Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Itinerary: Seven Days Between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa
Day 1: Arrival in Liberia and Transfer to Tamarindo
Begin your journey by landing at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the most convenient airport for reaching Tamarindo. After a smooth customs process, hop into a pre-booked shuttle or a 4x4 rental, ideal for navigating Costa Rica's often unpredictable roads.
Tamarindo, just under two hours away, welcomes visitors with a buzzing energy. Check into your accommodation and unwind. For those seeking refinement and privacy, luxury villas in Costa Rica from Elite Beach Villas, opens new tab in Tamarindo offer stunning views, infinity pools, and concierge services. Spend your evening watching the sun dip below the horizon from the beach or a beachfront bistro.
Day 2: Surf, Culture, and Sunset Sailing
Kick off your day with a surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo. This beach, with its long breaks and warm waters, is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Local instructors provide gear and guidance with a dose of pura vida enthusiasm.
In the afternoon, explore the town's boutique shops and artisan markets, where local crafts and organic products fill the air with character. If you're inclined toward nature, visit the nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, a nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle.
As the day winds down, board a catamaran for a sunset sailing excursion. With a cocktail in hand and dolphins occasionally trailing the boat, the Pacific becomes a golden mirror of the sky.
Day 3: Day Trip to Playa Avellanas or Hacienda Pinilla
Tamarindo's surroundings offer tranquil escapes. Head south to Playa Avellanas, often called "Little Hawaii" by surfers for its world-class waves. It's far less crowded than Tamarindo and the sand feels untouched by time. For lunch, stop at Lola's, a beachfront institution that blends fresh cuisine with barefoot luxury.
Alternatively, spend the day at Hacienda Pinilla, a vast estate offering golf, horseback riding, and beach clubs. This area also houses some of the most exclusive luxury villas Costa Rica has to offer, nestled between dry forest and sea.
Day 4: Travel to Santa Teresa via Ferry
After breakfast, check out and begin the journey to Santa Teresa. The drive to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas takes about 3.5 hours. The ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya, bound for Paquera, is a scenic voyage. You'll pass fishing boats, mangrove islands, and the occasional ray breaching the surface.
From Paquera, the final leg to Santa Teresa takes roughly two hours along winding coastal roads. The remoteness is part of its charm. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation. Santa Teresa offers a diverse mix of boho-chic guesthouses and luxury villas Costa Rica travelers often seek for private, serene stays.
Day 5: Yoga, Nature, and Beach Dining
Santa Teresa is a haven for mindfulness and wellness. Begin your day with a beachfront yoga class, often accompanied by the sound of howler monkeys in the treetops.
Later, explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Costa Rica's first protected area. Hike through lush forest trails that spill onto secluded beaches where time seems to pause.
As the sky turns amber, dine at a beachside restaurant. Many spots specialize in farm-to-table cuisine, combining local seafood, tropical ingredients, and global culinary techniques.
Day 6: Surf or Explore Montezuma
For experienced surfers, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa offer consistent swells and a thrilling ride. Surfboard rentals and advanced-level coaching are available locally. If surfing isn't your tempo, consider a trip to Montezuma, a small bohemian village just over an hour away.
There, a network of waterfalls awaits. The Montezuma Waterfalls, cascading pools surrounded by jungle are perfect for swimming and photos. On your return, stop by one of the area's organic cafés for a smoothie made with freshly picked guanábana or passion fruit.
Day 7: Leisure and Departure
Spend your last morning savoring a slow breakfast with a view. Whether you're lounging by the pool of one of the luxury villas Costa Rica properties or grabbing a final dip in the Pacific, give yourself time to reflect on the contrasts and connections between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa.
Begin your return journey to Liberia, or opt to fly out from the closer Tambor domestic airport with a connecting flight to San José. Either way, Costa Rica's coastal magic lingers long after you've left its shores.
This seven-day itinerary between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa blends ocean adventure, cultural immersion, and moments of stillness. It offers a taste of the best Costa Rica has to offer — for the active traveler, the nature lover, and those drawn to the harmony of luxury and simplicity.
About Elite Beach Villas Costa Rica
Elite Beach Villas comprises seven remarkable Guanacaste luxury villas set within the lush landscapes of the Tamarindo and Santa Teresa beach communities. If not beachfront, each of our villas are within walking distance to the sand and into town.
These beautifully designed homes are an ode to taste and refinement with high regard and respect to the local communities and the environment. Equipped with the highest quality amenities and in-home services available at your convenience, Elite Beach Villas provides the extraordinary baseline for your Costa Rican beach vacation.
For more information, visit www.elitebeachvillas.com, opens new tab.
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