Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa has become a trendy new travel destination in Costa Rica which attracts especially surfers and the younger crowds to its great waves, broad sandy beaches and dramatic sunsets.

Surfer walking along Santa Teresa Beach

The secret wasn't well kept. Surfers, raving about the exquisite beaches and world class surf in Santa Teresa have drawn the international scene to their new eldorado. Many who just came for a surf vacation in Costa Rica fell in love with Santa Teresa and never left.

The cosmopolitan newcomers add their spices and styles to the local flavor, so that now there is a nice choice of international restaurants and hotels available.

Formerly a small fishermen's village, Santa Teresa has now quickly developed into a lively little town, with new cabinas, hotels and shops that seem to be popping up every day along the 5 kms of dirt road.

Playa Santa Teresa with Mal Pais in the distance

A lot of surfer-oriented hotels, shops and surf instructors are available and many people make their first surfing experiences in Santa Teresa as the easy going surf is well suited for beginners. See: -> Surf in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa

However, you mustn't belong to the wave riding set to enjoy your vacation here. Venture out to discover the pristine beaches of Santa Teresa - they belong to the most beautiful in Costa Rica.
A broad strip of forest hugs the shore offering scenic hideaways with respite from the sun.

Santa Teresa Playa Carmen

Other pastimes include fishing or sunset tours by boat, snorkeling, kite surfing, the canopy tour in Mal Pais or horseback riding.

During high season (Dec - April) international performance artists stay in Santa Teresa and sometimes they offer classes like acrobatics or capoeira. And for relaxation there are different styles of yoga offered in various hotels in Santa Teresa.

For tours to Montezuma or the nature reserve of Cabo Blanco you can rent a car, or get an ATV for an adventurous fun ride. Don't drive on the beach however - it isn't legal, nor is it environmentally friendly.

Beach scenery in Santa Teresa

For sunset everybody heads for the beach. Those who aren't busy with catching the last waves of the day congregate on the beach to admire another spectacular sunset in Santa Teresa while making plans for the evening.

Santa Teresa's famous sunsets

Especially in high season there is abundant nightlife in Santa Teresa. You can dive into the steaming atmosphere of a "Baile" in the Saloon where you might run into a life band featuring Costa Rican music. Or have a party on the beach with House, Trip Hop or Ambient.

Very popular with locals and tourists alike are the reggae nights which are so perfectly in tune with the tropical lifestyle.