🏖️ Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Scouting Trip Guide

Santa Teresa is a remote, world-famous surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula, about 5–6 hours from San José (including a ferry or long drive). Known for its surf, sunsets, and bohemian vibe, Santa Teresa attracts expats, surfers, and wellness enthusiasts seeking a relaxed, nature-focused lifestyle.

If you’re considering a move here, be prepared for slower-paced living, fewer big-city conveniences, and a strong sense of community—but also some of the most beautiful beaches and jungle scenery in Costa Rica.

✅ Santa Teresa Scouting Trip Checklist (3–5 Days)

1. Experience Daily Life

• Walk around town—visit grocery stores, surf shops, yoga studios, and cafes.

• Explore housing: beachfront bungalows, jungle villas, and small apartments inland.

• Note the infrastructure: internet reliability, local services, and transportation options (ATVs or cars are common).

2. Food & Dining

• Try local sodas for traditional Costa Rican meals.

• Explore international restaurants—Italian, Japanese, and healthy café spots are popular.

• Don’t miss beachside dining for sunset views and fresh seafood.

3. Activities & Lifestyle

• Take a surf lesson or watch the consistent waves at Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen.

• Join yoga classes or wellness retreats—Santa Teresa is known for a health-focused lifestyle.

• Enjoy the beaches, sunsets, and jungle trails—walking, horseback riding, and hiking are all options.

4. Day Trips Nearby

• Mal País – small town south of Santa Teresa, quieter beaches.

• Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve – Costa Rica’s first protected area, ideal for hiking and wildlife.

• Montezuma – waterfalls and bohemian vibes, about 1.5 hours away by road.

🏡 Where to Stay in Santa Teresa (Great Picks for Scouting Trips)

• Florblanca Resort – luxury beachfront villas with a wellness focus.

• Hotel Nantipa – oceanfront, boutique hotel with surf access.

• Selina Santa Teresa – modern hostel-style accommodations for shorter stays or community networking.

• Vacation rentals – beachfront or jungle homes to “test drive” life as an expat.

📝 Local Life to Notice

Santa Teresa is laid-back, remote, and surf-centric. Services are more limited than in Jacó or Costa Ballena—expect slower internet, fewer banks, and a reliance on local markets. Life here is ideal for those prioritizing nature, wellness, and community over urban conveniences.

🔗 Ready to Explore More?

After Santa Teresa, many expats explore:

• Jacó – urban beach town with nightlife and easy access to San José.

• Costa Ballena (Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal) – quieter, nature-rich expat hub just south.

• Tamarindo – lively surf town with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

• Samara – family-friendly, laid-back beach town with community vibe.

• Playas del Coco – popular expat and tourism hub in Guanacaste with easy airport access.

• Central Valley – cooler mountain living with city conveniences.

• La Fortuna – adventure and eco-living near Arenal Volcano.

View of Santa Teresa Beach from the Mal Pais Hill. (CC By 1.0)