A guide to laying low in Santa Teresa, the Costa Rican hotspot for the young & cool.

You might’ve heard of it, you might’ve not, but trust me when I say that this is where all the cool kids are going. And for good reason.

Santa Teresa, the trendy surfer’s paradise tucked away on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, has built up quite the reputation over the years. This has something to do with its blissful beaches, majestic waterfalls, abundance of wildlife and small-town charm.

Think boho-chic, Tulum vibes, but pull back the party scene factor and amp up the unadulterated Zen mode. Better yet, think Bali before it became mainstream. While Santa Teresa is nowhere near as commercialized as either, that’s precisely why it’s loved so much. It’s a true beach-bum haven, yet with just enough going on to hold a city-dweller’s attention.

Yoga is a lifestyle here, just as much as surfing and a sunset ritual. The intimate beaches are the epicenter. It’s a spiritual retreat in its most natural form.

When the sun starts to set, you can expect a mass migration to Santa Teresa’s beaches, whether it’s surfers riding the last few waves or groups of friends gathering to watch the cotton candy skies.

Travelers tend to arrive in Santa Teresa and never leave, because the living is truly that good. With an emphasis on shared workspaces, community-centric cafes, jungle parties and beach hangouts, this slice of heaven is basically made for the solo traveler.

Santa Teresa wants you to stay a while. Soon, you’ll realize it’s the only way.

Transportation

Fly into San Jose airport and take a 30-minute domestic flight into Tambor, the closest airport to Santa Teresa. From there it’s a 40-minute shuttle or taxi ride to Santa Teresa (if renting a car, best to do it in Santa Teresa).

Santa Teresa extends across one main road parallel to the beach, with many restaurants, shops and accommodations being only a short walk from the shores. People get around mostly by foot, SUV, bike or ATV, but it’s most strategic to rent an ATV for a day excursion only.

The ATV and/or biking life isn’t for the weak, either. You can expect Burning Man-equivalent dust whiplash, as the roads are mostly unpaved and bumpy (especially if off-roading to visit the waterfalls and neighboring beaches).

Where To Stay

BEST LUXURY:

Hotel Nantipa

Social / Website

BEST HOSTEL/CO-WORKSPACE VIBE:

Selina Santa Teresa South

Social  / Website

House of Somos

Social  / Website

Where To Eat

Katana

Eat Street

The Somos Café

Ani’s Bowls and Salads

The Bakery

The Roastery

Greenworld Store

Where To Go Out

Uma

Their Sunday sunset experiences are the most hyped. 

Banana Beach Club

House of Somos

Things To Do

Surf (or watch people surf)

Beginner surfers: Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen 

Advanced surfers: Santa Teresa Beach 

Explore with an ATV

Your entire body will definitely be coated in sand and dirt post-ATV trek, but a day trip to Montezuma Waterfalls is a thousand percent worth the blow to your hygiene.

Hike Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

The wildlife you'll encounter on this hike will have your jaw to the floor. I mean, look at this monkey.

Browse boutique shops in town

PAWO

Green Folk

You, Me & The Sea

Go horseback riding on the beach

Horizonte Horse Experience came highly recommended.

Take a yoga class at Believe Yoga

When I say you'll be meditating in the literal jungle, I mean it. Purchase a $120 monthly membership at Believe for unlimited access to any class of your choosing, held at their two blissful yoga decks.