Major city · Costa Rica
Santa Teresa
Spend 2–3 days in Santa Teresa for surf, beach walks and a day trip to Cabo Blanco; longer only if you want extensive surf coaching.
Santa Teresa is a small surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula with a 5 km stretch of beaches, basic infrastructure and a range of lodging from hostels to luxury resorts. The main attractions are surf breaks, nearby nature preserves and a relaxed dining scene. A short stay covers the highlights; extra days are only needed for intensive surf lessons or multiple day trips.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CRC
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry season, consistent swells)
- avoid May–Nov (rainy season, road conditions can worsen)
- Airport
- TMU
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Costa Rica ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Costa Rica's immigration authority (Migración) or a Costa Rican consulate; proof of onward travel is commonly required.
- Costa Rica ↗Rental cars require mandatory local liability insurance, often not included in online quotes: check the full price before booking.
- Costa Rica ↗Do not feed wildlife, including monkeys and coatis; it is illegal and harmful.
- Costa Rica ↗Buy national park tickets (Manuel Antonio, Poás, Irazú and others) online from SINAC before you go; several parks do not sell at the gate and cap daily numbers.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Santa Teresa911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Santa Teresa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, ₡); US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, with change often given in colones.Costa Rica-wide
- SIM or eSIMKölbi, Claro and Liberty sell SIMs at SJO and in towns; passport required.Costa Rica-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most of the country, including San José; drink bottled on parts of the Caribbean coast and in remote areas.Costa Rica-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% service is in the bill; extra optional.Costa Rica-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Costa Rica-wide
- SafetySanta Teresa is generally safe for tourists; keep valuables hidden, avoid isolated beaches after dark, and watch for strong currents while surfing.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; put paper in the bin in many places.Costa Rica-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 Medical
- Sundays & holidayscheckManuel Antonio closes on Tuesdays (check); Semana Santa Thursday–Friday shuts most businesses.Costa Rica-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTMU Tambor Airport (≈45 min drive to Santa Teresa).
- Getting aroundRent an ATV or scooter for side‑street travel; shared e‑bikes (Bimba) work on the paved main road; taxis or rented SUVs for airport transfers.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–$4
- BeerBeer (local brand)$2–$3
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCRC 10
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel room (double), a night, per roomCRC 120
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel room (double), a night, per roomCRC 200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CRC 35 · Mid CRC 90 · High CRC 250
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TMU Tambor Airport (≈45 min drive to Santa Teresa)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Mar (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Santa Teresa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Rent an ATV or scooter for side‑street travel; shared e‑bikes (Bimba) work on the paved main road; taxis or rented SUVs for airport transfers.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve
goDoor to door: ≈1 h round trip
ATV from Santa Teresa, about 30 min
Hiking trails and wildlife; bring water and insect repellent.
Mal País
goDoor to door: ≈10 min total
Walk or scooter along paved road, 5 min
Another surf spot and beach bars.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hostels & budget lodges
e.g., Cuesta Arriba B&B, Funky Monkey Lodge; $10–$40 per night.
Mid‑range hotels
e.g., Luz de Vida Resort, Canaima Chill House; $60–$120 per night.
Luxury resorts
e.g., Latitude 10 Exclusive Beach Resort, Red Palm Villas; $210+ per night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Backpacker
- $10–$35 (hostel, meals, scooter, surf board rental)
- Mid
- $60–$120 (mid‑range hotel, restaurant meals, ATV rental, surf lesson)
- High
- $210+ (luxury resort, private guide, premium surf coaching)
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel room (double)1 × 2 nights × CRC 120 | CRC 240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CRC 90 | CRC 360 |
| ATV rental (full day)2 × CRC 50 · check | CRC 100 |
| Surf board rental (24 h)2 × CRC 10 · check | CRC 20 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × CRC 25 · check | CRC 50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CRC 77 |
| Trip total≈ CRC 212 per person per day, bed included | CRC 847 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and international transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–$4 |
| Meal at a sodas (casado) | $5–$8 |
| Beer (local brand) | $2–$3 |
| Surf board rental (24 h) | $10 |
| ATV rental (full day) | $30–$80 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Roads to nearby beaches can still be gravel; drive cautiously.
- ATV rentals peak in high season and can be pricey – check rates.
- Surf lessons often require a credit‑card guarantee – confirm policy.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
Pocket card
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Santa TeresaSanta Teresa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Medical911
Embassy
US consulate in San José; other embassies in San José.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tambor Airport → Santa Teresa (taxi or shuttle): ≈ $30–$45, 45 min (check)
- ATV rental (full day): ≈ $30–$80 (check)
- Surf board rental (24 h): $10 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑koo‑l‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (don‑de es‑ta el ba‑nyo)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (pwe‑do pa‑gar con tar‑he‑ta)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Santa Teresa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry season, consistent swells) · avoid May–Nov (rainy season, road conditions can worsen) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a surf‑lesson package (2‑day) for $80–$150.
- Upgrade to a beachfront resort for $210+ per night.
- Include a guided wildlife tour of Cabo Blanco for $50.
Sources
Ask about Santa Teresa
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