Santa Teresa Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best attractions, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, and cultural experiences, as well as transportation options and safety tips.


Introduction to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a wonderful town located in Central Pacific Costa Rica and is part of Central America. This beautiful coastal village boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant greenery, making it a paradise for travelers. Santa Teresa is famous for its surfing and yoga culture, and you’ll see plenty of surfers riding the waves all year round. Santa Teresa is a perfect blend of picturesque landscapes and vibrant nightlife, a perfect recipe for an enjoyable vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Teresa

There are numerous places to visit in Santa Teresa, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures. Here is a list of some of the top things to see and do in Santa Teresa.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hacienda Okhra: Located in the heart of Santa Teresa, Hacienda Okhra is a sustainable farm that cultivates organic crops. It is an excellent location for those interested in sustainable farming.

  • Cabuya Island Cemetery: This cemetery located on an island near Santa Teresa is an unusual tourist attraction. It is believed that once the tide rises, the graves become submerged underwater.

  • Montezuma: Montezuma is a beautiful neighboring village that is well-known for its exciting nightlife and beautiful waterfalls.

Natural Attractions of Santa Teresa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Playa Santa Teresa: One of the most famous beaches in Santa Teresa, Playa Santa Teresa, is perfect for surfing and swimming. This long stretch of golden sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

  • Mal Pais Beach: Mal Pais Beach is famous for being the perfect location for fishing. It is a perfect location to indulge in some beach hiking, horseback riding, and swimming.

  • Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve: Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This beautiful reserve boasts a plethora of hiking trails offering both incredible views and several species of rare flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa has numerous trails and routes that hikers and bikers can enjoy. Here are some of the most popular.

  • Cabo Blanco Reserve Trail: This trail takes you through the beautiful natural reserve and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the park’s wildlife.

  • Mal Pais to Santa Teresa Beach Trail: This trail offers excellent views of Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline, and if you are lucky, you might spot some dolphins in the ocean.

  • Las Baulas de Guanacaste National Marine Park Trail: Located just outside Santa Teresa, this trail offers some of the best birdwatching opportunities, as well as the chance to see various sea turtles.

Best Things to Do in Santa Teresa: Activities and Tours

Santa Teresa offers plenty of things to do and see. Here are some top activities and tours to add to your list.

  • Surfing: Santa Teresa is known worldwide for its incredible surfing scene. You can take lessons from instructors and rent surfing boards as well.

  • Yoga: With a reputation for being a yoga mecca, there are plenty of studios and classes to choose from.

  • Waterfall Rappelling: This adrenaline-inducing activity takes you to the top of the waterfalls with the help of professional guides.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Teresa

Day 1: Explore Santa Teresa and take a surfing lesson Day 2: Hike Cabo Blanco Reserve or go horseback riding near the beach Day 3: Visit Montezuma and explore the stunning waterfalls Day 4: Take a yoga class or indulge in an ATV tour of Santa Teresa Day 5: Enjoy a day at the beach or the town square Day 6: Take a canopy tour or engage in some watersports Day 7: Relax at the beach and enjoy the sunset

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is famous for its cuisine, especially seafood. You can indulge in some of the best dishes and local beverages offered in this beautiful town.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arroz con Camarones: This dish is a Costa Rican version of shrimp fried rice and served with vegetables and a flavorful, tangy sauce.

  • Ceviche: A popular dish in Central and Latin America, ceviche is a seafood delicacy of marinated raw fish or shrimp served with an assortment of herbs and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Guaro: This is a sugarcane-based alcoholic drink popular in Costa Rica and tastes similar to vodka.

  • Coco Frio: A refreshing drink made from coconut water and served in the fruit itself.

Where to Stay in Santa Teresa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santa Teresa is home to a plethora of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses for all types of travelers. Here are some of our top recommendations.

  • Latitude 10: This luxurious beachfront hotel offers a unique experience of staying in sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations.

  • Nautilus Hotel: Located just a few meters from the beach, Nautilus Hotel is a cozy and comfortable hotel that offers excellent amenities.

What to Buy in Santa Teresa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Costa Rican Coffee: Costa Rican coffee is renowned worldwide for its high quality and unique flavor profile.

  • Handcrafted Jewelry: You can find beautiful pieces of jewelry made from locally sourced materials and crafted by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Teresa

Costa Rica is known for its friendly and hospitable people. The locals in Santa Teresa are no exception and will welcome you with a smile. Pura Vida, which means pure life, is the most common phrase and not just a greeting. It represents a way of life, one that emphasizes happiness, relaxation, and positivity.

Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa

The best time to visit Santa Teresa is during the dry season between December and April. The weather is dry, and the days are sunny, making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures and beach hopping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Teresa

Do:

  • Go surfing on the beaches
  • Try some Costa Rican traditional dishes
  • Respect the environment and avoid littering

Don’t:

  • Walk in secluded areas at night alone
  • Purchase drugs or engage in any illegal activities
  • Leave your belongings unattended at the beach

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a relatively safe town, but petty theft can occur, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Santa Teresa

It is a good idea to have travel health insurance. Also, ensure that you use mosquito repellants to protect yourself from dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Santa Teresa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Santa Teresa is accessible by air, road, and ferry.

Airports Near Santa Teresa

Tambor Airport is the nearest airport to Santa Teresa, about a 30-minute drive from the town. Liberia Airport and San Jose Airport are also options but about a 4-5 hour drive away.

Bus Stations Near Santa Teresa

Buses depart from the capital city of San Jose to Puntarenas, and from there, ferries depart for Paquera, which takes you to Santa Teresa.

Other Options

You can also find private transfers or rent a car to explore Santa Teresa at your leisure.

How to Get Around in Santa Teresa

Walking is the most preferred mode of transportation in Santa Teresa, but you can also rent bicycles, cars, and motorcycles to get around.

Where to Go Next from Santa Teresa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Montezuma and Mal Pais are popular destinations near Santa Teresa. Also, you can visit other nearby attractions like Tortuga Island or San Jose.

Conclusion

Santa Teresa is a beautiful town that offers opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and fun. With its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and culture, Santa Teresa should be on your travel bucket list. This travel guide provides a comprehensive list of attractions and experiences, which will enable you to have the most fantastic holiday in Costa Rica. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, and let your Pura Vida adventure begin!