What to Wear in Costa Rica — From a Tropical Forest Trek to Cocktails on the Beach
Santa Teresa is quickly becoming the Tulum for adventure lovers. Here's what to pack and do for the perfect stay.
It’s no secret that Tulum has become somewhat of a mecca for bohemian beach bums. But as of late, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica — with its palm tree–lined coast, epic sunsets, all the makings of a quintessential tropical escape — is earning a similar acclaim among the more adventurous of that crowd.
Unlike Tulum, Santa Teresa is rougher around the edges — ATMs are far outnumbered by ATVs — and therefore appeals to those seeking a more active weekend getaway. Surfing, yoga, and forest canopy tours are among the more popular activities.
So once you’ve taken in all of the sun and drank all the mezcal Tulum Beach has to offer, head further south and let Santa Teresa get your heart racing.
A Surf and Sand Day
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Roxanne Assoulin necklace, modaoperandi.com, $120
CVC Stones necklace, modaoperandi.com, $2,500
Elder Statesman sweater, net-a-porter.com, $945
Jade swim top, jadeswim.com, $90
Garrett Leight sunglasses, garrettleight.com, $350
Thorsun swim shorts, thorsun.com, $275
Ancient Greek sandals, net-a-porter.com, $200
L.L.Bean tote, llbean.com, $40
Brace Humanity bracelet, bracehumanity.com, $220
Santa Teresa has become a haven for surfers and adventure travelers. Many of which are opting to stay at Mint Santa Teresa, a newly opened adults-only boutique hotel. With just four rooms and a maximum capacity of eight guests, it’s the perfect place for solo travelers to meet others who are dropping in for a slice of this bohemian paradise.
Head out for a day catching waves with fellow guests to the popular (and newbie-friendly!) surfing beaches like Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa.
A Night Out
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Staud top, staud.clothing, $200
Camilla skirt, matchesfashion.com, $967
Cult Gaia hoops, needsupply.com, $88
R+Co wave spray, net-a-porter.com, $29
ATP Atelier sandals, net-a-porter.com, 185
Dinosaur Designs set of bangles, net-a-porter.com, $195
Wai Wai Rio bag, waiwairio.com, $556
Nights out in Santa Teresa are as casual as the days. Start with sunset cocktails at Rocamar Beach then head into the night at La Lora Amarilla or Coco Loco. Be prepared to dance salsa under the palm trees.
A Jungle Adventure
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La Vie Boheme Yoga mat, net-a-porter.com, $85
Bianca Mavrick earrings, ban.do, $148
Solid & Striped swimsuit, modaoperandi.com, $170
Illesteva sunglasses, net-a-porter.com, $230
Alexander Wang jean shorts, net-a-porter.com, $200
LeSportsac belt bag, lesportsac.com, $60
Prada sandals, net-a-porter.com, $495
Explore the area on an ATV ride through the jungle where you can drive up the mountains through farmland or along the coast where you’ll find translucent waters in the many tide pools. You might also take the extra 40 minutes to drive through the natural reserve, Cabo Blanco, for some yoga or a hike to one of Montezuma's many waterfalls. Pro tip: The way back is dotted with plenty of micro-breweries with local beers on tap.