Santa Teresa
Laid-back surf village on the Nicoya Peninsula, with jungle meeting the beach.
Costa Rica › Santa Teresa
Digimad score
7.1
Good
Best for Surf + Wellness
About
Santa Teresa is a long strip of surf beaches backed by jungle at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It has become a favourite of surfers, yoga lovers and remote workers, with a strong wellness and coworking scene. Life is slow and beautiful, but expensive, and the dirt road, dust in the dry season and property-specific power and internet require planning.
Santa Teresa at a glance
Internet
Connections depend on the property. Fibre has reached parts of the area, but many people use Starlink or a mobile backup. Check carefully before booking.
Monthly budget
$2,600/mo comfortable, $1,700 lean
Best months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Community
Medium nomad density, fair English
Key points
World-class surf and stunning sunsets
A strong wellness, yoga and remote-work community
Jungle and beach in the same place
Neighbourhoods
Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa and Mal País each have their own feel. Properties on the hills have views and breeze but steep access, while those near the main road are dustier but more convenient.
Cost of living
USD
Lean
$1,700/mo
Shared housing, local food
Comfortable
$2,600/mo
Private one-bed, coworking
Premium
$4,300/mo
Central, frequent dining
Local currency
CRC
One of the most expensive places in Costa Rica for rent, food and services, driven by tourism and foreign demand.
Internet & connectivity
Fixed line
Not verified
Mobile
Not verified
eSIM
Supported
Reliability
FairPublic Wi-Fi
FairPower stability
FairConnections depend on the property. Fibre has reached parts of the area, but many people use Starlink or a mobile backup. Check carefully before booking.
Nomad community
Nomad density
MediumEnglish
FairMeeting people
An active community of surfers, yogis and remote workers, with coworking spaces and wellness events.
Very international, with English widely spoken.
Safety
Emergency 911
At night
FairSolo female
FairPetty crime
FairCommon scams
Theft from cars and unattended bags on the beach
Petty theft is common, so lock up valuables. Respect rip currents and surf conditions, and avoid riding on dark roads at night.
Healthcare
Pharmacies
GoodPublic system
Basic clinics only; the nearest hospitals are hours away.
Private care
Small private clinics offer basic care. Serious cases go to the mainland or San José.
Insurance
Choose cover that includes surfing accidents and medical evacuation.
Getting around
Walkability
FairPublic transport
PoorAirports
- SJOJuan Santamaría International Airport
Access is by a rough road or small flights to Tambor airport. Most people get around by ATV, scooter or 4x4.
Climate & seasons
Tropical
Hot and sunny in the dry season from December to April, with heavy rain and muddy roads in the green season.
All ratings
Watch out for
High prices, dusty or muddy roads and variable internet