Imagine white sands, turquoise waters and surfer dudes galore and that's exactly what you'll be getting in Santa Teresa. Despite being only a tiny beach village, this destination has plenty to offer. If you're hoping to go to Santa Teresa this year, be sure to book your vacation rental with FlipKey!

About Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is just about 150 km west of the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. Geared up for the younger generation, this destination is well known for its fantastic surfing opportunities and idyllic beaches.

The tremendous waves of the Pacific Ocean attract surfers from all over the globe; and are ideal for both beginners and experts depending on which beach you pick. Playa Carmen is more suited for those starting out, and many beaches around the resort offer the opportunity to join surf camps.

Way back when, Santa Teresa started off as a small fishing village, depending on their catch as well as local agriculture for their income. These days, the area largely depends on the tourist industry.

Gallo Pinto is one of the most common dishes within Costa Rica, consisting of rice, black beans and often served with fried or scrambled eggs. Make sure you try it!

What to do

Besides the ultimate surfing experience, visitors also travel to Santa Teresa to take on many other activities. Many may decide to go horseback riding to check out a number of key attractions in the area. 

There's also the opportunity to visit the Coco Blanco Nature Reserve which hosts a huge 150 species of birds. During the expedition, you'll also be surrounded by gorgeous forest land with spectacular ocean views, so it's definitely worth a trip.

If you're looking to explore the beauty of the area, many tourists decide to rent bicycles to venture across the destination to visit beaches and other local villages such as Mal Pais which is, again, another popular location for surfers. Perfect for beginner and experienced surfers, there are also other activities to experience at this location such as scuba diving, sports fishing and kite surfing.

Top Santa Teresa travel tips

Most visitors travel around Santa Teresa via public transport, and many links can transport to the neighboring cities of San Jose, Cobano, Mal Pais and Montezuma. There’s also the opportunity to rent a car if you'd prefer.

The majority of restaurants include a 10% tip which is automatically added onto your bill, so check before you leave your change on the table. If you think they deserve a little extra, a few coins will always be welcome.

If you're on the lookout for a surfer’s paradise with plenty of activity to keep you occupied throughout your stay, you’ll love Santa Teresa. To find the best vacation rentals in Santa Teresa, browse FlipKey to secure your stay.