Santa Teresa
Costa Rica
Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica’s westernmost Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a surfer’s paradise. This small coastal town was once a remote fishing village, and now it attracts surfers and backpackers from all over the world with its pristine beaches, incredible surf breaks, and laidback atmosphere. Whether you’re a beach bum, nature enthusiast, yogi or aspiring surfer, there is something here for everyone. There isn’t a better place suited for travelers who are seeking a balance of adventure and health and wellness amid some of the most beautiful scenery that Central America has to offer.
Key Location Info
Study Abroad Fees:
$3,800
N/A
We don't run Study Abroad Programs to this location currently.
This is where fees start for a 6 week Study Abroad Program to this location.
It's important to note that program fees increase as programs draw closer, so typically the sooner you secure your place on a program the lower fees you will pay.
Sometimes we run programs that are not 6 weeks. The fees for those programs will reflect the time frame.
To see what's included in your program fees, head to our dedicated Study Abroad page.
Gap Year Fees:
$4,000
N/A
We don't run Gap Year Programs to this location currently.
This is where fees start for a 6 week Gap Year Program to this location.
It's important to note that program fees increase as programs draw closer, so typically the sooner you secure your place on a program the lower fees you will pay.
Sometimes we run programs that are not 6 weeks. The fees for those programs will reflect the time frame.
To see what's included in your program fees, head to our dedicated Gap Year page.
Program Living Expenses:
$1,626
This is what we suggest Edumads bring as spending money on a 6 week program to this location. This estimate includes allowance for all:
- Food & drink
- Activities
- Entertainment
- Excursions
This figure is our estimate for a typical experience on a program. It's possible to spend far more or far less depending on your choices and priorities during your time abroad.
Our estimate for Gap Year programs and Study Abroad programs is the same.
Solo Edumad Budget:
$1,889
This is what we estimate it would cost per month to live in this location if you were to organize your own trip.
We teach students how to organize their own trips in the Edumadic Academy.
What to expect from life in Santa Teresa
Sunrise Yoga
As a destination for health and wellness, you’ll find many yoga studios and retreats in Santa Teresa that cater to those seeking a connection between mind and body. Santa Teresa is exactly the kind of place that yogis love to flock to: Slow-paced life, serene sunsets enjoyed on the beach with an accompanying coconut, nature and wildlife all around to connect to, footwear optional, what more could an aspiring yogi want!
Drop into a yoga class, pamper yourself with massages, or meet with community healers to re-center yourself and explore energy work. This is the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care.
Surf's Up!
Costa Rica’s reputation for being a surfing heaven is well deserved. In fact it was surfing that first turned Santa Teresa from quiet fishing enclave to a world famous tourist town. The coast line that Santa Teresa sits on is lined by waves for every level. Paddle out in your bikini in the warm tropical water and enjoy the gently breaking waves of Playa Carmen. Better yet, the beach and waves are a short walk from town, so you can jump in for a quick wave whenever the mood takes you!
Smoothie Bowls
Where there's yogis, there's always smoothie bowls! Santa Teresa is full of health conscious cafes catering for the yoga and surf crowd. This will be a perfect time to treat your body to super healthy meals all day, every day.
Pair your bowl with a freshly fallen coconut and you will be joining the ranks of insta-influencers all month long, spreading food envy across the world.
Adventures in Nature
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can get your rush with a plethora of classic Costa Rican adventures.
Popular ziplining excursions will send you flying over the jungle canopies and across suspension bridges with the most stunning views. ATV tours will take you off-roading to secluded beaches. Horseback riding on the beach at sunset, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing and scuba diving, the list goes on and on!
Cloud Forest
Hazy mist, trailing foliage, and the mysterious call of rare birds. It sounds like something from a fantasy or adventure film, but this dream world can be found in Monteverde, Costa Rica’s cloud forests. It's a perfect weekend trip from Santa Teresa!
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Cloud forests take their name from their very literal nature. Often taking the form of fog, low-hanging clouds hover around the upper canopy of the forest before condensing onto the leaves of trees and dripping onto the plants below. The sky essentially comes down to the forest, enabling you to actually walk through the clouds, especially when you take a canopy tour on a suspension bridge.
Arenal Volcano
Take along weekend away from the coast in Arenal Volcano national park. It's one of the must-visit locations in Costa Rica. Lounge in hot springs fuelled by the active volcanoes heat. Trek through the jungle and chase waterfalls. Float around Costa Rica's largest lake. And indulge in a volcanic mud massage!
Tortuga Island
Take the day to journey to Tortuga island, a 45 minute boat ride from Santa Teresa. If you're lucky, on the voyage across you'll see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and maybe even whales! Snorkel or scuba dive around the islands coastline in crystal clear waters. Then spend the afternoon hiking through the islands interior, followed by a freshly caught seafood BBQ on the beach.
What to expect from life in Santa Teresa
Sunrise Yoga
As a destination for health and wellness, you’ll find many yoga studios and retreats in Santa Teresa that cater to those seeking a connection between mind and body. Santa Teresa is exactly the kind of place that yogis love to flock to: Slow-paced life, serene sunsets enjoyed on the beach with an accompanying coconut, nature and wildlife all around to connect to, footwear optional, what more could an aspiring yogi want!
Drop into a yoga class, pamper yourself with massages, or meet with community healers to re-center yourself and explore energy work. This is the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care.
Surf's Up!
Costa Rica’s reputation for being a surfing heaven is well deserved. In fact it was surfing that first turned Santa Teresa from quiet fishing enclave to a world famous tourist town. The coast line that Santa Teresa sits on is lined by waves for every level. Paddle out in your bikini in the warm tropical water and enjoy the gently breaking waves of Playa Carmen. Better yet, the beach and waves are a short walk from town, so you can jump in for a quick wave whenever the mood takes you!
Smoothie Bowls
Where there's yogis, there's always smoothie bowls! Santa Teresa is full of health conscious cafes catering for the yoga and surf crowd. This will be a perfect time to treat your body to super healthy meals all day, every day.
Pair your bowl with a freshly fallen coconut and you will be joining the ranks of insta-influencers all month long, spreading food envy across the world.
Adventures in Nature
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can get your rush with a plethora of classic Costa Rican adventures.
Popular ziplining excursions will send you flying over the jungle canopies and across suspension bridges with the most stunning views. ATV tours will take you off-roading to secluded beaches. Horseback riding on the beach at sunset, stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing and scuba diving, the list goes on and on!
Cloud Forest
Hazy mist, trailing foliage, and the mysterious call of rare birds. It sounds like something from a fantasy or adventure film, but this dream world can be found in Monteverde, Costa Rica’s cloud forests. It's a perfect weekend trip from Santa Teresa!
Cloud forests take their name from their very literal nature. Often taking the form of fog, low-hanging clouds hover around the upper canopy of the forest before condensing onto the leaves of trees and dripping onto the plants below. The sky essentially comes down to the forest, enabling you to actually walk through the clouds, especially when you take a canopy tour on a suspension bridge.
Arenal Volcano
Take along weekend away from the coast in Arenal Volcano national park. It's one of the must-visit locations in Costa Rica. Lounge in hot springs fuelled by the active volcanoes heat. Trek through the jungle and chase waterfalls. Float around Costa Rica's largest lake. And indulge in a volcanic mud massage!
Tortuga Island
Take the day to journey to Tortuga island, a 45 minute boat ride from Santa Teresa. If you're lucky, on the voyage across you'll see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and maybe even whales! Snorkel or scuba dive around the islands coastline in crystal clear waters. Then spend the afternoon hiking through the islands interior, followed by a freshly caught seafood BBQ on the beach.
