Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is a place where you may feel a desire to stay longer than you originally intended. The laid-back vibe, fantastic beaches, and fun hotspots are definitely guilty of that. Santa Teresa is tucked away in the south of Nicoya—a region that boasts not only some of the best beaches in Costa Rica but also some great wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Nicoya Peninsula is known as a Blue Zone, which are rare regions where people live remarkably healthier and especially longer than in other places. One of the best places to visit during your trip through Costa Rica!

What to do in Santa Teresa Costa Rica?

If you're looking for a tropical paradise, but don't want to deal with the hordes of tourists that flock to the beaches then Santa Teresa is the place for you. his remote beach town is located in Costa Rica's Puntarenas province and is home to a mix of ex-pats, eco-tourists, families, backpackers, and surf- and yoga fanatics.

The location makes it easy to get around town and enjoy all of what this charming city has to offer including surfing lessons and tours, horseback riding tours through national parks or hiking trails through rain forests full of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, toucans as well as other exotic creatures indigenous.

Onsite you will find various accommodations including condos, apartments and villas along with restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques to explore during your stay in Santa Teresa.

Here are some of the many things you can enjoy on a Santa Teresa vacation:

Yoga and spa opportunities

If you're looking for a tropical paradise, but don't want to deal with the hordes of tourists that flock to the beaches then Santa Teresa is the place for you. his remote beach town is located in Costa Rica's Puntarenas province and is home to a mix of ex-pats, eco-tourists, families, backpackers, and surf- and yoga fanatics.

The location of Santa Teresa makes it easy to get around town and enjoy all of what this charming city has to offer including surfing lessons and tours, horseback riding tours through national parks or hiking trails through rain forests full of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, toucans as well as other exotic creatures indigenous.

Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

If you're planning a trip to Santa Teresa, you'd be remiss not to take advantage of the area's surfing culture. The best way to get into the spirit of things is with a stay at one of these surf-centric hostels. If you’re looking to catch some waves in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, we’ve got you covered.
Mal Pais is a place of legend. It's where the waves come to life and the sun goes down early. The beaches are calm, the waves are impressive, and you'll find the best of both at Mal Pais. Santa Teresa is one of the most beloved surfing areas in Central America—it's just that good.

Why Santa Teresa is such a good surf spot

Santa Teresa is one of the most beloved surfing areas in Central America—it's just that good.
If you're looking for a relaxing beach town experience with plenty of opportunities to ride the waves, Santa Teresa is a great place to go. The town itself has a small but bustling downtown area where you can find everything you need—from fresh fruit and vegetables at the market to souvenirs and surf gear at local shops. But it's really all about getting out into nature when you visit this area, so make sure to head out on an adventure!

The area is also fully equipped with everything you require for the best surf trip ever: restaurants and bars, yoga classes, surfing tours, and even a surf school if you're looking bump it up a notch.

Surfing suited for your experience

Santa Teresa has something for everyone: if you're a beginner looking to get started, or an intermediate surfer looking to take your skills to the next level, you can have a tailor-made Santa Teresa surf experience.

Surfing lessons in Santa Teresa

If you’re new to the sport and want some guidance, check out our surf lessons! We offer private lessons that will help get you started on your journey as a surfer.

Are you looking for something more laid back, rent a board and hit the waves solo! You can find boards for rent all over town; just make sure to ask if they have any available before making plans!

If you are true "soul surfer," head to Mar Azul. It's less crowded, so you can really get in the zone, and it's got a bunch of different breaks that are great for all levels of experience—including beginners.

Fishing trips in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is the ideal place for a fishing trip. If you're looking for a half-day of inshore fishing or a full day of off-shore fishing, Santa Teresa has something for everyone. We have local fishermen who know where the best spots are and can take you there efficiently. And our variety of fish depends on what's available during different seasons—so no matter when you come, we'll have something special for you!

Fishing in Santa Teresa is the best way to spend your day

With the variety of fish that you can catch, no matter your experience level, there are multiple options for a great fishing trip. Whether you're looking for a great place to take the kids or just want to challenge yourself with some big fish, there's something here for you. Fishes you might catch are:

• Red snapper
• Wahoo
• Roosterfish
• Grouper
• Mackarel
• Yellowfin Tuna

Snorkeling near Santa Teresa

Snorkel the beautiful waters of Tortuga Island! You don't have to go far to find paradise. Tortuga Island is a 45-minute boat ride from Santa Teresa, and it's the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming. 

The water is as clear as a turquoise jewel, and you'll be able to swim with tropical fish in the coral reef and other sea life. No matter what type of swimmer you are—beginner or advanced—you'll have a blast exploring the underwater world near Tortuga Island!

Wildlife and nature in the Santa Teresa area

There are many nature and wildlife opportunities to explore here. The Santa Teresa area,  offers a wide range of waterfalls, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges all close by.  Do you want to get up close and personal with nature, here's where to go:

Curu Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica, what to expect?

The Curu Wildlife Reserve is located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Established in 1983, this sanctuary covers 173 acres of pristine rainforest and provides a haven for native wildlife and flora. The reserve is home to more than 200 species of birds, including king vultures, toucans, hummingbirds, and many more. There are also several species of monkeys living here including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys.

Visitors can explore the reserve by walking through its trails or horseback riding along with their guides who will point out all the highlights along their journey like hidden waterfalls and secret caves while they go along their way through the lush forests surrounding them on either side as they travel through this beautiful paradise called Curu National Park where you'll see miles upon miles of trees enveloping them from all sides making it feel like being surrounded by an endless forest world without end!

Where to find the Curu Wildlife Reserve

Curu Wildlife Reserve is a private reserve owned by a family who has invited you to visit. It is located in the province of Puntarenas, in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula is in the northwest part of Costa Rica. It is a beautiful area with a lot to offer, including the beaches, rainforests, and mountains. 

Wildlife and forest walks, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and bird watching

Let’s go hiking! The trails here are perfect for a long walk, or you can use them to enjoy bird watching or wildlife viewing. The best way to see what’s going on in this area is by horseback riding through the forest. This gives you a great view of all the natural habitats surrounding you and lets you see things from another perspective!

We hope that you find this article helpful and it inspires you to visit Curu Wildlife Reserve, Costa Rica!

Visit Tortuga Island

If you're looking for a tropical getaway, Isla Tortuga is the perfect place to visit. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of this island. It's also a great place to relax and enjoy nature without having to deal with crowds 

Located only an hour and a half boat ride from the shore of the Nicoya Peninsula. The beach itself is perfect. It's sandy, with palm trees dotting its shoreline and clear waters that stretch out for miles.

It’s ideal for day trips and small family excursions. You can relax at the beach, hike through the jungle, take in some nature on one of our canopy tours, snorkel or scuba dive, or combine several activities; all you have to do is choose! Tours can be arranged from Santa Teresa or Jaco beach and are available daily at various times throughout the year.

Visit Montezuma Waterfalls from Santa Teresa

Montezuma Waterfalls are maybe the biggest attractions on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. The three waterfalls are located near the beach and you can swim in the refreshing pools or even jump from some of them if you dare. If you visit during the rainy season, expect to get a bit wet—but that just makes it more fun.

What to expect from Montezuma Waterfall

The top waterfall is about 15 feet tall, but it's the perfect size for jumping in and swimming under. It's also equipped with a rope swing on a tree here—you can't beat that!

The middle waterfall is hidden between the top and lower waterfalls, but it's worth looking for.

It's roughly 40 feet (12 meters) tall, so a bit smaller than its brethren. But it's still pretty cool to see from above, though you'll probably have to climb over slippery rocks to get there—so do not come in with flip-flops!

The Lower Water Fall is the biggest at about 80 feet. A great place to swim and relax while gazing up at the cascading water. There are also smooth rocks to sit on and trees for shade. It's not safe to jump because dangerous rocks can lurk under the surface of the water.

Visit El Chorro Waterfall from Santa Teresa

If you're looking for a beautiful waterfall, one of the best in Costa Rica is El Chorro. It's one of only seven waterfalls in the world that falls into the sea, and it can be found at Playa Cocalitos. Playa Cocalitos is probably the most deserted and pristine beach on the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. This is a great place to come with a group of friends or family.

Taking a horseback riding tour towards El Chorro

We'd recommend taking a horseback riding tour through the area instead—it gives you a chance to see some incredible sights while riding through some truly beautiful landscapes!

How to arrive from Santa Teresa to El Chorro?

Visit Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve

Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, was created in 1963. Covering an area of 3,140 acres, it is part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. The reserve is home to the San Miguel Biological Station, which has been studying local wildlife since its founding.

The reserve boasts about 140 different species of trees and is home to abundant marine birds and marine mammals including orcas.

Entrance to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

You don't have to be a scientist or a park ranger to visit Cabo Blanco anymore.  It was originally set up as a research station for scientists and park rangers, but today visitors are allowed to hike through the reserve. Two designated trails are available: the "Sueco" and the "Danes Trail."

The reserve is open from Wednesday to Sunday. For nonresidents of Costa Rica, the entrance fee is $ 12. Kids until 5 years can enter for free.

How to arrive from Santa Teresa to El Chorro?