💰 Cost of Living
Average monthly expenses for a digital nomad
🏠 Accommodation
🍜 Food & Dining
🚗 Transportation
🎯 Other
⚡ Digital Nomad Essentials
Everything you need to work remotely from Santa Teresa
📶 Internet
☁️ Weather
✈️ Transport
🛂 Visa
✓Advantages
- ✓World-class surf breaks and consistent waves
- ✓Stunning sunsets and pristine beaches
- ✓Thriving yoga and wellness community
- ✓Growing digital nomad scene with coworking spaces
- ✓Laid-back pura vida lifestyle
- ✓Amazing healthy food and smoothie options
- ✓Blue Zone region promotes longevity
- ✓Digital nomad visa available for long stays
- ✓Fiber optic internet in town center
- ✓Friendly expat and local community
✗Disadvantages
- ✗Very expensive compared to rest of Costa Rica
- ✗Frequent power outages especially in rainy season
- ✗Remote location - 5 hours from San Jose
- ✗Need ATV or rental car to get around
- ✗Dusty unpaved roads throughout town
- ✗Petty theft and beach robberies occur
- ✗Limited nightlife compared to party towns
- ✗Healthcare limited - serious issues need San Jose
- ✗Only one ATM in town
- ✗High season crowds December-April
💼 Top Coworking Spaces
Best places to work in Santa Teresa
Selina Santa Teresa South CoWork
📍 Playa Santa Teresa, 150m from beach, Puntarenas • 50 Mbps • Meeting rooms
Selina Santa Teresa North CoWork
📍 Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, Puntarenas • 45 Mbps • Meeting rooms
Outsite Santa Teresa - Maramar
📍 Maramar, up the hill from main road, Santa Teresa • 60 Mbps • Meeting rooms
SkyLoft Coworking
📍 Santa Teresa main road, near La Lora surf spot • 80 Mbps • Meeting rooms
Casa Pampa Coworking
📍 North Santa Teresa, near La Lora beach path • 40 Mbps
☕ Best Cafes to Work From
Laptop-friendly cafes with good WiFi
Somos Cafe
📍 Playa Carmen
Kaukau Santa Teresa
📍 Playa Santa Teresa
Zwart Cafe
📍 Playa Carmen
Cafe Social
📍 Playa Carmen
Bali Beach Deli
📍 Playa Santa Teresa
The Coffee Central
📍 Playa Carmen
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Where to stay in Santa Teresa
Playa Carmen
The central hub of Santa Teresa where the main road meets the beach. Playa Carmen is the most convenient area with easy access to restaurants, shops, coworking spaces, and the famous surf break. Most amenities including the only ATM, supermarkets, and Selina are located here. The area can get crowded during high season but offers the best walkability in town. Perfect for first-time visitors and nomads who want everything within walking distance.
Playa Santa Teresa
Located just north of Playa Carmen, this is the heart of the surf scene with excellent wave breaks and a slightly more relaxed vibe than the central area. The beach here is stunning with fine white sand and powerful waves. You'll find many beachfront hotels, yoga retreats, and trendy cafes along this stretch. Slightly less convenient than Carmen but offers a better balance of amenities and tranquility.
Playa Hermosa
A quieter stretch of beach north of Playa Santa Teresa, known for its calmer waters and more secluded atmosphere. Playa Hermosa (meaning 'Beautiful Beach') lives up to its name with pristine sand and excellent conditions for beginner surfers. This area attracts families, couples seeking privacy, and nomads who prefer a peaceful environment. Fewer restaurants and services but more authentic Costa Rican charm.
Mal Pais
The southern end of the Santa Teresa strip, Mal Pais maintains a more rustic, off-the-beaten-path feel. Originally a fishing village, it has retained more local character than the touristy center. The surf here can be excellent at certain spots like Suck Rock. Accommodations tend to be more affordable, and the pace of life is noticeably slower. Ideal for those who want the Santa Teresa lifestyle without the crowds and higher prices.
🏛️ Top Attractions
Best things to do in Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa
One of Costa Rica's most stunning beaches, famous worldwide for its consistent surf breaks and spectacular sunsets. The long stretch of white sand is lined with palm trees and backed by lush jungle. During the day, watch surfers ride perfect waves while beach clubs serve fresh smoothies and cocktails. At sunset, the entire community gathers on the sand for the nightly spectacle. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and of course, surfing at all skill levels.
Montezuma Waterfalls
A stunning three-tiered waterfall system located about 45 minutes from Santa Teresa. The hike takes you through lush jungle along a river, passing smaller falls before reaching the main 24-meter cascade. Swimming is allowed in the natural pools, making it a refreshing adventure. For thrill-seekers, cliff jumping is possible at certain spots (with caution). The waterfalls are one of the most popular day trips from Santa Teresa and a must-see natural attraction.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Costa Rica's first protected natural area, established in 1963. This pristine reserve covers the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula with virgin tropical forest and stunning coastline. Hiking trails lead through primary forest inhabited by howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and hundreds of bird species. The reserve is about 45 minutes from Santa Teresa and offers a glimpse of Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity.
Tortuga Island
A tropical paradise island located a 45-minute boat ride from the Nicoya Peninsula. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches, Tortuga Island offers excellent snorkeling around volcanic rock reefs teeming with colorful fish. Full-day tours from Santa Teresa include the scenic boat journey where you might spot dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. Lunch, snorkeling equipment, and beach time are typically included.
Sunset Horseback Riding
One of the most magical experiences in Santa Teresa is riding horses along the beach as the sun sets over the Pacific. Several operators offer tours that take you through jungle trails and along the coastline, culminating with a dramatic sunset view. No experience is necessary as the horses are well-trained and guides accompany all rides. It's a quintessential Costa Rican experience that combines adventure with natural beauty.
Curu Wildlife Refuge
A private nature reserve about 1.5 hours from Santa Teresa, known for its diverse wildlife and successful conservation programs. The refuge has released spider monkeys and scarlet macaws back into the wild, and visitors have excellent chances of spotting these colorful animals. Trails wind through tropical forest to beautiful beaches, and kayaking through mangroves is available. A fantastic option for nature lovers.
Surf Lessons at Playa Carmen
Santa Teresa is renowned as one of Central America's best surf destinations, and Playa Carmen offers ideal conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers. Multiple surf schools line the beach offering lessons that include board rental, rash guards, and expert instruction. The consistent waves and warm water make learning here a joy. Most sessions are 2 hours and groups are kept small for personalized attention.
Yoga Retreats & Classes
Santa Teresa has become a global hub for yoga with numerous studios and retreat centers offering everything from drop-in classes to week-long immersions. Practice on open-air decks surrounded by jungle with ocean views, led by internationally trained instructors. The combination of natural beauty, healthy food scene, and spiritual community makes Santa Teresa a premier destination for yoga practitioners and those seeking wellness transformation.
🛡️ Safety & Healthcare
What to know about safety and medical care
🚨 Safety
🏥 Healthcare
💬 What Nomads Say
Real reviews from digital nomads
"Santa Teresa has been my favorite base as a digital nomad. Yes, it's expensive, but the quality of life is worth every dollar. I work from Selina South most days where the WiFi is reliable enough for video calls (50+ Mbps) and the AC keeps me productive during hot afternoons. After work, I grab my board and catch the sunset session. The surf community here is incredible - I've made lifelong friends. The healthy food scene is amazing too; fresh smoothie bowls, fish tacos, and vegan options everywhere. Power outages happen occasionally, especially during rainy season, but Selina has backup generators. For any nomad who loves surf and yoga culture, this place is paradise. Just budget at least $3,000/month to live comfortably."
"I spent three months in Santa Teresa working remotely and had a mostly positive experience. The fiber optic internet was surprisingly good in my Airbnb in Playa Carmen (around 80 Mbps), though I did lose connection a few times during storms. The coworking at Selina was great for meeting other nomads. However, the cost of living caught me off guard - I was spending about $3,500/month including rent, food, and activities. Everything is priced for tourists. Getting around without an ATV is challenging; the dusty roads are tough on foot. Safety-wise, I felt comfortable during the day, but heard about beach robberies at night so I avoided walks after dark. The yoga and wellness scene is exceptional, and the sunsets are genuinely life-changing. Great for a few months, but the expense would be hard long-term."
"Santa Teresa wasn't quite what I expected based on the Instagram hype. While the beaches are beautiful and the vibes are laid-back, the reality of working remotely here has significant challenges. The power outages were frustrating - I lost important work twice when electricity cut out unexpectedly. WiFi at many cafes is unreliable; I ended up working almost exclusively at Selina which got repetitive. The town is essentially one dusty road with no proper sidewalks, and you really need an ATV ($50-70/day rental) to get around. The expense was my biggest issue - paying $15 for a smoothie and $25 for dinner adds up fast. Healthcare is minimal here; for anything serious you'd need to get to San Jose which is 5 hours away. If you're a surfer with a healthy budget, you'll love it. For regular remote workers, there are more practical destinations."
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