Malpaís / Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa has always been one of our favorite hangout beaches in Costa Rica, on the Pacific Coast. It is located in the Nicoya Peninsula where there are many beautiful white and caramel sand beaches. In the Malpais area, there is a stretch of land of five main beaches- Malpais, Playa del Carmen, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, and Manzanillo.
Santa Teresa is where the hippie meets the chic. The fusion of bohemian, high end and local restaurants, hotels and bars, blend in with the still rural and untouched Costa Rica.
Do not miss sunsets on the beach. This is a time where everything comes alive and you feel the true vibe of the place. Surfers are challenging the waves, locals jog their adopted stray dogs, spectators chill and smoke their joints and some just find it the perfect time for yoga and horseback riding.
Our mission was to relax and take it easy. While we where there, we started the day with a delicious breakfast either at Artemis Café (at the Plaza in Playa Carmen), or The Bakery, just across the road.
Taking advantage of the low tide, we walked to the tidal pools and frolicked while we worked on our tans. After accomplishing our mission, we settled on our hammocks and enjoyed a good book.
For the more adventurous ones, we recommend taking a horseback riding tour ((506) 8356-6002 | arioensenada @ gmail.com), hiking up the waterfall in Montezuma, walking in the Cabo Blanco national park, ATV tours, scuba diving, and fishing.
At night, we left for dinner to Playa de los Artistas (Montezuma beach), and enjoyed the beachside setting surrounded by candles, delicious food, beautiful people, and tranquil ambience. Later on, we went back to Santa Teresa for some drinks and dancing at Day and Night, a beach front hangout where international DJ’s spun all night.
Our Recommendations:
Where to stay:
Santa Teresa/Malpais Hotel Flor Blanca
(506) 2640 0232
Hotel Vista de Olas
(506) 2640 0183
Moana Lodge
(506) 2640 0230
Where to eat:
The Bakery- Great Belgian breakfast
Artemis- Traditional & American breakfast
Flor Blanca- for Sushi
