Costa Rica Expat City Guide

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, were once remote fishing villages that now rely on tourism as the main source of income. Visitors can enjoy surf camps, yoga retreats, and a range of accommodations from luxury to budget. Mal Pais offers a quieter vibe, while Santa Teresa attracts a younger and livelier crowd with more small hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area’s consistent surf is a major draw for both experts and beginners, and other activities include fishing, snorkeling, canopy tours, and nature hikes in Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.

Nearby destinations include Montezuma, Nosara and Sámara.

Videos about Santa Teresa

Where is Santa Teresa?

What's the climate in Santa Teresa?

Climate Type: Tropical Savanna

The climate in Santa Teresa is generally tropical with high temperatures ranging from 31°C (88°F) to 35°C (95°F) throughout the year. The warmest month is March with an average maximum temperature of 35°C (95°F), while the coolest is December with an average maximum of 31°C (89°F). To avoid the rainy season, the best time to visit Santa Teresa is during the drier months of January, February, March, and December.

Santa Teresa Real Estate

While Santa Teresa has a range of housing options — condos and single-family homes available for rent or purchase at various budgets — we believe you should shift your focus when considering life in Costa Rica: buying real estate in Santa Teresa shouldn’t be your first step!

Investing in Santa Teresa property can offer fantastic opportunities, especially if you’re seeking residency, however it’s crucial to determine your lifestyle preferences beforehand. Many rush into property purchases only to realize that their decision does not fully meet their real estate needs in Costa Rica once the vacation mentality wears off.

Your Pura Vida operates differently.

We collaborate with a diverse network of trusted realtors in Santa Teresa and nationwide. Our approach emphasizes exploration without the pressure often associated with realtor relationships.

Our sole priority? Your contentment and sustained enjoyment in the country. When you’re ready to buy or rent a home in Santa Teresa, we’ve got you covered!

Santa Teresa Weather

Paquera, CR

3:41 pm

26°C | °F

L: 26° H: 26°

Feels like 26°C | °F° overcast clouds

Precipitation: 0 inch

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 5:23 am

Sunset: 6:04 pm

At a Glance

Population: less than 3000

Popular Expat Neighborhoods: Santa Teresa

Largest Regional City: Nicoya

Vibe: beach, ocean, rural, tourist, blue zone, meditative, locals town

Distance to Nearest International Airport:

Liberia International Airport – 208 kilometers (129 miles) – approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes without heavy traffic

Juan Santamaria International Airport – 174 kilometers (108 miles) – approx. 4.5 hours without heavy traffic

Rankings

Ready to move to Santa Teresa?

Let our expat experts show you how.