Santa Teresa & Mal Pais

Why make this your base?

Santa Teresa is a classic surf lifestyle destination: consistent daily rhythm, strong sunsets, and an easy 'surf-rest-repeat' flow.

It's best for surfers who want to center the trip on water time, with a few signature experience days.

A dedicated boat/snorkel day fits naturally into the itinerary.

Getting here

Expect a longer travel day; most routes involve ferry + shuttle or a multi-leg drive.

Plan arrival day as a settle-in day; treat surf on Day 2 as your first serious session.

Mal Pais is quieter; Santa Teresa central is more walkable for dining.

Make the most of the surf

Best for: beginners to intermediate (depending on peak and conditions).

Trip style: early sessions, long midday recovery, sunset-focused evenings.

A beginner-friendly town can still have dangerous surf. Choose the day’s beach with a qualified local instructor. Avoid river mouths and never assume a sandy bottom makes a wave safe.

Between sessions

Add recovery time intentionally; Santa Teresa can tempt you into over-surfing.

Treat the boat/snorkel day as a 'reset' for energy and skin/sun recovery.

A plan with room to breathe

Use these suggested itineraries as a starting point. Travel days, weather and surf conditions may change your schedule.