SANTA TERESA · COSTA RICAWhere jungle life meets the Pacific
A place with its own rhythm
Santa Teresa is shaped by the ocean. Mornings begin with the sound of the waves, days move between the beach, surf, cafés and time outdoors, and evenings slow down beneath the tropical sky.
It feels lively without losing its wildness — a place where nature remains part of everyday life.
OUR LOCATIONAbove the surf, close to everything
VISTA NALU is set on the hillside above Santa Teresa Norte, a five-minute walk down to the beach, where the surf is right off the sand. La Lora, the area's better-known break, is about a ten-minute walk. Cafés, restaurants and independent shops are within easy reach — Ani's Café about three minutes away — with Playa Carmen, a five-to-seven-minute drive south, adding even more restaurants, shops and the area's main surf breaks if you're after a change of scene.
The elevated position offers privacy, tropical surroundings and open views across the Pacific.
A short uphill stretch leads from the main road to the property.
5 min
Walk to the beach & surf break
Nearby
Restaurants, cafés & shops
25-30 min
Drive from Cóbano Airport
SURF & BEACHDays shaped by the ocean
The ocean is part of everyday life in Santa Teresa.
Its long beach, tropical coastline and waves attract surfers from around the world, while the shore is just as inviting for long walks, slow mornings and sunsets by the Pacific.
Conditions change with the tides, swell and season. Whether you are learning, already experienced or simply curious, local knowledge makes all the difference.
BEYOND THE BEACHMore than the surf
Santa Teresa brings together nature, movement, good food and an international community — all shaped by the rhythm of the coast.
Eat & Drink
From relaxed cafés and bakeries to thoughtful local and international restaurants, good food is part of everyday life in Santa Teresa.
Move & Restore
Yoga, Pilates, functional training, massage and bodywork offer plenty of ways to move, restore and slow down.
Local Life
Independent shops, small businesses and a blend of local and international influences give Santa Teresa its distinctive character.
Slow Down
Some days are best kept simple: a beach walk, a long lunch, a sunset and nowhere else you need to be.
BEYOND SANTA TERESAExplore the southern Nicoya Peninsula
Santa Teresa is also a natural base for discovering more of the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
Spend a day walking through the forests of Cabo Blanco, visit Montezuma and its waterfalls, or head out by boat toward Isla Tortuga and the Gulf of Nicoya.
Each destination offers a different view of the peninsula — from protected forest and waterfalls to quiet coastal landscapes and days spent on the water.
PLAN YOUR ARRIVALHow to get to Santa Teresa
Reaching Santa Teresa is part of the journey. The best route depends on where you arrive, how much time you have and whether you would rather fly or travel overland.
-
Fly or drive — both work well, depending on your time and preference.
By air: Sansa Airlines flies daily to Cóbano Airport, a 25–30 minute hop, followed by a roughly 1-hour transfer to Santa Teresa — about 1.5–2 hours door to door, with a memorable first view of the Nicoya Peninsula.
By road: via Puntarenas and the Paquera ferry, then a scenic drive through Cóbano — about 5–6 hours, with ferries running several times a day.
-
By air: a charter flight to Cóbano Airport takes about 35 minutes, plus a 25-minute transfer — around 1.5–2.5 hours total. Domestic and charter flights operate daylight hours only.
By road: a fully overland route through the Nicoya Peninsula via Paquera and Cóbano, no ferry required — about 4.5–6 hours over roughly 220 km. A 4x4 is recommended, especially in green season.
-
Cóbano Airport is the closest domestic airport, approximately 15–20 minutes from Santa Teresa by car.
We can help connect guests with a local transfer provider.
A note about access
VISTA NALU is reached via a short uphill stretch from the main road. We recommend a 4x4 year-round for comfortable access and for exploring the area.
Detailed directions and the exact location pin are shared with guests before arrival.
Stay above the surf
Choose the space that feels right for you and experience Santa Teresa from VISTA NALU.