Santa Teresa and Malpais have become known as some of the world’s most beautiful beach towns. They are famous for the wild animals that inhabit the surrounding lush jungles, amazing Pacific Ocean sunsets, and the consistently epic surfing conditions. Santa Teresa is also now known for its amazing international cuisine, since so many chefs from around the world have moved here to set up shop.

From the moment you arrive in the Malpais / Santa Teresa area, you’ll know that you’ve discovered a very special place, quite unlike other towns in Costa Rica. The area has been compared with Maui 50 years ago, or Santa Cruz, California, but with monkeys and warm water.

Despite the fact that word has discovered Santa Teresa and Malpais in recent years, the area still has gorgeous beaches that are uncrowded, as well as secret waterfalls with warm water pools surrounded by jungle canopy, and surf spots with no one there.

Santa Teresa is known primarily as a great location for incredible surfing. This remote beach town was unheard of only 10-15 years ago, but now is a favorite destination for surfers from around the world. Costa Rica and Santa Teresa’s surf is consistent year-round, as the area faces the open Pacific Ocean, with warm waters that are comfortable throughout the seasons. The Malpais/Santa Teresa area has many surf schools, surf instructors, and surf shops.

Many tourists come from South America and Europe, not only the United States and Canada. Many have stayed in the area and found a way to make a living by creating unique little restaurants, hotels, and rental houses. The food in Santa Teresa has become among the best in Costa Rica. Many five-star chefs have built restaurants here and do their own cooking, creating a plethora of dining opportunities.

The Santa Teresa area has also become known as a great surf destination among Costa Ricans as well. Many of the young people in San Jose drive to the various beach towns to surf on weekends, and many families head to the beaches during vacations. Malpais itself means “bad country” or “badlands” because of the lack of water during the dry season. The climate is similar to southern California, with hardly any rain at all from December through April, making it very popular among travelers during those months.

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica offers a variety of luxurious villas and vacation rental homes. The most consistently popular are the beachfront homes, which always fulfill the tropical beach fantasies of their rental clients. These range from $350 to $2000 per night, although there are a few cheaper options. Even the highest price vacation rental houses are frequently booked, and many celebrities and movie stars have been seen here escaping the cameras of the paparazzi. This may be because Forbes Mazazine voted the beaches of Santa Teresa to be among the top ten most beautiful in the world.

Renting a vacation home in Santa Teresa has become increasing popular. Many tourists enjoy the independence of having their own rental villa instead of a hotel room, for the privacy and extra space, often at no additional cost. Plus it creates a very unique vacation experience.

Malpais area hotels are extremely popular as well, especially the beachfront ones, which range in price from $100 to $1000 per night for a room, depending on the season. Most Santa Teresa hotels that are beachfront have great surfing waves right in front. The owners are from different countries all over the world… Americans, Canadians, Germans, Italians, Swedes, etc. All have the same dream of living in paradise on one of the most beautiful beaches and passing that thrill to their hotel clients. The area has also become very popular for weddings and honeymoons.

Learn more about Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Stop by Geoffrey McCabe’s site where you can find out all about having your Wedding in Santa Teresa and other information about this beautiful Costa Rica beach town.