Area Info

Mal Pais, Playa El Carmen, Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa.

Surfing wise one of the most consistent places in costa rica with more than 20 different breakes that works with different swell directions and sizes. Points, reefs and 12 kms of beach breaks making it a 300 day surfing town. Perfect for all level surfers from the biggener to the advance this place offer a wide vareity of surf.

Top choice by thousands of travelers this paradise tropical beach with breathtaking sunsets, white sand beaches, rock formations that meet the ocean makes this place one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.

Lots of accommodations options are available in the area for all types all travelers, from camping to luxury accomodations.

Thanks to the rich mix of cultures in the area not only you can enjoy some of the best costa rican cousine but you can find an awesome mix of different food options.

Night life can get wild, parties at the beach with bong fires that will go till the sun rises. Bars and nice places to enjoy cocktails and drinks.

A most visit destination while in Costa Rica. Santa Teresa and Mal Pais area has so much to offer for you so what are you waiting for. Come and check it out by your self!


Traveler's Information

Ask us whats the fastest way to get here

Shuttle service from and to Santa Teresa / Mal Pais Area - San Jose
Pick up in most hotels and locations in the area.

Puntarenas - Tambor Ferry Service to get to Mal Pais / Santa Teresa Area

Ferry From Puntarenas to Paquera: 5am /9am / 11am / 2pm / 5pm/ 8:30pm
Ferry From Paquera to Puntarenas: 5:30am /9am / 11am / 2pm / 5pm/ 8pm
This will be until new notice. For more info call (506) 2661-2084


Direct bus service to and from Santa Teresa / Mal Pais Area.

From San Jose to Mal Pais / Santa Teresa (leaves from Terminal 710 downtown San Jose)
6 am and 2 pm

From Santa Teresa / Mal Pais to San Jose 6 am and 2 pm

Cost is about $12 - $14.

Accommodations

Vista de Olas, our beautiful Mal País, Costa Rica, adult only resort on a hill! We invite you to come in and look around. Our Costa Rica Mal País hotel is actually much more than just a hotel: we can serve as your gateway to many of the attractions for which Mal País is famous: canopy and ATV tours, horseback riding, surfing and close proximity to the beaches of Mal País and Playa Carmen.

An intimate, consciously designed oceanfront hotel recently built on the spectacular beach of Playa Santa Teresa, offers guests tropical beauty and nature in an exotic and friendly ambiance. Along with world-class surfing and our top-quality Yoga classes, numerous activities and adventures await you. Immerse yourself in the beauty and ease into nature’s rhythm as Pranamar’s experienced and caring staff take care of all the details, making sure your vacation is perfect...

A luxury Costa Rica resort on the shores of the Pacific coast, Florblanca is an award-winning destination for every adventurous traveler. Located on the pristine beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, in an unspoiled tropical jungle overlooking the world famous surf of Playa Santa Teresa, Florblanca offers a vacation experience like no other.

"Relax to the max" at Don Jon’s Lodge in Santa Teresa on the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica. The lodge is located only 100 meters distance from the white sand beach ‘Santa Teresa’, one of the most consistent surf breaks in Costa Rica. Located within a short walk to super markets, surf shops, international restaurants and the local nightlife makes life easy and relaxing while you stay with us.

We here at CasaMarbella invite you to come and explore some of the most pristine beaches in the world with style, comfort and security. We offer a comfortable ambience in the midst of the tropics of Costa Rica. Experience the unprecedented beauty of the local scenery and become acquainted with the genuine latin american friendliness or just kick up your feet at our refreshing infinity-edged pool. In any case, at the end of the day you can expect an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Tropico Latino is an intimate beachfront hotel located in Santa Teresa, a breathtaking white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone. Situated on four acres of unspoiled tropical beach, you will find beautiful swimming areas and also outcroppings of rock where natural tide pools form.

Our exquisitely-designed tropical bungalows, built with exotic hardwoods, are surrounded by abundant tropical gardens under an old forest canopy, giving you the feeling of landing in paradise. Immerse yourself in the most pristine natural environment and experience the wildlife of Costa Rica right outside your window. Howler monkeys, hummingbirds, iguanas and bright flowering heliconias are just a few examples of what you will see.

Eat and Drink

Run by its owners, Las Piedras has been one of Mal País and Santa Teresa’s favorite and most recommended restaurants for over 10 years. It is an archetype of true Argentinian grilling fused with typical Costa Rican dishes catering to every palate.
A varied and comprehensive menu offers plenty of reasonably priced dishes for children, vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Different kinds of pasta, casados, rice, soup, fish, seafood, salads and sandwiches attract tourists and locals every season.
The specialty is, undoubtedly, the wood fire grill which, through slow and careful cooking, produces tender and favorful results. Beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetables and the famous mixed grill are seasoned modestly to enhance their flavor. And, naturally, the classic Chimichurri sauce accompanies every dish.

Restaurant Nectar at Hotel Florblanca is laid back and elegant; an indoor/outdoor hangout for guests and locals wanting to dine, celebrate, or enjoy after a day at the beach.

The kitchen serves up fusion cuisine with Latin, Mediterranean and Asian influences. The menu is built around seasonal ingredients with an emphasis on organic local produce, fresh seafood from the surrounding waters, and traditional favorites. From sushi to fish tacos, from salads to chocolate soufflé, our menu is varied and creative.

Our wine selection focuses on exciting South American varietals, but also offers vintages from around the globe. Our friendly bar will create an original and exotic tropical cocktail or simply recreate your favorite drink.

In addition to the restaurant, you may dine poolside, beachside, the bar, or the poolside palapa.

BEST PIZZA IN TOWN

Located next to Super La Hacienda, this is the real deal, come and join us, we are open for lunch and dinner every day.

Delivery is free call 26400685

Activities and other stuff

Freedom Riding SUP Costa Rica is Costa Rica's premier SUP experience. Explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, ride the waves around Mal Pais, or enjoy the sunset while gliding across the water on a Stand Up Paddle Board. SUP Tours, Rentals and Retreats available for all levels.

The Mal Pais Canopy Tour is based in the quiet village of Malpais, on a farm with more than 200 different tree species, at the entrance of the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve.
The whole area is surrounded by rich tropical forest and diverse wildlife as well as many birds. Come and journey through the treetops, enjoying the tropical forest while the Pacific Ocean lies below you.

Shops

Kina Surf Shop is the result of a 47 year love affair with the ocean. All of our crew are experienced surfers who will help you in the best way to make your vacations unforgettable!! In our shop you can find anything you need for your surfing trip, accesories, surfboards, rentals, clothing, books and if you are a beginner, dont you worry! We will get you the best board that will fit you perfectly. You can check our surf lessons programs and reserve online from home, we have excellent surf instructors that teach all levels so you can learn the beautiful experience of surfing and enjoy this tropical paradise all at the same time!

Nalu surf school and surf shop is located in Santa Teresa , Costa Rica on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The stunning coastline bounded by tropical rainforest ,breathtaking sunsets, friendly locals and quality , consistent waves have been attracting surfers to the area for years. We are the best option for all your surfing needs in the area. Learn to surf in Santa Teresa with professional ISA certified instructors , we offer 1 , 3 and 5 day courses for all levels and abilities. We also offer SUP tours , lessons and SUP yoga classes. If you are looking for surfboard rentals in Santa Teresa we have a large selection 100+ quality boards. We have longboards , funboards , softops , fish and high performance shortboards to choose from. We stock 60+ new boards with brands such as DHD , Lost and FireWire , and carry a large selection of used boards. For the experienced surfers we offer guided surf tours around Santa Teresa by 4x4 and boat , to get you into the best waves around.

RE/MAX Pura Vida is here to help you find the perfect property for your next dream home or vacation getaway! Specializing in Mal Pais, Santa Teresa & Playa Hermosa area. Feel free to contact us today to start searching for your next home!

The SURF SHOP was born in the heart of Santa Teresa village, a few meters from the entrance of the main surf spot.

Totally remodeled, the Shop area is more then 80 square meters and offers some of the best

brands on the market.

Denga's surfshop is open everyday.

Denga Surf & Skate. Denga's new shop located in Playa Carmen with all you need for surf and skating.

NPO's

Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper is a non-government organization, whose mission is to monitor, protect and restore water quality in the coastal watersheds and marine ecosystems between the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve and the Caletas-Ario National Wildlife Refuge through research, field work, education and advocacy. We want these watersheds’ water quality and scenic beauty maintained and restored to flourish, for present and future generations to benefit from and enjoy. We are the guardians of clean water for the South Nicoya Peninsula, filling a critical niche in the coastal area as the watchdog, steward, and voice of the ocean and coastal watersheds.

The Santa Teresa Lifeguards/ Guardavidas was created in 2015 and is staffed by committed International volunteers and local lifeguards. Currently manning 5 towers – Playa Carmen, La Lora, Banana Beach, Casa Cecilia and Playa Hermosa on weekends and peak holidays. Aided by local surfers, who in the past have been the main source of water rescues and near drownings, Santa Teresa Lifeguards is dedicated to providing ongoing ocean safety and prevention in Paradise.