Explore Santa Teresa

This Santa Teresa travel guide covers the beaches, surf, dining, wellness and local experiences that make the area unique.

Located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is known for its unique blend of natural beauty, laid-back lifestyle, and world-class surf. What was once a hidden destination has evolved into one of the country’s most sought-after coastal escapes, attracting travelers who value both nature and design.

From long stretches of Pacific coastline and consistent surf to acclaimed restaurants, wellness experiences, and local boutiques, there is no shortage of things to do in Santa Teresa. MarAMar places guests close to it all while offering a quiet setting surrounded by tropical nature.

The rhythm here is simple: mornings by the ocean, afternoons in nature, and evenings shaped by sunsets.

After a day exploring Santa Teresa, return to a private stay surrounded by tropical nature and close to the coast. Explore our Bungalows, Casa Pochote, Barefoot Chateau, and Casa Xelva to find the right setting for your trip.

Beach & Surf

3 Minutes

Restaurants & Cafés

10 Minutes

Stores & Pharmacies

10 Minutes

Cobano Airport

30 Minutes

Beaches & Surf

Known for consistent waves and long stretches of pristine coastline, Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s top surf destinations. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, the beach offers space to explore at your own pace.

Dining

The area features a curated mix of restaurants, from elevated dining experiences to relaxed beachfront cafés. Fresh ingredients, international influences, and a strong local identity define the culinary scene.

Wellness

From yoga studios to private sessions, Santa Teresa is a hub for wellness. Guests can enjoy yoga, massage, and holistic experiences designed to restore balance and connection.

Experiences

Explore nearby waterfalls, jungle trails, and ocean activities. From horseback riding and ATV tours to boat trips and sunset experiences, the surroundings offer endless ways to connect with nature.

Eat & Drink

Where to Eat in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa’s food scene ranges from traditional Costa Rican cooking to Asian cuisine, Mediterranean-inspired dinners and relaxed beachfront spots. These are a few places worth visiting.

Brukas

Brukas

An elevated dinner spot overlooking the coast, Brukas is an especially good choice around sunset, with grilled fish, meats and cocktails.

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La Choza

For Costa Rican food, La Choza serves classics such as ceviche, patacones, casados, gallitos and fresh seafood in a relaxed setting.

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Aroma

A versatile all-day restaurant with breakfast, bowls, seafood, Costa Rican dishes and international influences. It works equally well for a slow morning or dinner after the beach.

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Somos

Part restaurant, café and gathering place, Somos combines food, drinks and Santa Teresa’s surf culture in a relaxed open-air setting.

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Eat Street

A casual open-air food market with several kitchens in one place. It is particularly useful for groups, with coffee, bowls, tacos, cocktails and plenty of variety.

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NAMORÉ

A garden restaurant with a Mediterranean influence, good drinks and an atmosphere that shifts naturally from daytime café to dinner in the evening.

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Katana Asian Cuisine

One of Santa Teresa’s established dinner spots, with an Asian-inspired menu built around local fish, meats, produce and ingredients sourced from Costa Rican growers whenever possible.

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Uma Beach Club

A beachfront option for a long lunch, drinks or dinner beside the Pacific. Come later in the day and it becomes an easy place to stay through sunset.

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Terrazza Santa Teresa

A relaxed evening spot for pizza and cocktails, Terrazza is a good option for an easy dinner after a day at the beach.

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Wellness

Yoga, Pilates & Fitness

Wellness is part of everyday life in Santa Teresa. The area has everything from open-air yoga and strength training to intimate reformer studios and full fitness and recovery facilities.

BODYKULT

BODYKULT

A good all-round choice for movement, with mat Pilates, yoga and strength-focused classes in an open-air studio.

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Yoga at Cabinas Playa

A more traditional yoga option, with vinyasa classes on an elevated terrace and sessions suited to different experience levels.

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This Way Movement

A dedicated reformer Pilates studio focused on controlled, intentional movement, with both group and private sessions.

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Happilates

Another dedicated reformer studio, with a regular schedule of small-group Pilates sessions throughout the week.

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ACTIVO

The most complete fitness option on the list, combining a gym, functional training and coached classes with a café, showers, sauna and ice-bath recovery.

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Somos Sweat Den

An open-air movement and training space that brings fitness and recovery into the tropical setting that defines Santa Teresa.

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Good to Know

Everyday Essentials

A few practical places are worth knowing once you arrive. Use the interactive map above to find groceries, pharmacies, medical services, ATMs, fuel and laundry around Santa Teresa.

Coffee

Coffee & Slow Mornings

Mornings move at their own pace in Santa Teresa. Whether you want specialty coffee, breakfast after surfing or somewhere to sit for a while, there are several good stops along the main road.

Gula

Gula

A relaxed café for coffee, matcha and daytime food, and an easy stop before or after the beach.

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El Somos Café

A good choice when coffee needs to come with something from the bakery. The pastries and cardamom roll are particular favorites.

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El Patio

A daytime café built around breakfast and brunch, with coffee, açaí and easygoing tropical surroundings.

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The Roastery

The stop for visitors who take their coffee seriously, with specialty coffee alongside breakfast and lunch near Playa Carmen.

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Surf & Explore

Surf, Beaches & Adventure

The Pacific is the center of life here, but there is plenty to explore away from the beach too. Surf lessons, ATVs and nearby beaches make it easy to build a day around however active you want to be.

Del Soul Surf School

 

Del Soul Surf School

A surf-school option for visitors who prefer personal instruction and smaller groups while learning the local breaks.

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Blue Mystic Surf School

Private and small-group surf lessons for different ability levels, with instruction at Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa.

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Savannah Xtreme ATV

ATV rentals and tours are one of the easiest ways to reach beaches, viewpoints and inland areas beyond Santa Teresa’s main road.

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Playa Hermosa

A wide stretch of sand north of Santa Teresa with plenty of room for surfing, walking and settling in for sunset.

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Playa Carmen

At the southern end of Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen is another popular surf beach and the crossroads between Santa Teresa and Mal País.

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Travel

Cobano Airport

Cóbano Airport is the closest airport to Santa Teresa and a convenient option for domestic flights. Use the interactive map above to locate the airport and see its position in relation to MarAMar.