Mal País & Santa Teresa

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Surfer stands in ocean watching sunset on beach

Surfer stands in ocean watching sunset on beach

Why visit Mal País & Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a wonderful surfing town, though no longer a secret one, and there are plenty of great places to eat and a modicum of nightlife. The entire area unfurls along one bumpy coastal road that rambles south from Santa Teresa through Playa El Carmen and terminates in the relaxed fishing hamlet of Mal País.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Mal País & Santa Teresa

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Get 5% off

Take your Costa Rica trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Wild Whitewater and Rugged Rainforests: Adventurous Costa Rica

8 days / 7 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Whitewater rafting down the rushing Pacuare River on an exciting and exhilarating guided tour
  2. 2 Searching for elusive and colorful quetzal birds during a San Gerardo de Dota birdwatching hike
  3. 3 Visiting the archaeological ruins of Guayabo National Park to uncover the secrets of the past
from $3,845

per person

Explore more trips

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Mal País & Santa Teresa

Discover the best attractions in Mal País & Santa Teresa from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Mal País & Santa Teresa