On the southern tip of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has evolved from a remote fishing village into one of the country's most sought-after beach destinations, famed for its year-round surf, epic sunsets, and wellness culture, while thankfully maintaining its unfiltered charm. Reached via a combination of ferry and dusty coastal roads, it feels pleasantly removed from the more developed hubs to the north. Long stretches of white sand, consistent surf breaks, and jungle-backed hills define the landscape, while a mix of boutique stays, open-air cafés, surf schools, and yoga studios give the town its easygoing, barefoot luxury appeal. Sunsets here are a daily ritual, drawing locals and visitors to the shoreline as the sky fades from gold to deep violet.
Most kimkim travelers start with the ocean, whether that means early-morning surf sessions, beachfront yoga, or slow afternoons spent beach-hopping between Playa Hermosa and nearby coves. The food scene punches above its weight, with everything from fresh ceviche to wood-fired pizza, and wellness experiences—from sound baths to spa treatments—are easy to weave into your plans. You can ride horseback along the sand, head out on a boat excursion to spot dolphins and sea turtles offshore, or, beyond the beach, you can venture a little farther for nature and adventure. The nearby Montezuma area is home to waterfalls where you can hike, swim, and cliff-jump, and the Curú Wildlife Refuge and the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.
On this eight-day journey through the Costa Rican outdoors, you’ll discover the biodiverse native flora and fauna of Monteverde, along with the stunning beaches of Santa Teresa. From ziplining through the forest canopies to surfing at world-renowned beaches, your outdoor adventure awaits.
Travel to three of the best destinations in Costa Rica to ride the waves on this 6-day trip. Start in Playa Santa Teresa, home to major surf competitions and some of the most consistent waves in the country. End the adventure in Playa Tamarindo for surf days that end with glorious Pacific Coast sunsets. You'll also have time to relax on the beach and get acquainted with the country's vast wildlife.
On this nine-day getaway, explore three of Costa Rica's most prized beaches, parks, and nature reserves—along with plenty of downtime. First, venture to Dominical, home of a biodiverse national park and a great base for watersports, like sea kayaking and tubing. Then, head to Playa Jacó to take a jungle river cruise and zipline over the rainforest. Next is Playa Santa Teresa, home to a nature reserve and a massive waterfall. The trip winds down with some sightseeing in San José, the capital city.
Costa Rica's rainforest, volcanoes, and beaches are yours to explore on this two-week self-drive tour. Take in sweeping views of Arenal Volcano as you zipline over the treetops, then enjoy a hands-on chocolate-making class. Next, it's on to the Pacific Coast for world-class yoga studios, pristine nature reserves, and breathtaking sunsets—the Nicoya Peninsula offers something for everyone.
This fantastic 11-day itinerary includes many of Costa Rica's greatest hits. You will venture into some of the country's most beautiful national parks to enjoy hikes, relax in hot springs, go on beach excursions, spot wildlife, and more. In this trip, you won't just be looking outwards, but also inwards, with wellness activities and yoga lessons. Waking up to the sound of waves and trying new poses with the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop will help you be even more mindful during this unique experience.
This two-week itinerary is perfect for eco-minded travelers thirsting for a comprehensive Costa Rican adventure. Kick off the journey in metropolitan San José before braving the whitewater rapids of jungle rivers, hiking the base of Costa Rica's most famous volcano, exploring rare cloud-forest eco-systems, and learning to surf (or polish your skills) and Pacific beaches. Enjoy spotting many of Costa Rica's wildlife species along the way.
