The small town of Santa Teresa was one of my favorite places during my trip to Costa Rica. Along the main road, which forms the heart of Santa Teresa, you’ll find colorful surf shops, cozy cafés, and yoga studios lined up next to each other. Everywhere you look, people are carrying surfboards under their arms, and the inviting, beautifully decorated restaurants are perfect for relaxing. In the evenings, groups of locals and travelers gather on the beach to watch the sunset and wind down the day together. It’s nearly impossible to get lost in Santa Teresa; to the left of the main road is a direct path to the beach, and to the right, the jungle begins. Santa Teresa may be small, and while there aren’t endless things to do in Santa Teresa, many travelers end up staying for several days or even weeks.
For me, this town is a must-visit on any Costa Rica itinerary! In this article, you’ll find out why.
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Best Things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Surfing
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Santa Teresa, it’s surfing. For around $15 a day, you can rent a surfboard at various spots along the beach and dive into the waves. The waves here are generally higher and stronger than those in Uvita, but if you stay in the shallower areas, even beginners can have a great time. You can also book a beginner surf lesson through a local provider, where a professional will teach and guide you through the sport, helping you achieve faster results than if you were to try on your own.
Beaches
Even if you’re not into surfing, it’s definitely worth visiting the stunning beaches around Santa Teresa. They are some of the prettiest in Central America. Just a few meters from the town’s main road, you’ll find Playa Santa Teresa — a long, wide stretch of fine sand with powerful waves. During the day and especially just before sunset, this beach gets lively as surfers hit the waves and groups of friends gather on the sand. You’ll also see quite a few dogs enjoying the beach here. Playa Santa Teresa is slightly quieter than Playa Carmen, which lies a bit further south and tends to attract even more surfers and tourists.
If you’re looking for a very peaceful beach, Playa Hermosa, located north of Playa Santa Teresa, is the perfect spot. With slightly smaller waves, it’s particularly popular with beginner surfers and surf schools. This idyllic beach, with its white sand and numerous shade-providing palm trees, is ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.
Shopping
If you’re in search of a stylish summer outfit or new surf gear, you’re sure to find something in Santa Teresa. Along the main road of Santa Teresa and Carmen, you’ll find plenty of beautiful boutiques lined up. Strolling through these areas and browsing the small fashion and jewelry shops is a great way to mix things up from your beach activities. However, if you’re traveling on a budget, it’s wise not to go overboard with shopping here, as the prices can be quite steep.
Yoga
In addition to surfing, Santa Teresa offers other ways to stay active and take care of your body. A morning yoga session with professional guidance can invigorate both body and mind while enhancing flexibility. There are various yoga studios and instructors in Santa Teresa to choose from. During my stay, I opted for a 90-minute Vinyasa class at Don Jon’s Lodge, and I highly recommend it. The class was excellent, and even though I was familiar with most of the poses from my yoga classes back home, practicing yoga in the middle of nature, surrounded by birdsong and sunshine, was a completely different experience. You don’t need to book the class in advance; you can simply drop in and join the session for $15. If you want to experience a sequence customized for your, you can also choose to book a private yoga lesson.
Mal Pais Tide Pools
Google Maps Location: Mal Pais Tide Pools
A trip to the Mal Pais Tide Pools is one of the best free things to do in Santa Teresa. These naturally formed water pools along the rocky coastline fill with seawater during high tide and are perfect for swimming during low tide. From the main road, it’s just a short walk over the rocks (be careful, as they can be slippery!) to reach the pools, where you can cool off and even spot some small fish. If you don’t have your own car, you can easily take a taxi to get there, or rent a bicycle or ATV – leading us to the next point of this article.
Rent a Bike/ Quad
The best way to get around in Santa Teresa and Carmen is by bicycle or ATV. You can rent either from places like ATValerios Santa Teresa. We opted for the bicycle and had no trouble reaching the Mal Pais Tide Pools. The bike has no gears and only a coaster brake, so don’t expect to go on long rides. However, with the heat in Santa Teresa, a slow and leisurely ride is definitely the more comfortable option.
Restaurants and Cafés
What I love most about Santa Teresa is the wide variety of restaurants and cafés. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Costa Rican cuisine or prefer a burger or pizza, there’s something for everyone. Beautiful spots are everywhere, filled with people chatting and enjoying their meals. I tried a few different places and have linked my recommendations for you here:
- Affordable Costa Rican food: Soda Pura Vida
- Different types of street food: Eat Street
- Healthy bowls and sandwiches: Ani’s Bowls + Salads
- Ice cream and coffee: Gaucha Norte
- Coffee and snacks: El Patio Café
- Italian restaurant: Muzza
Horseback Riding
A horseback riding tour along the beach and through the mountains is one of the best things to do in Santa Teresa that will leave a lasting impression. I have to admit that I didn’t have the time or budget for this activity, but I’ve heard and read many positive things about the tour with Ollie’s Adventures. If you love horses and want to experience Costa Rica’s nature in a unique way, this is the perfect opportunity. You don’t need any horseback riding experience for this adventure.
Snorkeling at Tortuga Island
Snorkeling enthusiasts, take note! The clear waters around Isla Tortuga offer perfect conditions for snorkeling and fish watching. The volcanic rock reef is home to species like goldfish, angelfish, moray eels, eagle rays, and more. The Isla Tortuga Tour also includes a stop at the stunning Playa Tropical beach and provides fresh fruits and beverages. To start the tour, you’ll need to drive or take a taxi to Paquera. So, plan to dedicate a full day to this tour – it’s definitely worth it!
Day trip to Montezuma
Santa Teresa is not very large, and if you want to explore more of the area, you can take a trip to Montezuma. Located just 30 minutes by car from Santa Teresa, Montezuma is also easily reachable by shuttle bus. Here, you can soak up the artsy, laid-back vibe of the coastal town, relax at the beautiful Montezuma Beach, or, for a deeper nature experience, visit the Montezuma Waterfalls. A day in Montezuma offers a variety of activities and is definitely worth the visit.
Don’t forget to save this guide on the best things to do in Santa Teresa for your trip!
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