ferry schedules vary by season, so be sure to check departure times in advance. We have a detailed guide on how to navigate the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry with a vehicle.

Option 2: Drive via Route 21

(Best for Travelers from Liberia & Northern Guanacaste)

If you’re coming from Liberia International Airport (LIR) or anywhere along the northern Guanacaste coast (Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara, Playa Flamingo, etc.), driving is usually the better choice:

1. Take Route 21 south from Liberia toward Nicoya and Jicaral.
2. Continue through Cobano and follow signs to Santa Teresa (4.5–5 hours total).

A 4×4 is highly recommended, especially if visiting during the rainy season. If you’re going south from here, take the ferry from Paquera to Puntarenas and rock on 🤘 

Transportation

Rental Cars

If this section sounds a bit repetitive from other city guides you've read... it is 🙃. We've synchronized the rental car section in our destination posts to provide you with the most up-to-date changes when we have something to add here, and the info applies to any place you'll be visiting.

Rental cars are honestly the best way to get around Costa Rica, and Adobe Rent A Car is now our recommended company. Their fleet of cars is refreshed every two years, keeping them in good condition. Plus, they have 13 offices in most of the major towns in case you need help with the vehicle.

We used to roll with Economy Rent A Car and have always had a good experience with them. Unfortunately, we've received too many complaints and can no longer recommend their general booking site. We have a contact at Economy who still sets up many of our rentals. Shoot us a message through Facebook or Instagram if you want his info, or use the contact form on our transportation page, and he'll reach out to you.

Confusing insurance requirements are the most frequent complaint about rental cars in Costa Rica, so we really like how Adobe displays their additional insurance options at checkout. It’s pretty hard to be surprised when you get there.

Rental car insurance in Costa Rica is complicated and often leaves you feeling burned at the rental counter. There are various levels of undisclosed insurance. Check out our full guide to renting a car in Costa Rica here to avoid some major frustration later. Also, be sure to use our Adobe Rent A Car booking link to receive an exclusive discount.

Drivers

Private Driver – Many private drivers in the area can take you to and from anywhere in Costa Rica. Check one of the many Facebook groups, or shoot me a message, and I’ll reach out to my network of drivers.

Taxi – Taxis are not as common and shouldn’t be counted on. Unless you’re staying in the heart of town and can walk everywhere, having a rental car or renting an ATV will make getting around the area much easier. Arranging a shuttle is much better for traveling long distances.

Shuttle – A shuttle could be an option for larger groups with a lot of luggage. We’ve used ILT Costa Rica for all of our shuttle needs when traveling with large groups. The drivers are prompt and professional. Are you taking a shuttle from Liberia Airport (LIR)? We love GoBrianTours for shuttle services originating in the northern Guanacaste areas like Liberia, Tamarindo, and Playa Flamingo.

Lodging

Accommodations range from beachfront eco-lodges to hillside villas with panoramic ocean views, so there’s something for every type of traveler. The town has become increasingly popular, so booking in advance, especially in peak season, is highly recommended.

We stayed in a funky, eclectic rental that was literally on the roof of a lodge at the top of a hill. The sunset views and open-air breezes were incredible. It’s probably not for everyone, but we’ve highlighted some other options below.

Hotels

For those who want the hotel or resort experience, here are some links for highly rated spots on Tripadvisor.

• Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach – Hotel Santa Teresa By The Beach is a favorite among guests for its spotless and cozy rooms, boasting modern amenities that ensure a pleasant stay.
• Shaka Resort Hotel – Shaka Costa Rica is an adults-only “surf & chill” retreat nestled in the lush jungle, steps from a the beach.
• Casa MarBella – Casa MarBella is a boutique hotel situated on a mountain slope in Santa Teresa. The property provides a spectacular panoramic view.
• Horizon Hotel & Yoga Center – Located on a hill side just above the center of town, only 5 minutes walk from the sand.

Vacation Rentals

• Surf Vista Villas – The Vrbo property we stayed at. Not for everyone, but we enjoyed our time here. 
• La Luxuria Villa – A beautiful custom home tucked away 1KM up the from the ocean. Enjoy a tranquil home space after a day in the beach area.
• Casa Palo Santo – The property is on the hill of North Santa Teresa, the most exclusive part of the beach. Just a 2 minute drive away from the best surf.

Santa Teresa Guide Map

Take a look at our interactive map for a guide to Santa Teresa, and enjoy some of our favorite places.

Activities

A Quick Note: You’ll notice we often recommend Viator. It's the tour booking company owned by TripAdvisor, and we link to their tours. If you book through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We do this instead of cluttering the site with annoying ads. Seriously, have you ever seen a travel website with fewer ads than ours? As of February 2025, this site still runs at a loss every month, but we keep it going because it's our passion project. We love sharing our experiences and hearing how our recommendations help make your trips even better. Some additional benefits are highlighted below.

• ⏰ Viator offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for nearly all of the activities, regardless of the tour company's policies.
• 🔒 Viator secures your payment information with the best technology in the business. Your credit card info doesn't sit in a local office... somewhere.
• 💸 Viator offers "Reserve Now and Pay Later" options for many activities.

Don't miss our Official Viator Tour Page to see recommended tours and experiences sorted by destination.

• Surfing Lessons: We didn’t surf here, but Santa Teresa is a world-class surf spot in the right conditions with waves for all levels.
• Yoga and Wellness: Beachfront yoga studios offer daily classes, retreats, and holistic healing.
• ATV Rentals: Apparently renting ATVs is a major thing here. I’ve never seen so many rentals before. Be safe, it can get hectic!
• Visit Playa Hermosa & Manzanillo: We drove north to Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo, which were quieter and more laid-back compared to central Santa Teresa.
• Bioluminescence Tour in Paquera: We did this before arriving and recommend going on a dark night. It’s a bit of a commitment driving from Santa Teresa, but could be worth it if you’re visiting over a new moon.
• Fishing Trip: Enjoy beautiful views of the coast on a private fishing trip.

Don’t Miss Restaurants

• Mantaraya Cafe – Our favorite breakfast spot with great coffee and a chill vibe.
• The Bakery – The go-to spot for fresh pastries, coffee, and brunch.
• Ani’s – Perfect for lunch, serving fresh bowls (I got a poke bowl).
• Drift – A laid-back bar in the heart of town with an attached art gallery. 
• Terrazas – Best nighttime vibes and cocktails in town.

Our itinerary

Time Needed – 2 to 3 Days

While you could spend weeks here unwinding or working remote, two to three full days is a nice amount of time to experience the town. Any more and you’ll be forgoing some quality time. We’d pair Santa Teresa with a mountain destination like Monteverde.

Day 0 – The Travel Day

Getting to Santa Teresa is an adventure in itself, whether you’re taking the ferry from Puntarenas or driving down from Liberia and Nicoya. It’s going to be a trek, so focus on getting there safely and settling in.

Day 1 – Explore the nearby beaches

The best way to start the first full day is by waking up early and heading to the beach for sunrise. Mornings are peaceful, the air is cool, and it’s one of the best times to appreciate Santa Teresa’s raw beauty before the day heats up.

Head north to Playa Hermosa or Manzanillo (or both), and enjoy seeing the different parts of the coastline as it changes dramatically.

Day 2 – Relax and explore the town

Take the morning to dive into one of the town’s signature experiences. Whether it’s a yoga class, a surf lesson, or a Costa Rican cooking class, there’s something for everyone. Santa Teresa has become a wellness hotspot, with plenty of yoga studios offering morning classes with an ocean view.

Then, the bioluminescence tour in Paquera is an unforgettable way to end the night. After sunset, take the drive over to Paquera and watch the glowing waters light up as you move through them. Since the tour needs to be booked in advance, it’s best to plan around the moon cycle to make sure you get the best visibility. More details can be found in our article on Paquera.

Day 3 – Free Day

By now, you’re probably getting that Santa Teresa isn’t an adrenaline destination like Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna. Take this time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Many people come to visit here for weeks at a time to practice surfing, yoga, and work on themselves. 

Markets

• Tienda Green World – Not the cheapest store in the area, but this grocery has premium products like organic produce and grass fed beef. 
• Super Ronny’s – There are a few Super Ronny’s in the area. They are very standard Costa Rican markets that are good for a big shop and larger international brand selection.
• Fruit World – A small produce market that offers a variety of fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, spices, coffee, etc.

Medical

Hopefully, you won’t need anything from this section during your trip to Costa Rica, but it’s always good to be prepared. Depending on your travel plans, trip insurance can provide extra peace of mind. We’ve used SafetyWing Travel Insurance in the past and, luckily, never had to make a claim. While it’s an affordable option that covers most activities, we now recommend World Nomad Travel Insurance, which offers more comprehensive coverage for the average traveler. Check their coverage here to see if it’s the right fit for your trip.

Below, we’ve highlighted essential medical offices specific to this destination in case you need it. Always check before traveling for the most current information.

Hospital

• Lifeguard Costa Rica Santa Teresa – This is not an actual beach lifeguard. This medical facility is one of the few in the area that offers general services, x-rays, and coordinates helicoptor evacuations to larger medical facilities.
• Cobano Medical Center – Located in nearby Cobano, this is a highly rated medical center that can handle many general ailments.

Dental

• Costa Smiles Dentist – A small, highly rated, dental office located in the heart of town.

Pharmacy

• Santa Teresa Pharmacy and Medical Doctor – A highly rated pharmacy with the essentials.

Santa Teresa Travel Tips:

• Be mindful of rip currents – The waves were very strong when we visited. We’re stong swimmers and still struggled at times. 
• Explore beyond town – Playa Hermosa, Manzanillo, and Mal País were great side trips.

Don’t Forget

You can buy almost anything you need in Santa Teresa, but the prices of some items may surprise you. Sunscreen can cost upwards of $20 USD for a normal size tube at the local market. Some of our don’t forget items are listed below.

• Sunscreen – Reapply all day when you’re outside. The sun is no joke here!
• Bug Spray – Mosquitos and other bugs are around all day, especially in the shady areas near still water.
• Quick-dry towel – These quick-dry towels are also sand free.
• Waterproof hat – I like this floating hat, but any good hat works.
• Polarized sunglasses – They don’t have to break the bank. Check out these polarized sunglasses by Blenders.
• Waterproof phone case – Great if you’re planning on water activities.

Let’s Go

So that’s our guide to Santa Teresa. This buzzing, high-energy beach town is perfect for surfers and those who love a vibrant atmosphere. While I enjoyed the energy, Anna found it a bit too hectic. So if you’re looking for something quieter in the area, Montezuma might be a better fit.

Remember, this is just a starting point. Mix things up to suit your preferences and add additional activities or destinations along the way. Thinking about where else to go for your Costa Rica adventure? Add some time in Playa Flamingo for the ultimate Nicoya Peninsula trip. 

Note: Always check travel advisories, local regulations, and current conditions before planning your trip.