Nature in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica isn’t something you have to seek out.
Nature in Santa Teresa isn’t something you have to seek out.
It’s part of your day from the moment you arrive. The ocean is always close, the jungle surrounds the edges of town, and wildlife moves through it all without much separation. For anyone who feels most at ease outdoors, it’s a place that feels easy to settle into.
Start With What’s Right Outside
The most immediate connection to nature in Santa Teresa is the ocean.
At Fermata, La Lora beach break sits just out front. Whether it’s your first time surfing or something you’ve done for years, it’s the kind of wave that invites you in without much pressure. Fermata’s in-house surf school, Chorotegas, offers lessons and board rentals year-round, making it easy to get started or keep going.
But time in the ocean isn’t limited to surfing. Early morning swims, snorkeling, or long walks along the shoreline quickly become part of your routine. The beach is always close, and you find yourself returning to it throughout the day.
Back on land, the jungle is just as present. Howler monkeys move through the trees, birds are active from early morning on, and it’s not unusual to spot iguanas along the road. You don’t need to plan for these moments. They tend to happen on their own.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
When you’re ready to explore beyond Santa Teresa, the Nicoya Peninsula offers some of the most rewarding nature in Costa Rica.
Montezuma Waterfalls
About 40 minutes from Santa Teresa, Montezuma Falls is one of the most iconic natural sites on the peninsula. A short hike through the jungle leads to a dramatic three-tier cascade, with a swimmable pool below. It’s definitely worth the trek. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys in the canopy and tropical birds along the trail. The walk there is half the experience.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
About an hour south of Santa Teresa, Cabo Blanco is as pristine as it gets. Hiking trails wind through dense tropical forest before opening onto a secluded white-sand beach that feels genuinely removed from the rest of the world. Trails range in difficulty, so it works for casual walkers and committed hikers alike. White-faced monkeys, coatis, pelicans, and parrots are all regular sightings along the way.
Curú Wildlife Refuge
For a quieter, more intimate experience, Curú Wildlife Refuge offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the area without the crowds. Well-maintained trails loop through coastal forest and along the shore, making it easy to take your time. Bring binoculars. Sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots are all common, and a slow, attentive pace will be rewarded here.
A Good Base for All of It
Santa Teresa makes it easy to spend time in nature, whether you’re paddling out at La Lora, walking through the jungle, or just lounging on the beach listening to the waves. Day trips to waterfalls, wildlife refuges, and reserves are close enough to be accessible, yet far enough to feel like an escape.
The Fermata team makes it easy for nature lovers to enjoy every moment of their stay in Santa Teresa.
If Fermata in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica sounds like your kind of stay, you can learn more about rooms and availability here.
