Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Playa Santa Teresa is a tiny beach village located in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula near the provincial boundary between Guanacaste and Puntarenas. This relatively new vacation destination has been called the “new Tamarindo” due to its growing international fame as one of Costa Rica’s top surf spots, with a vibrant scene of the surfing crowd. Shops and tourist facilities are sprouting quickly along the 5-km stretch of dirt road, including a wide selection of tourist accommodation, from beach chalets to beachfront villas, budget cabinas and small hotels. This long white sand beach with consistent great waves is a particular favorite of surfers who fell in love with Santa Teresa and never left; adding a foreign flavor to the lively little town.

There are many surf shops in Santa Teresa and many beginners who take up lessons here appreciate the easy going surf. Apart from surfing though, there are other pastimes worth pursuing while in Santa Teresa; fishing, sunset cruises, snorkeling, kite surfing, horseback riding and canopy tour, to name a few. During the high season (Dec - Apr) you may find international performance artists in Santa Teresa offering classes like acrobatics or capoeira. Different styles of yoga are offered in various hotels. The Santa Teresa Beach Spanish School offers language lessons for those ready for some mental stimulation. For tours to Montezuma or the nature reserve of Cabo Blanco you can rent a car, or go by ATV for an adventurous fun ride. When night falls, the sound of live music fills the town and often there is a party on the beach.

Located about 150 km from San Jose, Playa Santa Teresa can be accessed via ferry from Puntarenas across to Paquera, followed by a drive to the town of Cobano; from here Playa Santa Teresa is about 12 km away; or you can fly to Tambor from San Jose and then get a bus or taxi ride to Santa Teresa.

Vacation Rentals in Playa Santa Teresa

Hotels and Resorts in Playa Santa Teresa