5 Things you should know before traveling to Santa Teresa in 2024

1 Why should you visit Santa Teresa?

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica's hidden gems that you should experience. Nature is one of its main attractions, as the area has a great variety of unique animals and plants. If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, Santa Teresa is a paradise, as you will find a large number of tropical species. You can also find animals such as monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and more. But that's not all, the area is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and beautiful beaches that will make you feel like you are in paradise.

But the real gem of Santa Teresa is its energy, which comes from its citizens and locals. The locals are known for being friendly and welcoming to tourists, and the area is very popular among surfers and travelers looking for a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. The local citizens are aware of the importance of tourism for the local economy and strive to offer high-quality accommodation and activity experiences.

In addition, Santa Teresa is getting ready to receive tourists with a great variety of accommodation, from luxury hotels to hostels and rental homes. There are also a large number of restaurants, bars, and shops that offer a wide variety of options for visitors. The area has local businesses that offer activities such as surfing, kayaking, yoga, hiking, fishing, among others. The tourist infrastructure is constantly improving to offer a high-quality experience to visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Santa Teresa!

2 Where is the town of Santa Teresa located?

Santa Teresa is located at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The town is located on the Pacific coast and is about 150 kilometers from the capital city of San Jose.

In the following image, you will see a map to get a graphical idea of where the town of Santa Teresa is located.

3 What's the climate like and what do I need to pack?

Santa Teresa has a tropical and warm climate throughout the year, with average temperatures around 27°C (80°F). The dry season starts in December and extends until April, while the rainy season runs from May to November. During the rainy season, it's common to have heavy downpours, especially in September and October. But don't worry, rain is not a hindrance to enjoying all that Santa Teresa has to offer! Furthermore, rain is typically brief and refreshing, and the sun comes out soon after.

To enjoy your trip, it's important to pack comfortable and cool clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. If you're visiting Santa Teresa during the rainy season, it's recommended to include a rain jacket or poncho in your luggage, and perhaps a small umbrella. It's also important to bring a reusable water bottle since it's essential to stay hydrated in the warm and humid climate.

4 What language and currency do they use?

If you're planning to visit this place, it's important to consider some details about the local language and currency.

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but in Santa Teresa, many locals speak English due to the large number of tourists who visit the area. Additionally, there are people who speak French, Italian, Portuguese, and other languages, making it easy to communicate with most locals.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón, but in Santa Teresa, it's common to use the US dollar. Some places also accept euros and other currencies, but the dollar is the most commonly accepted currency. It's important to carry enough cash or credit cards to cover your expenses since not all credit cards are accepted in some places.

In Santa Teresa, there are ATMs and banks that allow you to withdraw US dollars without any problems. To give you an idea, approximately 500 to 600 Costa Rican colones are equivalent to one US dollar, although the exchange rate may vary. We recommend avoiding exchanging your money at the airport since the exchange rate is usually unfavorable.

5 How to get to Santa Teresa and how to move around the town?

There are several ways to get to Santa Teresa, both by air and by land. The first option is to take a domestic flight from San Jose to Tambor Airport for an approximate cost of $150, and then take a taxi for $60 to Santa Teresa.

Another option is to take a bus from the San Jose Bus Terminal, known as the 710 (located at Calle 12 and Avenida 7), for an approximate cost of $15 to Cobano, with departure times at 6 am and 1 pm every day. On the same trip, you will board a ferry, and the same bus will accompany you on the ferry. The cost of the ferry is included in the ticket price. From Cobano, you can take another bus for $2 or a taxi for $28 to Santa Teresa.

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in San Jose and drive to Santa Teresa. You should take Route 27 to Puntarenas (with a cost of $10 in tolls) and then take the ferry to Paquera (with a cost of $30). From Paquera, follow Route 160 to Cobano and then follow the signs to Santa Teresa. It is important to note that roads in Costa Rica can be narrow and winding, so if you are not used to driving in these conditions, it is recommended that you take a bus or a taxi.

Once in Santa Teresa, there are several options for getting around town, such as walking, renting bicycles or motorcycles, or taking taxis. You can also rent a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV.