How to Spend a Week in Santa Teresa, Without Rushing It

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A week in Santa Teresa is best enjoyed without a packed schedule, mixing activity with downtime, and letting the town guide you.

Santa Teresa has a pace of its own. The town stretches along a single main road, and getting from one spot to another might take longer than you expect. But that’s part of its charm. Santa Teresa encourages lingering: slow mornings, relaxed days, and evenings by the ocean.

Day 1: Arrive & Settle In

Start slow. Enjoy a coffee at Fermata Kitchen with ocean views and a menu made for savoring. Take a walk along the beach, dip in the pool, or book a massage at Fermata Wellness Center. Be sure to catch the sunset on your first evening, it’s the perfect introduction to the vibe of Santa Teresa.

Day 2: Beaches & A Little Adventure

Book a morning surf lesson with Chorotegas, Fermata’s in-house surf school, or opt for a quiet swim at the beach outfront. Grab lunch at Soda Tiquicia for a classic Costa Rican meal, then wander local shops and galleries. In the late afternoon, catch the sunset from Rocamar or Banana Beach with a cocktail in hand.

Day 3: Nature & Exploration

Take a morning trip to Montezuma Waterfall or Curu Wildlife Refuge. Spot monkeys, birds, and sloths while walking through the jungle. On the way back, stop at a farm stand or market—Green World Store or the Pop-Up Farmer’s Market on Saturdays—for fresh produce and local products. Dinner at Katana offers excellent Asian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.

Day 4: Wellness & Ocean Fun

Start the day with a yoga or movement class at Fermata Wellness Center. Afterward, join a snorkeling or freediving excursion to enjoy some more time in the ocean. Keep the afternoon free for a nap, a massage, or lounging by the pool. Evening can be casual: Muzza for wood-fired pizza or Somos Restaurant, steps from Fermata, with a laid-back menu and live music.

Day 5: Food & Farm-to-Table

Enjoy a slower morning. Head to The Bakery for brunch and their famous pastries, then stroll to Playa Carmen to explore another local beach. For a special evening out, make a reservation at Hacienda Okhra and enjoy their unique farm-to-table experience (minimum 10 guests). 

Day 6: Optional Adventure & Sunset

If you’re feeling adventurous, rent an ATV, go horseback riding, or try zip-lining. Otherwise, choose a quieter day: a long beach walk, a massage, or simply soaking up the sun at Fermata. Finish with a sunset dinner at Brukas or Uma—both offer ocean views that make the day feel complete.

Day 7: Wrap Up & Wander

Take your last day at your own pace. Revisit a favorite café, walk the beach one more time, or join one last yoga class. Pick a restaurant you’ve been curious about—Pronto, Nami, or Mantarraya Cafe—and savor your last day in town.

Tips for a Relaxed Week

-Mix activity with downtime. Leave plenty of gaps in the schedule.
-Walk whenever possible. Santa Teresa is best explored slowly.
-Make reservations for popular restaurants and farm-to-table experiences.

Santa Teresa isn’t a place to check off boxes. It’s a place to soak in slowly and explore with ease. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, a week here is about balance: movement and stillness, adventure and relaxation, planning and letting the day take you where it wants.

Curious to Experience Santa Teresa Your Way?
Fermata is the perfect base for a flexible week of beach, nature, wellness, and local discovery. We’ll help you find your own favorites along the way.

If Fermata in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica sounds like your kind of stay, you can learn more about rooms and availability here.

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