Tourists come here from all corners of the globe, seeking something real. They come for the surf-salted air, the secrets whispered by howler monkeys in the hills, and the slow afternoons under almond trees. Costa Rica, a country that protects over 25% of its landmass—one of the highest percentages of protected land in the world—offers a true, unfiltered experience.
“Costa Rica is powered by more than 98% renewable energy and offers the largest protected forest in the world.”
A New Chapter for Our Community
After a period of rapid growth and tourist saturation, the area now faces a slowdown. There’s a need to return to the roots of what made Santa Teresa, Malpais, and Hermosa so special—a more intimate, slower-paced kind of tourism that respects the land and people.
Tours That Touch the Soul
As we explore the adventures our area has to offer, here are a few that will take your breath away.
- Horseback Riding: Trails to Tranquility – Ride through jungle trails with views of the Pacific, or take a sunset trot to a mountaintop. Some tours even offer bareback ocean plunges with your horse!
- Malpais Fishing Village Experience – Join a local fisherman for a 3-hour tour, catching fish by hand, and experiencing the local culture first-hand.
- Bioluminescent Kayak Tours at Curu – Paddle under the stars with park rangers and witness a stunning natural light show powered by microscopic organisms.
- Surf, Yoga & Sound Healing Day Retreats – A perfect combination of adventure and relaxation with surf, yoga, breathwork, and sound healing.
- Permaculture & Medicinal Plant Walks – Explore organic farms and gardens, learning about native healing plants and sustainable farming methods.
- Sea Turtle Nesting Tours – Experience the magical moments of witnessing sea turtles nesting and hatchlings being released, led by biologists and volunteers.
High Thrill & High Vibe Adventures
- Waterfall Canyoning & Rock Climbing (Montezuma)
- Gyrocopter Rides over Jungle Canopy (Departs from Cóbano)
- Parachute Jumping / Skydiving (Location varies by season)
- Whale & Dolphin Watching on Traditional Fishing Boats
- Jungle Night Walks with Naturalist Guides (Cabuya / Malpais Reserve)
- Tortuga Island Day Tours with Snorkeling, Beach BBQs, and Local Flair
- Hiking in Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve — The OG of Protected Parks
✨ Share Your Tour Story
We invite everyone to submit their own stories and photos from tours they’ve experienced in Santa Teresa, Malpais, Hermosa, or Manzanillo. Every month we will run a photo contest, and the winning shot will be featured in the next issue of the Santa Teresa Dirt Road. Share your adventure and win prizes!
Send your stories and photos to news@santateresadirtroad.com
