Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa
A long surf beach on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula with yoga, healthy cafés and a nomad crowd. Dusty roads, high prices and patchy infrastructure are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,070–4,820Comfortable, one person · ₡1.4M–2.2MDetails
- Value for money7/100Better value than 6% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 31°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water varies by property and some houses use well water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$88–175Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in most cafés, hotels and shops, but small stands, taxis and some ATMs need cash.Details
Where to stay in Santa Teresa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Santa Teresa center | Surf shops, cafés, yoga and a strip of restaurants |
| Playa Hermosa | Quieter, near the main beach strip and a long taxi from the center |
| Mal País | Cheaper, quieter beach, with a few hotels and locals' homes |
Apps that work in Santa Teresa
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis and hostel shuttles are the norm; agree the fare before you go.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in most cafés, hotels and shops, but small stands, taxis and some ATMs need cash. Withdraw colones in advance.
- Currency: Colon (CRC). US$1 ≈ ₡456.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense colones or US dollars; foreign cards need a four-digit PIN. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted. SINPE Móvil transfers need a Costa Rican bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Kölbi has the widest rural coverage. Buy SIMs at the airport or any carrier store with your passport; prepaid monthly plans are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Costa Rica
Going to Santa Teresa solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.