Beaches · 7 min read
Best Beaches in Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica
A beach-by-beach look at Santa Teresa and Mal País, with notes on surf, sunsets, access, seasons and safety.
Explore Costa Rica — the ZAYA Journal
Practical, local guides to Santa Teresa, Mal País, Montezuma and the Nicoya Peninsula — written to help you plan a calmer, better trip.
Featured articles
Experiences · 6 min read
15 Best Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Fifteen ideas for Santa Teresa, from surf and sunsets to waterfalls, yoga and lazy beach days.
Travel Tips · 7 min read
How to Get to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Flights, Ferries and Driving
Reach Santa Teresa through San José airport (SJO) or Liberia airport (LIR), then continue by road or an available domestic flight with onward ground transport.
All articles
Travel Guides · 7 min read
7 Days in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: The Perfect Beach and Adventure Itinerary
A balanced week in Santa Teresa includes an easy arrival, a surf lesson, beach time, a Montezuma day trip, a nature outing and an unplanned day.
Beaches · 7 min read
Best Beaches in Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica
A beach-by-beach look at Santa Teresa and Mal País, with notes on surf, sunsets, access, seasons and safety.
Experiences · 6 min read
15 Best Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Fifteen ideas for Santa Teresa, from surf and sunsets to waterfalls, yoga and lazy beach days.
Travel Tips · 7 min read
Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Weather, Surf and Seasons
A season-by-season look at weather, surf and crowds in Santa Teresa to help you pick your dates.
Travel Guides · 7 min read
Hidden Gems Near Santa Teresa: Discover Costa Rica Beyond the Tourist Trail
Quieter corners of Santa Teresa, Mal País, Montezuma and the Nicoya Peninsula, and how to visit them responsibly.
Travel Tips · 7 min read
How to Get to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Flights, Ferries and Driving
Reach Santa Teresa through San José airport (SJO) or Liberia airport (LIR), then continue by road or an available domestic flight with onward ground transport.
Experiences · 7 min read
Luxury Travel in Santa Teresa: Private Tours and Unique Costa Rica Experiences
Luxury travel in Santa Teresa works best as a personalized balance of privacy, thoughtful logistics and time outdoors.
Experiences · 7 min read
Montezuma Waterfalls and Day Trips: A Guide from Santa Teresa
Montezuma's river waterfalls make an easy, scenic day out from Santa Teresa. Here is how to get there, stay safe and fill the rest of the day.
Travel Guides · 8 min read
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: The Ultimate Travel Guide for 2026
Everything you need to plan a trip to Santa Teresa, from beaches and surf to transport, stays and safety.
Surfing · 7 min read
Surfing in Santa Teresa: Best Spots, Seasons and Tips for Every Level
Santa Teresa has exposed Pacific beach breaks whose suitability changes with swell, tide, wind and shifting sandbars.