Santa Teresa

Travel Guide

A beach at sunset with a person standing in the sand.
A beach with people walking, waves, and a sunset sky.
A family of four sitting on a log by the beach, overlooking the ocean.
A monkey with a long tail and black fur sitting on a tree branch.
A beach with a person holding a surfboard.

Take a trip to Santa Teresa for its beautiful beaches, wildlife refuges, and opportunities for golf and adventure.

Santa Teresa is an ideal destination for beach and outdoor travelers. You can relax at Cocal Beach, explore the natural beauty of nearby Romelia Wildlife Refuge, or visit Montezuma Falls for some scenic views. For those interested in recreational activities, nearby Los Delfines Golf & Country Club offers a chance to play golf. Nature enthusiasts can also venture to nearby San Lucas Island, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, and Tortuga Island, all known for their outdoor and adventure tourism opportunities.

You can also explore Santa Teresa's nearby areas, each offering its unique charm. Carmen is known for its stunning beaches and outdoor experiences, making it a great spot for relaxation or adventure. Similarly, Malpais provides a mix of beautiful coastal views and opportunities for various activities. Another nearby area, Playa Hermosa Cóbano, is also renowned for its beach and outdoor experiences, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to enjoy the sun and surf.

The best time to visit Santa Teresa depends more on rainfall than temperature, as the weather remains warm and fairly constant throughout the year. Rain tends to be heavier from May to October, while visitor demand is a bit busier from December to February. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider planning your visit during May or between September and October, when the crowds are lighter and you can enjoy the area at a more relaxed pace.

Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach

Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach

4 out of 5
En Interseccion del Cruce, Mal Pais Cóbano Puntarenas
$160 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Nov 13 to Nov 14
$181 total
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Cóbano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Santa ...
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach
Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience

Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience

5 out of 5
150 mts Northwest of Super Costa Cóbano Puntarenas
$284 nightly
The price is $320 total per night from Nov 12 to Nov 13
$320 total
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Carmen Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"This was the best resort I’ve ever stayed at. I cannot wait to come back. I am already thinking about it. The location, the beach, the pool, the staff, the restaurant was absolutely amazing. I never experienced anything like it. The room was beautiful and spacious and very very clean. The housekeeping ..."

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2026

Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience
Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge Santa Teresa - Hostel

Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge Santa Teresa - Hostel

2 out of 5
150 mts North from La Lora Cóbano Puntarenas
$43 nightly
The price is $49 total per night from Nov 12 to Nov 13
$49 total
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hostel in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Cocal Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
"It was fine, great experience"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge Santa Teresa - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
MarAmar Bungalows

MarAmar Bungalows

4 out of 5
50 m North of La Lora Amarilla Cóbano Puntarenas
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Santa Teresa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"La ubicación y la seguridad son excepcionales. Una excelente propiedad. Definitivamente volveré, varias veces"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

MarAmar Bungalows
Seacret Villa

Seacret Villa

3.5 out of 5
50 metros Norte de Plaza Kahuna. Cóbano Provincia de Puntarenas
Stay at this vacation home in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Carmen Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"The place and surroundings was attractive. Great walkable location to all. Pool very nice and everything was clean. Host very responsive and he slowed a late checkout on request. Comfortable king bed."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

Seacret Villa
PURAPURA SANTA TERESA

PURAPURA SANTA TERESA

3 out of 5
Calle de la Colina Cóbano Puntarenas Province
Stay at this apartment in Cóbano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Santa Teresa Beach and Carmen Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Super bueno"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

PURAPURA SANTA TERESA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Santa Teresa attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Teresa worth visiting?
Santa Teresa is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, including Santa Teresa Beach and Hermosa Beach, which are great for relaxation. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse culinary scene, with delicious Latin American and Italian cuisine options available.
When is the best time to visit Santa Teresa?
The best time to visit Santa Teresa is from October through December, when travelers can enjoy favorable weather conditions. For those looking for fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter period from March through June offers a pleasant alternative for a more relaxed experience.
What is Santa Teresa known for?
Santa Teresa is known for its beautiful coastline, featuring Santa Teresa Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Cocal Beach. This Costa Rican city also offers a rich Latin American food culture, providing travelers with diverse culinary experiences right by the ocean.
What is a good itinerary length for Santa Teresa?
A good itinerary length for Santa Teresa is two to three days to enjoy Santa Teresa Beach, Hermosa Beach, and try a surf lesson. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to explore Cocal Beach, experience a Selina Yoga Experience, and savor the local Latin American, Italian, or European cuisine. See Santa Teresa Activities.
How do I plan a trip to Santa Teresa?
To plan your trip to Santa Teresa, book flights and accommodations early, especially during peak times. Explore beautiful spots like Santa Teresa Beach and Hermosa Beach. Consider activities such as surf lessons or a Selina Yoga Experience. Plan outdoor excursions for early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the best weather.
What cuisines can you find in Santa Teresa?
In Santa Teresa, you can find South American cuisine, with popular dishes like empanadas and ceviche. Travelers can also enjoy Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Middle Eastern options. The area also has various coffee shops.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santa Teresa?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santa Teresa by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Santa Teresa with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santa Teresa trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Santa Teresa?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santa Teresa can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Santa Teresa trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santa Teresa trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Santa Teresa trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santa Teresa trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Santa Teresa?
If it's your first trip to Santa Teresa, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Santa Teresa hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Santa Teresa hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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