Free Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

You do not need to book something every day

Some of our favorite days here are simple. Go to the beach, explore a different part of the coast, check the tide and stop somewhere local along the way. The ideas below do not require paying for a tour or activity, although transport, parking, food or other small costs can still apply.

Beach days and sunsets

Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen

Walk the beach, swim only when conditions are suitable, and stay for sunset. Playa Carmen is easy to combine with cafés, shops and restaurants, while central Santa Teresa is the long, open beach people come here for.

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa has more space and is quieter. It is one of our favorite places for a long walk or a slower beach morning.

View Playa Hermosa on Google Maps →

Manzanillo

Drive north and spend time on a much quieter stretch of coast. The beach is wide, the pace is slower, and sunset is a good reason to stay longer than you planned.

View Manzanillo on Google Maps →

Mar Azul and Playa Suecos

South of Santa Teresa, these smaller coastal stops are good when you want to explore rather than stay in the center all day. Low tide gives you more to see around the rocks.

Mar Azul on Google Maps → · Playa Suecos / Cuevas on Google Maps →

Natural pools at low tide

Malpaís and Mar Azul

Natural rock pools become visible and easier to enjoy around mid to low tide. This is exposed Pacific coastline, so a pool being visible does not make it safe. Look at the swell and use common sense.

Malpaís tide pools on Google Maps → · Mar Azul on Google Maps →

Between Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo

At low tide, rock pools can form along sections of the northern coast. Check the tide before you go.

Playa Mestizos on Google Maps →

Free stops in Cabuya

Boca del Río Lajas

Boca del Río Lajas is one of our favorite free stops in Cabuya. This is where the river meets the coast, with freshwater, rocks and beach in the same place. Conditions can change after heavy rain, so expect it to look different through the year.

View Boca del Río Lajas on Google Maps →

Isla Cementerio

You can walk to the island only when the tide allows. Check the tide before crossing and leave enough time to return. This is an active cemetery for the community, so visit respectfully and leave nothing behind.

View Isla Cementerio on Google Maps →

Higuerón de Cabuya

The huge Higuerón beside the road is a quick stop that most visitors would drive past without knowing why it matters. It was recognized as an Exceptional Tree of Costa Rica in 2009.

View Higuerón de Cabuya on Google Maps →

Walks around Montezuma

Piedra Colorada

Walk north from Montezuma to this quieter area where river, rocks and beach come together. It is a simple plan when you want nature without organizing an excursion.

View Piedra Colorada on Google Maps →

Playa Grande

Continue farther on foot to Playa Grande through beach and jungle sections. Bring water and comfortable shoes, and choose your timing with the tide in mind.

View Playa Grande on Google Maps →

A free day we would recommend

If you want to keep the day simple, choose one direction instead of trying to cover the whole area.

North: Playa Hermosa, Playa Mestizos and Manzanillo

Start with a beach morning in Playa Hermosa. If the tide is right, stop at the natural pools around Playa Mestizos, then continue to Manzanillo and stay for sunset.

South: Malpaís, Mar Azul and Playa Suecos

Explore Malpaís and Mar Azul, check the tide pools when ocean conditions are calm, then continue to Playa Suecos. We would keep the plan flexible around the tide.

What is not necessarily free?

Nature reserves, organized tours, some waterfall access, parking and transportation can have a cost. We left those out of this guide.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do in Santa Teresa without spending money?

Beach walks, sunsets, natural pools, Boca del Río Lajas, Isla Cementerio, the Higuerón in Cabuya and walks around Montezuma are good starting points.

Are the natural pools always available?

No. They depend on tide and ocean conditions. Low or mid tide is usually more useful for seeing the pools, but swell still matters.

Can I visit Cabuya without booking a tour?

Yes. Boca del Río Lajas, Isla Cementerio and the Higuerón can all be part of a self guided Cabuya day. If you continue toward Montezuma using the direct internal road from Malpaís, use an ATV or 4x4.

Where can I see more places worth visiting?

See our best places to visit near Santa Teresa guide for a fuller route by area.