Puntarenas Province, Nicoya Peninsula · Costa Rica
A laid-back surf-and-yoga coast of long beaches, jungle and a Blue Zone way of life.
Photo: Christopher Crouzet · CC BY-SA 4.0
Santa Teresa sits on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a long stretch of beach backed by jungle with famous surf and a bohemian crowd. Dirt roads, small hotels and open-air restaurants keep a relaxed feel, though it has become more upmarket in recent years.
Waves attract surfers from around the world, with breaks for all levels. The area also offers yoga, horse riding, and nearby sights such as Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Costa Rica's first protected area, and the waterfalls of Montezuma. Sunsets are spectacular.
Nicoya is also known as one of the world's Blue Zones, where people live unusually long lives. The pace is gentle, and dust is part of the experience in the dry season. Getting here is a longer journey, but many visitors say it is worth it.
Why visit
Santa Teresa suits those looking for surf and a slow pace.
Consistent waves.
Many retreats.
Cabo Blanco.
Montezuma.
Over the ocean.
Main attractions
The beaches and reserves define the area.
A long surf beach.
Tip Watch rip currents.
A quieter beach nearby.
Tip Great sunsets.
A forest and coast reserve.
Tip Hike in the morning.
Pools and cascades.
Tip Go early.
A rocky coast with surf.
Tip Take a walk.
A boat trip from Montezuma.
Tip Snorkel.
Things to do
Surf, yoga and walks.
For all levels.
Tip Book morning classes.
Many studios.
Tip Drop in.
Montezuma.
Tip Wear water shoes.
To Tortuga Island.
Tip Snorkel.
On the beach.
Tip Book a guide.
With a drink.
Tip Every evening.
Local food
Fresh fish and healthy menus.
Raw fish.
Where to try it Beachfront.
Local catch.
Where to try it Beach cafes.
Healthy.
Where to try it Cafes.
Plate of the day.
Where to try it Sodas.
Cold.
Where to try it Beach stands.
Accommodation
Santa Teresa has options.
Transport
The Nicoya Peninsula is remote.
Dirt roads.
When to go
Dry season brings sunshine, but it is dusty.
Dry and sunny.
Green.
Wet.
Drying out.
Worth planning around: September and October.
Itinerary
Surf and rest.
Settle
Lessons
Falls
Free
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Yes.
Three to five days.
December to April.
Yes.
Moderate to high.
Yes.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Santa Teresa and the Nicoya Peninsula, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Guanacaste Province, north-west Pacific coast, Costa Rica
The most developed beach area of Costa Rica, with surfing at Tamarindo, quieter beaches like Conchal and Flamingo, turtle nesting and the Guanacaste dry forest.
Don't miss Catching a sunset surf lesson, then dinner on the sand.
Explore Destination — Tamarindo and GuanacastePuntarenas Province, central Pacific coast, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's most visited park, with beaches, forest trails, wildlife, rafting nearby and views from the hills of Quepos.
Don't miss Spotting a sloth overhead, then swimming at a hidden beach.
Explore Destination — Manuel AntonioPuntarenas Province, southern Pacific coast, Costa Rica
A remote peninsula holding Corcovado National Park, one of the last large tracts of Pacific lowland rainforest, with Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez as bases.
Don't miss Walking at dawn on a remote beach with scarlet macaws overhead.
Explore Destination — Corcovado and the Osa PeninsulaRead next
Food
Eating well abroad is mostly a matter of knowing when meals happen, how the menu is structured and which dish belongs to the place you are standing in. This covers all three for the five countries in this guide, plus the signals that separate a restaurant that feeds locals from one that feeds coaches.
Practical
Most packing advice is a list of things. This is the opposite: the small number of decisions that determine whether your luggage helps or hinders, organised by the kind of trip you are actually taking.
Advertisement
