Weekly Recap: Costa Rica
This past week, I traded city life for sun, sand, and some of the best food I’ve ever had in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica—and let me just say, this trip far exceeded my expectations.
Getting There: Planes, Small Planes, and Dirt Roads
The journey to Santa Teresa was an adventure in itself. After a short flight to San José, I boarded a small 12-seater plane that flew over lush jungles and pristine coastlines before landing near Santa Teresa. From there, it was a bumpy (but scenic) ride down dirt roads lined with surf shops, cafés, and the occasional ATV whizzing by.
Santa Teresa: A Surf Town with Soul
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a laid-back beach town with a strong surf culture. The waves here are world-class, drawing surfers from across the globe (lots of Europeans and Americans), and even if you’re not paddling out, the energy is infectious. Unlike some beach towns that feel overly polished or touristy, Santa Teresa keeps it real—there are no massive resorts, just boutique hotels, local eateries, and an unpretentious, effortlessly cool vibe.
Nearby, we visited Montezuma Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dense jungle. It was stunning, but having seen the waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest, I have to admit—it didn’t quite compare. Still, it was a worthwhile excursion, and if you love nature, there’s plenty to explore in the area.
So what kind of vacation should you expect in Santa Teresa? Think beach walks, epic sunsets, morning yoga, incredible food, and a relaxed, barefoot luxury kind of energy. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and unwinding.
What Made This Trip So Amazing?
1) The Food
If I could move into The Bakery, I would. This spot became a daily ritual, and their Smoothie Life smoothie (tahini + dates = pure magic) was everything. Their bakery items? To die for.
We also had a fantastic dinner at Katana, which completely surprised me. Elevated cuisine in a surf town where dirt roads and ATVs are the norm? Not what I expected, but every bite was perfection.
And the ceviche—we never had a bad bowl. Every restaurant did it differently, but all of them nailed it. Oh, and the açaí bowls? Outrageously good. Unsurprisingly, The Bakery’s version was my favorite.
One thing to note: prices were steep, especially for food and drinks. It's not exactly the budget-friendly beach town you might imagine.
2) The Vibe
Santa Teresa has this effortlessly cool, surf-meets-boho energy that I absolutely loved. It’s relaxed but not sleepy, beachy but not overly touristy. The surf culture gives it an authenticity that makes the town feel alive, but not in an overdone, Instagram-trap way.
We spent our days doing yoga, walking on the beach, watching surfers catch waves, and taking in the kind of sunsets that make you feel like you’ve momentarily left reality.
Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely, I recommend it 10/10. Santa Teresa was everything I didn’t know I needed—a perfect blend of fantastic food, beautiful beaches, and a vibe that feels both energizing and relaxing at the same time. I already know I’ll return.