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What to do in Santa Teresa?

| Roos van Zoggel | |

Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula lies the charming coastal village of Santa Teresa, where the jungle blends seamlessly into vast beaches. What makes this place particularly special is that it is one of the five blue zones in the world – a place where life seems not only more peaceful but also healthier.

Santa Teresa attracts surfers from all over the world, thanks to the excellent waves that break here all year round. But even if you don’t surf, this little village is well worth a visit.

Discover our favourite tips for visiting this village below.

The laid-back atmosphere, the beautiful beaches and the colourful sunsets make Santa Teresa a wonderful place.

Which beaches can you visit?

A visit to the beaches is a must during your stay in Santa Teresa. But which beaches are really worth exploring?

Playa Santa Teresa

Adjacent to the charming village lies the lively Playa Santa Teresa, a favourite spot for both surfers and beach lovers. The wide sandy beach and gentle waves make it ideal for a lovely day by the sea. And as the day draws to a close, there’s nothing better than the spectacular sunsets, which are an absolute must-see here.

Playa Manzanillo

Just nine kilometres north of Santa Teresa lies the tranquil Playa Manzanillo, a beach that is still visited by very few people. Here you’ll find wide sandy beaches and calm waters, making it a lovely place to unwind.

What activities can you get up to?

As well as its beautiful beaches, Santa Teresa has much more to offer. A unique way to explore the vast beaches is on horseback. Just imagine: riding along the unspoilt beach, with the sound of the waves in the background. You then head into the peaceful countryside and cross rivers. And to make it truly special, opt for a ride at sunrise or sunset.

Another great activity is a boat trip to Isla Tortuga. You’ll board a boat and sail along the impressive coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula towards Isla Tortuga. Here, you can snorkel amongst the colourful fish and relax under the swaying palm trees.

Where can you stay in Santa Teresa?

The Nantipa Beach Resort is situated in a beautiful spot right on the beach and offers a lovely balance between luxury and tranquillity. The name ‘Nantipa’ refers to the indigenous Chototega tribe, who originally lived in this area. This small-scale resort features 29 suites, villas and bungalows tucked away in the jungle. Yet you can stroll straight onto the beach, where an ocean breeze greets you and the tropical sun warms you. The intimate atmosphere and personalised service make this a wonderful place to round off your trip in style.

Whether you opt for a relaxing day by the pool, a sunrise yoga class, or surfing lessons on the beach, at Nantipa you can enjoy the surroundings in complete tranquillity. For a culinary experience, head to the nearby Manzu Restaurant, where local ingredients are combined with international flavours. The resort is small-scale but offers everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Whether you’re looking for adventure on the waves, peace and quiet in the countryside, or a mix of both – Santa Teresa offers a lovely balance between nature and relaxation.

Take a trip through Costa Rica

Would you like to travel through Costa Rica independently and stay at this beautiful location? Please feel free to contact us for more information about the options for Peru or a bespoke travel proposal. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl.

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