Santa Teresa

You're bound to fall in love with this unique beach town! Santa Teresa is located in the province of Puntarenas, about 100 miles from the capital of San Jose. Most of the tourism in Santa Teresa does not come from Costa Ricans but rather from international travelers looking for a place to chill. Many languages can be heard on the streets, making this little town a cultural haven and a perfect place to meet friends worldwide. Santa Teresa has grown over the last ten years and turned into what some consider “the next Tulum”. To some, this self-proclaimed title might sound off-putting but don't worry, Santa Teresa remains a hippie town with loads of authentic restaurants and places to stay. You can find whatever you're looking for in this small town, whether it be nightlife, wellness, yoga, surfing, cuisine, etc. There is an activity for everyone; however, the overall vibe of this town is one of eccentrics and neo-hippies looking to connect with nature in a secluded area.

Santa Teresa is lovely and has its own set of perks at any stage of the year. Costa Rica has two main seasons: the rainy and dry seasons. The surf is usually better during the rainy season, but you might run into quite a bit of rain in the afternoons and some mud. The best perk of the rainy season is the drop in prices for both lodging and restaurants. As this is considered low season, many places will drop their prices as it is the time of year when fewer tourists arrive.

On the other hand, the dry season is prime beach weather, the sun shines all day, and the stars are out all night. During the dry season, the dusty roads will pick up the dust and make walking around a bit of a challenge; however, the government has slowly begun to make these roads pavemented every year. Therefore, during the dry season, which is considered summer in Costa Rica, there will be a surge in prices and tourists. 

The weather in Santa Teresa oscillates between the high 80s and low 90s most of the year, with a pleasant ocean breeze. The dry season which runs from December to May is the hottest and sunniest time of the year; meanwhile, the rainy season (June to November) is generally more humid and a bit cloudier in the afternoons. Both dry and rainy seasons have pros and cons as the rainy season might be less sunny, but the vegetation will be as green as possible. The dry season is sunnier, but foliage begins to dry up. The warm weather is always perfect for a dip in the ocean. 

Santa Teresa is a remote community where minor crime happens. Like everywhere else in Costa Rica, we'd recommend keeping valuables locked up in your hotel, and leaving valuables on the beach while swimming can be a risk. The ocean can be dangerous in certain spots due to rip currents; there are lifeguards at specific points that keep a lookout. Sometimes you might see flags on the beach, which signify dangerous places or areas where there are rocks.

The list of restaurants in Santa Teresa is quite long, as there are many options for different types of cuisine ranging from Costa Rican, Japanese, Mediterranean, North American, French, Italian and more. These restaurants also have a wide variety of price ranges. Some stand out for their popularity, while others are just downright delicious. Here are a few of our favorites:

Koji’s: It is a famous restaurant in Santa Teresa and has been open for almost the beginning. Koji’s is open seasonally and closes mainly in the rainy season as the number of clientele drops. Koji’s serves a wide range of Japanese cuisine, specializing in sushi and unique fresh cocktails. Koji’s is known for being on the higher end of the price spectrum, and making a reservation is a good idea. 

Pronto: The town's premier Italian restaurant is owned and run by Italians who import ingredients and ensure each dish is authentic. You can imagine any Italian dish with a large selection. Pronto has a laid-back and romantic atmosphere perfect for date night. 

Kooks: Kooks is a relatively new restaurant in Santa Teresa, catering for those looking for authentic sports bar vibes and the best brisket around. It is a great place to catch a game as they also have extensive satellite tv channels. 

Soda Tiquicia: Famous for its authentic Tico meals, Soda Tiquicia is run by an all Costa Rican staff and uses ingredients from local fishermen and markets. Here you can find the famous Casado, a dish consisting of rice, beans, the meat of choice, and salad. Here you can discover heft portions for a low price at any mealtime. It does get crowded during the high season, but as this is a very laid-back environment, reservations do not exist.

Uma: This beachfront restaurant is excellent for sunset as they have low tables and cushions to sit on the sand while looking out onto the ocean. They offer Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for ordering many appetizers or a couple of large main dishes. They have many vegan and vegetarian options as well. There's no better place to be than the seaside while you sip on a cocktail or glass of wine.

Tipsy: Tipsy is the best place in town to get all your favorite French wines and a range of exclusive wines only to be imported by them. You can also find a range of exotic mezcals from Mexico gin worldwide, including “Cas de luz,” a gin made out of the Costa Rican Cas fruit. Tipsy is located across the street from the beach; it's a great place to get a bottle on the go and head towards the sand for an afternoon with friends. 

Santa Teresa is very secluded and distant from International airports, but no worries! The drive is a scenic one with some fun stops along the way. To get to Santa Teresa from San Jose by car, you must first drive to the port of Puntarenas, where you will need to catch the ferry (which leaves every couple of hours) and then drive about an hour and a half to the final destination. You should buy the ferry tickets online before arrival, this will make the process smoother, as it can get crowded and not having a ticket means you might not catch the ferry.

Santa Teresa is much easier to reach by national charter planes; leaving from San Jose; you can travel with a wide range of times and companies. Once on your charter flight from San Jose to Tambor (the closest local airport to Santa Teresa), you will be in the air for about 45 minutes; once you land, you must drive or take a shuttle for about an hour and a half till you reach Santa Teresa. Depending on your location, Santa Teresa can also be reached from other parts of the country via charter plane and car.