Discover Santa Teresa: From Jungle to Sea

Lush green jungle of Santa Teresa

Living and working in this little surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula was equal parts magic and madness. From planning and hosting hotel events to soaking in every sunset and dancing under the palms to local beats until sunrise, I still can’t believe this was real life. Some days were smooth and sunny, others stormy and wild (cue me sweeping buckets of rainwater out of my room during the height of rainy season). But every moment, from the challenges to the serendipities, taught me something that I’ve carried with me both personally and professionally and ultimately made me fall in love with Santa Teresa.

Golden hour walks on the beach

In between all the magic and madness, I made it a point to explore every corner of this surf town tucked between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the lush green jungle. Santa Teresa has something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re chasing a rustic retreat deep in the jungle, sunset surfs followed by nights that turn into mornings, a luxe escape with ocean views and daily yoga flows, or a social hub to meet fellow adventurers as a solo traveler. Whatever your vibe, you’ll find it here, just don’t come looking for mega resorts or cookie-cutter experiences. Santa Teresa is all about authenticity, connection, and finding your own rhythm.

If you’re thinking about heading to Santa Teresa, here are a few of my favorite places to eat, sleep, and play.

Beach essentials from local Santa Teresa shops

Eat

• Eat Street: The best crispy chicken sandwich I’ve ever had.

• Gaucha: Artisanal ice cream and Argentinian-inspired bites like alfajores and medialunas.

• Ani’s Bowls: Fresh açaí and delicious brunch bites.

• Soda la Amistad and Soda Pura Vida: My go-tos for affordable, traditional, homemade-style dishes.

• Bernie’s Pizza: Grab a slice of New Jersey-style pizza (approved by a New Jerseyan, aka me) as a post-Kooks reggaeton party pick-me-up.

Sleep

Cool down after a beach day in the Purapura Villa pool

• Nantipa Boutique Hotel: A Tico-founded luxurious escape that blends ultimate relaxation with sustainability and adventure.

• Purapura Santa Teresa: Tucked away in the lush jungle of the mountains, these villas offer the perfect mix of comfort, affordable luxury, privacy, and an authentic local experience.

• Believe Surf & Yoga: The go-to spot for a “beach bum” getaway, where mornings begin with a vinyasa flow and evenings wrap up with sunset surf sessions.

• Casa Cecilia: A hidden gem steps away from the crashing waves of the Pacific, this casita offers ultimate relaxation, whether that be enjoying breakfast with the sound of the jungle in the background or lounging on the beachfront hammocks all day long.

Beach days under the palms

Play

Daytime adventures:

• Rent an ATV and explore nearby beaches and waterfalls like:

  • Montezuma

  • Playa Hermosa

  • Manzanillo

  • Playa Cuevas

  • Malpais tide pools

• Take Off Surfing: Rent a board or take a surf lesson with local pros, all while supporting an incredible community-driven cause.

• Admire Santa Teresa from above while unwinding during a yoga flow at Hotel Horizon’s 360-degree scenic sky deck tucked in the lush mountains.

Sunset surf sessions

Nightlife and vibes:

• House of Somos: Live music nights and a super chill atmosphere with delicious craft cocktails and local brews.

• Kooks Smokehouse: Your spot for local nightlife, sport watch parties, and good vibes.

• Pasion: Underground house and techno club hidden in the jungle.

• Banana Beach: For that classic, Tulum-inspired beach club vibe.

• Dokidoki Cantina: A lounge-style space with sophisticated yet relaxed vibes and unique cocktails.

Sunset beach walks

As with any lush, off-the-grid beach paradise, there are a few key things to know before heading to Santa Teresa. After spending four months living and working in this semi-remote surf town, I definitely picked up on some tips and tricks I wish I had known before I arrived. So here’s the advice I’d give to my pre-Santa Teresa self (and now, to you, too):

• Pack more bug spray than you think you’ll need—preferably Picaridin-based. Trust me, the mosquitoes are relentless, especially after sunset.

• Electrolyte packets or tablets are a lifesaver, both because you’ll be sweating a lot and for the occasional post-jungle-rave recovery.

• Bring a portable electric fan and/or a handheld foldable fan. Even if your room has A/C, rainy season power outages are real, and the heat creeps in fast. Plus, bringing out my handheld accordion fan at the bar was always a fun party trick and saved me and my friends a lot of sweat-drenched nights!

• A portable charger and rechargeable light also came in super handy when the power went out (which it did… a lot).

• Book a surf lesson before jumping in solo, even if you’re confident in your skills. Locals gave me this advice, not to question my (very beginner) abilities, but because it helps you get the lay of the land (or sea). A local instructor can point out hidden rocks, coral patches, and rip currents, and share surf etiquette that’ll help you stay safe and make friends!

• Leave the fancy shoes at home. Bring footwear you don’t mind getting muddy, ideally something plastic or easy to rinse. Rainy season turns the roads into a full-on mud slip n’ slide, and your cute espadrille wedges won’t stand a chance. Plus, Santa Teresa fashion tends to be laid-back and casual, with most people throwing on a T-shirt or cover-up over their bathing suit and calling it a day.

• Don’t sleep on the local buses! While they may not run like clockwork, they’re a total game-changer if you want to explore nearby beaches or head to Cobano, the nearest “city” (and I use that term loosely), where you’ll find more affordable produce, pharmacies, clinics, and other things that are hard to find in Santa Teresa’s beach strip. It’s also a great option if you’re not keen on paying the steep prices for an ATV rental or if navigating windy, pothole-filled dirt roads isn’t your thing. Plus, it adds a little local flavor to the adventure!

No matter how much you prep, Santa Teresa has a way of surprising you, in the best possible way. Part of the charm is learning to go with the flow (literally and figuratively), getting a little muddy, a little salty, and a whole lot inspired. Pack the essentials, stay curious, and let the town work its magic on you just like it did on me.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.