Santa Teresa
Most other places in Costa Rica are far from Santa Teresa. And all of that adds to the appeal. It is situated on the Nicoya peninsula in the country's northern region. Beautiful beaches are Santa Teresa's main draw. The town has grown up only a short distance from the palm-lined beach. The steep hillside directly behind the main road is also dotted with houses and rentals. These provide stunning ocean views.
Although Santa Teresa is well known for its surfing, swimming can be more difficult due to the choppy waves and rip currents. Besides surfing and sunbathing, Santa Teresa’s beaches serve as the main gathering place, especially at sunset. From around five in the afternoon until well after the sun touches down around six, it seems like the whole town comes out. Small and large groups gather on the sand, surfers catch their last waves of the day, and everyone tries to get that perfect sunset pic.
What to Know About Santa Teresa
- Cash is king in Santa Teresa. Bring plenty as there is only one ATM in town and it runs out of money often.
- ATV’s are the main mode of transportation in the area
- There are many beaches in Santa Teresa and there is one main road running parallel to them
- Roads are completely unpaved so 4×4 really recommended. Gets super dry and dusty in dry season
By bus
- There is a bus from San Jose to Mal Pais everyday at 6 AM and 2 PM that goes to Santa Teresa. There is also a bus from Cobano everyday at 1030 AM to 230 PM.
For shuttles
- Private shuttles are available and cost around $250 USD one way for 1-8 people from San Jose. From Liberia, it is around $250 USD one way too.
Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
