Santa Teresa Activities: The Complete Guide to Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica


Curated by Elite Beach Villas Team


Santa Teresa has a way of filling your days without trying. Consistent surf, dense jungle, clean beaches and a community that genuinely values movement and rest. There is almost always something worth doing here, and often the best things are the ones you did not plan. This guide covers every major activity in Santa Teresa with honest, specific recommendations from a team that knows this coastline well.


Guests staying in North Santa Teresa, including at our beachfront villas Casa Lanui and Casa Taman, have access to a full concierge service that can arrange, book and coordinate any activity on this list before or during your stay.


Surfing in Santa Teresa


Surfing is the defining activity of Santa Teresa. The town built its reputation on consistent Pacific swells, warm water year round and a lineup that accommodates everyone from beginners on foam boards to experienced surfers chasing overhead barrels.


The best surf in Santa Teresa is found at Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa to the north. Surf season peaks from May through November with larger swells, while December through April offers cleaner, more manageable conditions ideal for intermediate surfers and beginners.


Surf Spots by Level


Beginner


The whitewater sections of Playa Carmen and the central stretch of Santa Teresa beach are the most forgiving entry points. The sandy bottom, gentle shore break and proximity to surf schools make this the most popular area for first timers. Lessons typically run 90 minutes and include board rental.


Intermediate


The main beach break at Playa Santa Teresa offers consistent peaks that reward surfers who can read a line and generate speed. Conditions are most consistent in the morning before the wind picks up around midday.


Advanced


Playa Hermosa, north of Santa Teresa, is where the more serious surfers go. The longer ride, faster sections and reef influence create a more demanding wave that rewards commitment. Local knowledge helps here. Going with a guide on your first few sessions is worth it.

Santa Teresa Activities

Surf Schools and Rentals


Santa Teresa has a strong surf school culture with certified instructors, small group lessons and full board rental options. Most schools offer packages that combine lessons with photography so you leave with shots of your session. Ask your concierge at Casa Lanui or Casa Taman for current

recommendations based on your level and the conditions during your stay. Guests at our villas also have free access to surfboards and longboards during their stay.


Yoga and Wellness in Santa Teresa


Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica's top wellness destinations. The area has multiple yoga studios offering daily classes, retreat programs, sound healing, breathwork and meditation. Several studios sit within a short drive of the main beach, and many operate in open air or jungle settings.


The wellness culture in Santa Teresa is genuine. Studios here draw serious practitioners and the teaching reflects that. A single sunrise class or a week long retreat, the caliber holds up either way.


What to Expect


  • Daily yoga classes at multiple studios, typically morning and late afternoon
  • Styles including Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Kundalini and Restorative
  • Sound healing, cacao ceremonies and breathwork sessions available seasonally
  • Private sessions bookable through most studios and through your villa concierge
  • Retreat packages ranging from weekend immersions to week long programs


Guests staying at Casa Lanui or Casa Taman can arrange private yoga sessions and massage therapists to come directly to the villa. Teaching on an open air terrace steps from the Pacific is a different experience than a studio class.


Pilates: This Way Movement


Founded by a certified Pilates instructor trained in New York City, the studio brings a level of precision to movement that sets it apart from the broader yoga and fitness scene in town. The focus is deliberate: controlled work that builds core strength, improves posture and complements the physical demands of surfing and an active outdoor lifestyle. Accessible to first timers and genuinely demanding for experienced practitioners.


  • Equipment: Merrithew V2Max Plus reformers, towers and stability chairs
  • Classes: group reformer sessions, private sessions, duo and small group bookings
  • All levels welcome, from first timers to advanced practitioners
  • Intro offer: 3 group reformer classes within 10 days, a good entry point for guests on a shorter stay
  • Retreats: multi day immersive Pilates and yoga retreats hosted regularly throughout the year
  • Teacher training: certified mat Pilates teacher training programs for those looking to deepen their practice
  • Website: thiswaymovement.com


Guests staying in North Santa Teresa can also book the studio privately for small groups. Reserve the whole space for your party, arrange it through the villa concierge and you have one of the more unexpectedly good mornings the area offers.


Hiking and Nature


The best hiking near Santa Teresa is at Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Costa Rica's oldest protected area, located about 12 kilometers south. Day hikes through primary forest lead to secluded beaches with wildlife including howler monkeys, white faced capuchins, ocelots and hundreds of bird species.


Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve


Cabo Blanco was established in 1963, making it Costa Rica's first protected land. The reserve covers 1,172 hectares of primary forest and 1,790 hectares of marine habitat. Two main trails lead through the jungle to Playa Cabo Blanco and Playa Balsita, both pristine and nearly empty beaches reachable only by foot or boat.



  • Sendero Sueco: 4.5 km round trip, the main forest trail to Playa Cabo Blanco
  • Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8am to 4pm
  • Entry fee required. Bring water, insect repellent and closed toe shoes
  • Wildlife sightings: howler and capuchin monkeys, coatis, porcupines, toucans


Local Jungle Trails


Beyond Cabo Blanco, the hills above Santa Teresa offer informal trails used by locals and guided operators. These tend to be less marked and more rewarding. A local guide who knows the trails adds significant value and keeps you on track in an area where the jungle closes in quickly.


Wildlife Watching


You do not need to hike to find wildlife in Santa Teresa. The trees along the northern beachfront host howler monkeys, iguanas, sloths and numerous bird species throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon are the most active times. Scarlet macaws are regularly spotted along the coast.

Montezuma Waterfall

Waterfalls Near Santa Teresa


The most accessible waterfalls from Santa Teresa are the Montezuma Waterfalls, a set of three cascades located about 45 minutes south by car. El Chorro, a rare tidefall that drops directly into the ocean, is a two hour beach hike from Cocolito Beach. A lesser known 40 meter waterfall near the Montezuma valley offers natural swimming pools and near total solitude.


Waterfalls are one of the most underused day trips from Santa Teresa. Most visitors focus on the beach and never make it to the jungle interior, which means the falls tend to be quiet even in high season. All of the options below are reachable by ATV, car or on foot depending on how much adventure you want to build into the trip.


Montezuma Waterfalls


The Montezuma Waterfalls are the most visited natural attraction on the southern Nicoya Peninsula and the easiest to reach from Santa Teresa. Three separate cascades follow the Montezuma River through primary forest, each with its own swimming hole. The central waterfall drops 24 meters into the largest pool and is the most photographed of the three.


  • Top falls: smallest at roughly 5 meters, with a deep pool perfect for swimming and a rope swing
  • Middle falls: 12 meters, best swimming pool of the three, calm enough to swim to the edge and look down
  • Lower falls: the biggest drop, popular for cliff diving from the surrounding rocks
  • Free access via the trail from the small bridge on the south side of Montezuma town
  • Drive time from Santa Teresa: approximately 45 minutes south through Mal Pais and Cabuya
  • Combine with lunch in Montezuma town for a full day trip


Practical tips: wear shoes you can get wet, bring water and snacks, arrive by 9am to beat the midday heat and check conditions in green season as the river rises significantly after heavy rain. The trail from the bridge to the falls is short, about 20 minutes on foot, but involves rock hopping and a few rope assisted sections.


El Chorro: The Ocean Waterfall


El Chorro is one of the most unusual natural features on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is a tidefall, a waterfall that flows directly over a cliff into the ocean rather than into a river pool. Located about 5 miles north of Montezuma town, it is reached by a roughly two hour hike along Cocolito Beach. There is no jungle pool at the bottom. Just cliff, surf and a curtain of fresh water dropping into the Pacific. You will not photograph it well. Go anyway.


  • Access: hike north along the beach from Cocolito Beach, approximately two hours each way
  • The waterfall is seasonal and most powerful during and immediately after the rainy season
  • No facilities, no signage. Go with a local guide on your first visit
  • Best combined with an early morning ATV ride to Cocolito and a beach hike


The Secret 40 Meter Waterfall


Less than a kilometer south of the main Montezuma Falls valley, a 40 meter waterfall sits in a side canyon that almost no one visits. The approach is via a short trail from near the Butterfly Gardens above Montezuma. Drive up the hill from Hotel Amor de Mar and turn left toward the gardens, then follow the canyon down to the falls. The reward is a dramatic drop into a series of naturally formed rock pools deep enough for swimming, with zero crowds.


  • No entrance fee, no trail markers. Local knowledge is essential
  • Short hike but involves some scrambling. Bring good grip footwear
  • Natural rock pools at the base function like private jacuzzis
  • Best visited on the same day as Montezuma Falls as a quieter alternative


Beaches to Explore Around Santa Teresa


The Santa Teresa coastline runs from Playa Mal Pais in the south to Playa Manzanillo in the north, covering several kilometers of distinct beaches each with its own character. Beyond the main Santa Teresa beach, highlights include the secluded cove of Los Suecos, the tide pools of Mal Pais, the protected bay at Manzanillo and the open ocean panoramas at Punta Barrigona.


Most visitors to Santa Teresa spend most of their time on the main beach in front of town, which is understandable. It is right there, consistent and beautiful. But the coastline stretching north and south is significantly more diverse than the central stretch suggests, and a day spent exploring the outer beaches tends to be one of the highlights of the trip.


Playa Carmen


The commercial heart of Santa Teresa sits directly behind Playa Carmen. The beach here is wide, sandy and backed by palm trees, with reliable surf that works for beginners and intermediates. It is the busiest beach in the area but never crowded by international standards. Restaurants and bars line the road parallel to the sand, making it the most convenient beach for a full beach day without moving the car.


  • Best for: surfing lessons, swimming, beach bars, families
  • Facilities: several restaurants and cafes within walking distance
  • Surf: consistent beach break, good for all levels


Playa Santa Teresa and La Lora


The main Santa Teresa beach runs north from Playa Carmen and transitions into La Lora, a surf break with a local following that more experienced surfers prefer. The sand gets whiter as you move north, the crowds thin and the beachfront becomes more residential. Access requires finding a gap between the properties and jungle that line the road. Look for the small dirt paths across from local businesses.


  • Best for: surfing, quiet beach walks, photography
  • Surf: La Lora offers a faster, more hollow wave than Carmen
  • Vibe: more local and less commercial than Carmen


Playa Hermosa


About 10 to 15 minutes north of the main strip, Playa Hermosa is one of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula. Wide, lined with coconut palms and almond trees, no underwater rocks at the waterline, making it safer for swimming than the rockier central beaches. It has grown significantly in recent years and now has upscale villas and some surf schools, but it still feels more open and less built up than Playa Carmen.


  • Best for: swimming, beginner surfing, scenic beach walks, families
  • Surf: gentler than the central breaks, popular for lessons
  • Tip: go on a weekday morning for the most space


Playa Manzanillo


About 20 minutes north of the main Santa Teresa strip by car or ATV, Manzanillo sits in a protected bay with gentler waves and clear water ideal for snorkeling around the rocky points. A small fishing village anchors the south end of the beach. The road in requires 4WD during the rainy season. The beach itself gets almost no visitors on weekday mornings. You may share it only with the fishermen.


  • Best for: snorkeling, quiet beach time, wildlife. Monkeys are common on the undeveloped stretch between Hermosa and Manzanillo
  • Access: 4WD recommended in rainy season
  • Facilities: minimal. Bring what you need
Manzanillo, Santa Teresa

Los Suecos: Secret Beach


Also called Secret Beach, Los Suecos is a secluded cove south of Mar Azul known for calm, clear water and good snorkeling. It is reachable by ATV or a short walk from the road and has no facilities. The seclusion and the water quality make it a favorite among people who have been coming to Santa Teresa for years.


  • Best for: snorkeling, couples, anyone who wants a beach to themselves
  • Access: ATV or short hike. Ask locally for the current best path
  • No services. Pack a dry bag with essentials


Playa Mal Pais and Mar Azul


The southern end of the Santa Teresa coastline transitions into the rocky beaches of Mal Pais. At low tide, the rock formations create an extensive series of tide pools full of sea urchins, small fish, crabs and other marine life. The surf here at the reef breaks is for experienced surfers only. Punta Barrigona and the reef south of Mar Azul create fast, powerful waves that have a committed local following.


  • Best for: tide pool exploration, sunset views, advanced surfing
  • Tide pools: best at low tide. Check a tide chart before going
  • Sunset: the views south from the rocky headlands are among the best in the area


Bahia Barrigona


A beautiful white sand cove south of Mar Azul, Barrigona is swimmable at high tide when the cove calms. At low tide the exposed rocks create dramatic scenery and more tide pool exploration. It is less visited than the northern beaches because the road in is rougher, which works in its favor.


  • Best for: swimming at high tide, photography, quiet exploration
  • Access: rough road. 4WD required



ATV and Adventure Activities


ATV and quad bike rentals are one of the most popular ways to explore Santa Teresa. The coastal road, jungle trails and viewpoints accessible by ATV make it a practical and entertaining way to see the wider area. Rentals are widely available and do not require a license in Costa Rica.


ATVs and quad bikes are genuinely useful in Santa Teresa, not just a tourist gimmick. The roads between neighborhoods, the routes to surf breaks and the access to viewpoints above the jungle are all more enjoyable on four wheels than in a car. Most rental operators offer half day and full day rates.

  • Main rental operators are located in and around Playa Carmen
  • Helmet and basic instruction included with most rentals
  • Popular routes: north to Playa Hermosa, south to Mal Pais and Cabo Blanco
  • Sunset viewpoint trails accessible via ATV above the northern coastline


For guests at Casa Lanui and Casa Taman, the villa concierge can pre arrange ATV rentals with delivery to the property so you start your day without a logistics detour.


Horseback Riding


Horseback riding on the beach in Santa Teresa is available through several operators in the area. Beach rides at sunrise or sunset are the most popular option, typically lasting two hours and covering the stretch between Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa to the north.


Empty beach, warm light, no cars. A sunrise or sunset ride along the Santa Teresa coastline is one of the better ideas in this guide. Operators run small groups and the pace adjusts to your comfort. No experience needed.


  • Sunrise and sunset beach rides available most mornings and evenings
  • Private rides bookable for couples and families
  • Most operators are based in the northern end of Santa Teresa
  • Rides typically cover two to three hours and can be combined with a waterfall or jungle trail
Horseback Riding Santa Teresa

Wellness and Recovery: Gyms, Sauna and Cold Plunge


Santa Teresa has become one of the most advanced wellness destinations in Costa Rica. The area now has dedicated recovery facilities offering infrared saunas, cold plunges, red light therapy, PEMF and gym facilities, led by re:center and ACTIVO Fitness Center, both open to day visitors and short term guests.


The wellness culture in Santa Teresa has moved well beyond yoga studios. Biohacking and recovery tools, contrast therapy, infrared sauna, cold plunge, PEMF and red light therapy, are now available inside the jungle of one of the world's five Blue Zones. That combination is not something you find in many places.


re:center Wellness Club


re:center is the most comprehensive recovery and wellness facility in Santa Teresa. Fully immersed in the jungle, it offers infrared sauna, traditional dry sauna, dual cold plunges, red light therapy, PEMF therapy, a gym, yoga deck and a pool. Day passes and weekly and monthly memberships are all available, making it accessible whether you are in town for three days or three months.


  • Facilities: infrared sauna, dry sauna, dual cold plunges, red light therapy, PEMF, gym, yoga deck, pool
  • Classes: strength training, yoga, breathwork and Elements sessions (movement, heat and cold combined)
  • Community Sauna sessions: hosted evening experiences open to guests and locals, available by reservation
  • Day pass, week pass and monthly membership options
  • Website: recenterlife.com


The Elements session, a guided journey through breathwork, mobility, sauna and cold plunge, runs nightly at 6pm and is one of the more intentional wellness experiences available in the area.


ACTIVO Fitness Center


ACTIVO is Santa Teresa's dedicated community fitness center. A modern gym focused on functional training, strength and group classes with a genuine community atmosphere. It also offers sauna and ice bath access, making it a practical option for guests who want a proper training facility alongside recovery tools.


  • Facilities: modern gym, functional training equipment, group classes, sauna and ice baths
  • Classes: progressive strength programming and group training
  • Vibe: community focused, open to all levels
  • Website: activosantateresa.com


Contrast Therapy: What to Expect


Contrast therapy, alternating between heat and cold exposure, is the primary draw at both facilities. The protocol typically involves spending 15 to 20 minutes in the sauna, then moving immediately to the cold plunge for 2 to 4 minutes, and repeating two to four rounds. The practice is well supported by research for reducing inflammation, improving circulation, accelerating muscle recovery and improving sleep quality.


  • First timers: start with one or two rounds and give yourself time to adjust between sessions
  • Timing: morning sessions tend to be more energizing. Evening sessions before sleep promote deeper rest
  • Hydration: drink at least 16 ounces of water for every 10 minutes in the sauna
  • Who should avoid: those with heart conditions, very low blood pressure or respiratory issues should consult a physician first



Frequently Asked Questions


What is the best activity for first time visitors to Santa Teresa?


A surf lesson in the morning and a yoga class at sunset covers the two things Santa Teresa actually is. Both are easy to arrange, no experience needed for either and you will understand the place better after one day doing both than after three days on a sun lounger.


Is Santa Teresa good for families with children?


Very. The beach is safe for swimming when conditions are calm, surf schools take children from around age 7 and wildlife around the northern coastline, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, holds attention better than most activities you would plan. Cabo Blanco's shorter trail works for older kids and the beachfront villa setting with a private pool and space to run around is genuinely well suited to families.


Do I need to book activities in advance?


Most things, no. Surf lessons, ATV rentals and yoga classes you can arrange the morning you want them. Fishing charters, whale watching and the Isla Tortuga day trip are worth booking ahead, particularly December through April when availability tightens. If you are staying in North Santa Teresa, the concierge team can handle all of it before you arrive so nothing is left to chance.


Is a car or ATV necessary?


Helpful but not essential for the beach itself. If you want to reach Cabo Blanco, Montezuma, the waterfalls or the fishing departure points in Mal Pais, you need wheels. Most guests rent a car or ATV for at least part of the stay and end up using it more than they expected.


What should I pack for activities here?



Reef safe sunscreen is mandatory in Costa Rica, not optional. Beyond that: a rash guard, water shoes, DEET for jungle activities, a dry bag if you are near the water and a light rain layer in green season. Everything for surfing, snorkeling and fishing can be rented locally.