Philip’s guidebook

Philip
Philip’s guidebook

Food scene

Great breakfast, pastries, and coffee.
85 locals recommend
The Bakery
85 locals recommend
Great breakfast, pastries, and coffee.
Local craft beers, world wines, craft cocktails, typically has free live music on Thursdays. The couple that runs this place love to host and make everyone feel welcome.
15 locals recommend
Tipsy
15 locals recommend
Local craft beers, world wines, craft cocktails, typically has free live music on Thursdays. The couple that runs this place love to host and make everyone feel welcome.
Italian chef hand making pasta in the jungle. Usually has a special that blends fresh caught fish with Italian style.
28 locals recommend
Restaurante Al Chile Viola
28 locals recommend
Italian chef hand making pasta in the jungle. Usually has a special that blends fresh caught fish with Italian style.
After hiking the falls or walking through the butterfly farm try out the craft beers made by this couple. The street tacos alone will make you want to come back. Patio overlooks the jungle.
15 locals recommend
Clandestina
15 locals recommend
After hiking the falls or walking through the butterfly farm try out the craft beers made by this couple. The street tacos alone will make you want to come back. Patio overlooks the jungle.
Fresh seafood bowls and tacos. I don't know what they put in their sauces but it makes me want to come back every time. Try out the tasty vodka lemonade. Sometimes has live music. Hours can be limited but you can check on facebook. This is in the shopping center by the crossroads so you can also do a little shopping. The tattoo place normally has some interesting handmade jewelry for sale.
24 locals recommend
Product C
24 locals recommend
Fresh seafood bowls and tacos. I don't know what they put in their sauces but it makes me want to come back every time. Try out the tasty vodka lemonade. Sometimes has live music. Hours can be limited but you can check on facebook. This is in the shopping center by the crossroads so you can also do a little shopping. The tattoo place normally has some interesting handmade jewelry for sale.
Great sushi and other fresh dishes. One of the more expensive restaurants in Santa Teresa but has always been worth it to me. The sashimi, seafood rice, and grilled veggies are some of my favorites.
63 locals recommend
Koji's
Calle Buenos Aires
63 locals recommend
Great sushi and other fresh dishes. One of the more expensive restaurants in Santa Teresa but has always been worth it to me. The sashimi, seafood rice, and grilled veggies are some of my favorites.

Sightseeing

Small beachside bar and restaurant. Great for sunset or for the beach and surf.
39 locals recommend
Rocamar
39 locals recommend
Small beachside bar and restaurant. Great for sunset or for the beach and surf.
Good food and wide range of drinks. Playscape for the kids. Walk along the beach or check out the surf. Tide can be strong in this location. Lifeguard sometimes present. Great sunset location. Often has live music in evenings or community events.
45 locals recommend
Banana Beach Restaurant
Villa Bonita Drive
45 locals recommend
Good food and wide range of drinks. Playscape for the kids. Walk along the beach or check out the surf. Tide can be strong in this location. Lifeguard sometimes present. Great sunset location. Often has live music in evenings or community events.
Hike along the river to see swim in pools above and below the falls. Hike can be tough but worth it. Guides are sometimes available in the small parking lot for a fee.
67 locals recommend
Montezuma Waterfall
67 locals recommend
Hike along the river to see swim in pools above and below the falls. Hike can be tough but worth it. Guides are sometimes available in the small parking lot for a fee.
Secret beach? Yes! It is a local favorite at the end of the Mal Pais road. Drive to the pescarderia (fish market) and turn down the little road to the left. An ATV or 4 Wheel Drive is recommended. There is a small amount of parking and then you walk into the beach down a small foot trail. Bring anything you need and leave with everything you bring. Pristine small beach and rocky outcropping. https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-beach-information/playa-cuevas-costa-rica-suecos-mal-pais/
24 locals recommend
Playa Cuevas
24 locals recommend
Secret beach? Yes! It is a local favorite at the end of the Mal Pais road. Drive to the pescarderia (fish market) and turn down the little road to the left. An ATV or 4 Wheel Drive is recommended. There is a small amount of parking and then you walk into the beach down a small foot trail. Bring anything you need and leave with everything you bring. Pristine small beach and rocky outcropping. https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-beach-information/playa-cuevas-costa-rica-suecos-mal-pais/

Traveler advice

What to pack

Easy Breezy

Just about any place you go to eat or hangout is casual. Board shorts, flip flops and tee shirts are the norm for guys but you can dress it up all you like. Light sundresses, shorts and tee, or anything comfy and light are common for women. You can dress up but keep it light. If you are walking or using an ATV you may want a bandana to protect from road dust during the dry season. Most of the beaches are sandy but there are sections of rock and shell where a pair of flip flops or sandals is helpful.