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Santa Teresa

Costa Rica · Coast · CRC · 9.647200, -85.171000
Family friendly 7/10 · Rank 786 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for surfing, yoga, ecotourism, and those seeking active holidays

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$104.00 (≈ 8 728 ₽ · ≈ 55 120 CRC)
For 7 days
$728.00 (≈ 61 094 ₽ · ≈ 385 840 CRC)
Santa Teresa is a bohemian and trendy resort on the Nicoya Peninsula, attracting surfers, yogis, and creative people from all over the world. Organic cafes, boutiques, and surf schools blend here to create a unique atmosphere of freedom and inspiration. This is the ideal place for those seeking a combination of active recreation, healthy eating, and spiritual practices.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
29.7°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with surf culture and wellness atmosphere

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent surfing conditions
  • World-class yoga centres
  • Scenic beaches
  • Rich nature
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • High prices
  • Strong currents at beaches
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
  • Many mosquitoes in rainy season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
31.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
28.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
29.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.7°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Santa Teresa
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Strong rip currents on all beaches, swimming can be dangerous. Swimming in tide pools and on guarded sections recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Echinometra vanbrunti — found on rocky coastal areas, stings are painful but not fatal
  • Special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Pacific Ocean coral reefs — found in Santa Teresa coastal waters, can cause cuts on contact
  • Fire corals (Millepora) — common in shallow waters, cause burning when touched

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear seasonally, caution recommended

Sharks — details

  • Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) — found on reefs, harmless to humans
  • Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) — found in coastal waters, potentially dangerous, but attacks are rare
  • Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) — occasionally found in Costa Rican waters, harmless to humans
Attractions

Playa Santa Teresa

Main beach with golden sand and surfing waves

Playa Carmen

Beach with calmer water, popular for families

Playa Hermosa

Scenic beach with strong surf, popular for experienced surfers

Cabo Blanco Reserve

Absolute nature reserve with wildlife, 1 hour away

Best areas

Santa Teresa

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and surf schools

Playa Carmen

Beach area with hotels and restaurants

Mal Pais

Scenic area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Casado

Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad

Gallo Pinto

Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime

Acai Bowl

Popular breakfast with acai berries, granola, and fruit

Tres Leches

Traditional three-milk cake dessert

Where to go next

Mal Pais

Scenic area with beaches, 10 minutes away

Cabo Blanco Reserve

Nature reserve, 1 hour away

Montezuma

Town with waterfalls, 30 minutes away

Cobano

Fishing village, 20 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (SJO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 15 900 CRC
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 37 100 CRC
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 63 600 CRC
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 106 000 CRC
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 79 500 CRC
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 31 800 CRC
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 10 600 CRC
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 2 385 CRC
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.70
≈ 227 ₽ · ≈ 1 431 CRC
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 795 CRC
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 6 360 CRC
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 2 650 CRC
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 63 600 CRC
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 530 CRC
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 3 180 CRC
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 31 800 CRC
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 18 550 CRC
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 23 850 CRC
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 37 100 CRC
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Santa Teresa Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 21 200 CRC
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Teresa: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Santa Teresa: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Santa Teresa: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Santa Teresa: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.7°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Santa Teresa: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Santa Teresa: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Santa Teresa. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Santa Teresa: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Santa Teresa: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Strong rip currents on all beaches, swimming can be dangerous. Swimming in tide pools and on guarded sections recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Santa Teresa: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $104.00 (≈ 8 728 ₽ · ≈ 55 120 CRC) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Santa Teresa: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $30.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $70.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Santa Teresa: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.70, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Santa Teresa: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $120.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $6.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Santa Teresa: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Santa Teresa — Main beach with golden sand and surfing waves; Playa Carmen — Beach with calmer water, popular for families; Playa Hermosa — Scenic beach with strong surf, popular for experienced surfers; Cabo Blanco Reserve — Absolute nature reserve with wildlife, 1 hour away. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Santa Teresa: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Casado — Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad; Gallo Pinto — Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg; Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime; Acai Bowl — Popular breakfast with acai berries, granola, and fruit; Tres Leches — Traditional three-milk cake dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Santa Teresa: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Santa Teresa — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and surf schools; Playa Carmen — Beach area with hotels and restaurants; Mal Pais — Scenic area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Santa Teresa: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Santa Teresa: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (code SJO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $120.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Santa Teresa: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CRC. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $104.00 (≈ 8 728 ₽ · ≈ 55 120 CRC). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Santa Teresa: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Santa Teresa: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Santa Teresa: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Mal Pais — Scenic area with beaches, 10 minutes away; Cabo Blanco Reserve — Nature reserve, 1 hour away; Montezuma — Town with waterfalls, 30 minutes away; Cobano — Fishing village, 20 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7/10
Overall rank: 786 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 525

Best season

December-April

Useful information

Currency: CRC
Coordinates: 9.647200, -85.171000