Saint Teresa

The Arrival

Getting to Santa Teresa is not that easy, nor is it quick, but it is worth the long journey. We flew from Guarulhos to Panama City with Copa Airlines, a 7-hour flight. There we made a short stopover and took another flight from Panama City to San José, which lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes. In San José, we took a flight of about 25 minutes to Cóbano with Green Airways , and there we rented a car to go to Santa Teresa, which also took about 25 minutes.

There is the option of flying from São Paulo to San José with a connection in Lima via Latam, but when we booked our flight, the option via Copa was better value, so we chose it.

From San José to Santa Teresa, you can drive, but the trip takes about 5 hours and the road is dangerous. We found the best option to fly with Green Airways. If you arrive in Cóbano and don't want to rent a car, you can find taxis at the airport, book a transfer, or even take a bus to Santa Teresa.

The Hotel

We stayed at Somos, a mix of hotel, hostel, café and surf shop. The place has a vibe, full of young people all day long, working during the day in the café - anywhere office that we love - by the pool or in the other common areas of the hotel.

We stayed in a triple comfort room, which we found to be a good value for money for the trip. Somos offers more comfortable options, such as Deluxe Bungalows and shared rooms with a hostel configuration; they suit different budgets and tastes.

Somos is located 200m from Santa Teresa beach, and we found it to be an excellent and convenient location. They have a weekly schedule with all the classes and events that take place at the hotel, such as live shows, yoga and pilates classes, surf training (a strength training class focused on surfing) and functional training. There you can also book surf lessons, rent ATVs and schedule tours around Santa Teresa and the surrounding area.

To Do

Yoga

Yoga is one of the best activities to do in Santa Teresa, especially after surfing to relax, there are several studios and shalas spread around there for all tastes.

Horizon - The view from the shala is incredible, book a class to watch the sunset, a must!

We are - Daily Yoga classes, usually in the morning.

Naulitus - A beautiful shala surrounded by greenery, with various times and types of yoga.

Zunya - An open shala in the middle of nature, various types of yoga and retreats.

Believe Surf and Yoga - Next to Somos, there are two yoga decks and an extensive weekly schedule. I loved the Yogilates class, it's to die for!

Florblanca - The shala at Florblanca is run by Stefano, a yoga instructor who is practically an entity in Santa Teresa. They do not accept anyone under 18 and classes last 1h:30min or 2h:00hrs.

Surf

The city breathes surfing and everything revolves around the sport. There are several schools scattered throughout the streets and places to rent surfboards. We booked our lessons at Somos itself with a teacher named Allan. You can book directly with him via WhatsApp: +506 7250 3099.

In the middle of the week we changed teachers due to availability. We booked a class at a surf shop in front of Somos called Denga, the teacher's name was Esteban and you can book classes via WhatsApp: +506 8606 6987.

Cold Plunge - It's located at Zeneidas, a hostel almost opposite Somos, it was a suggestion from my friend Isabella and it's great to do after sports.

Sunset and Sunrise - The best part of the day, a must in Santa Teresa. It's worth waking up super early at least one day to see the sun rise on the beach and plan to catch the sunset, also on the beach. The sky is incredibly beautiful, and watching people surfing at sunset is a vibe!

Tours

Horseback Riding at Sunset - A two-hour horseback ride with beautiful views of the coast and forest.

Montezuma Waterfall - A waterfall that is about 40 minutes from the center of Santa Teresa. You can go by car or hire a guide who will take you there. There are several signs around the city for companies organizing the tour, or the hotel itself can schedule the tour.

Isla Tortuga - A trip that can be really cool or horrible, depending on how you do it. We had a terrible experience, I thought it was a real tourist trap and the way we did it, I don't recommend it.

We booked through Somos, a van picked us up at the hotel with the other members and from there it was about 50 minutes to the marina, then another 45 minutes by boat to the first stop.

The color of the water is beautiful and it is always a delight to spend a day at sea, but I recommend that those who can, rent a private boat to enjoy the day, sunbathe and customize the trip as they wish.

It's a cool place for snorkeling and seeing the bioluminescence at night, but our boat was pretty bad and very crowded, not worth the $100 we paid per person.

ATV and Motorcycle - For those who enjoy riding quad bikes or motorcycles, Santa Teresa is the place to go. Take trips through incredible and varied scenery.

Canopy Tour - Just 10 minutes from Santa Teresa, this tour is ideal for all ages. The canopy tour in Mal Pais overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by the forest of Cabo Blanco National Park. It features 8 zip lines, a suspension bridge and a Tarzan-style swing.

Cabo Blanco - A 55-minute drive from Santa Teresa, this reserve has over 150 species of birds, lush wildlife and centuries-old trees. There are trails in the forest with beautiful views of the sea.

The reserve is open to visitors at Cabuya station from 8am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Beach Clubs - There are several beach clubs in Santa Teresa, some are restaurants and others are hotels where you can pay for day use.

Beaches

Santa Teresa Beach

Hermosa Beach

Bad Parents

Swedish Beach

Playa Carmen

To Eat

Cafes - Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Afternoon Tea

Eat Street - A foodmarket, with several restaurants, cafes and bars.

The Bakery - A perfect café for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

Anis - The best bowls in Santa Teresa, we went every day. Great for breakfast, lunch or a snack.

Earth Cafe - Healthy cafe with bowls, smoothies, vegan and gluten free options.

Somos - Café and restaurant at the Somos hotel, full of young people all day long, a super cool place with great food. The banana bread with dulce de leche ice cream is to die for!

KauKau - Breakfast, lunch and snacks in a super nice environment.

Café Social - Breakfast and brunch, bowls, smoothies, toasts and salads.

Brekkie - Delicious café with bowls, smoothies, organic options and zero refined sugar.

El Patio - A super nice outdoor cafe, with options of açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, burritos and more.

Zwart Cafe - A mix between a café and an art gallery. The space is almost a blank canvas that highlights several super colorful works spread throughout it!

Selina - A super cool hostel, its cafe is always full of young people!

Beach Club/Lunch

Blue Mist - Close to Playa Hermosa, Blue Mist is a hotel that offers day use, the pool is beautiful in the middle of lots of greenery and the beach club is super cool, with a "Tulum" vibe, lively music and great drinks.

Rocamar - A beach café and surf lounge with a DJ and great drinks. Great for mid/late afternoon.

Uma - Restaurant/beach club on the sand with a Mediterranean menu.

Manzú - Restaurant at the Nantipa hotel, we had lunch there the day we took day use from the hotel, but it is possible to book just the restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Banana Beach - Lively beach club with lots of young people, we didn't go and we have friends who loved it and others not so much.

Nantipa - A beautiful hotel that offers day use, the pool is great and the beach service is too. We loved spending the day there!

Florblanca Resort - The hotel is beautiful and has one of the best yoga classes in Santa Teresa. It offers day use when it is not full. Unfortunately, the week we were there, the hotel was not accepting guests from outside, so it is worth calling ahead and confirming.

To have lunch

Koji's - Japanese in a tropical setting

Katana - Very good Asian and nice atmosphere and beautiful people.

Nami - Japanese with a modern twist.

Zula - Israeli menu.

Amici - Italian for when you feel like having pasta or pizza.

La Casa del Mar - Fish, seafood and grilled meats in the parrilla style, beautiful atmosphere and good service.

To Buy

Somos - Somos' surf shop has the coolest t-shirts in Santa Teresa, as well as a good selection of surf clothing and boards made in-house.

You, me and the sea

Green Folk - A concept store in Selina with clothing, accessories, home decor items and plant-based wellness products for the body, face and hair.

Pawo - Bikinis, bodysuits and rash guards with hot pants, t-shirts, sets and dresses in linen and light fabrics.

Tallulah - Activewear, swimwear and t-shirts.

Swell - Women's clothing in light fabrics and sober colors.