Caracolas

Mal País & Santa Teresa


The lone soda at this end of the coast revamped its menu in 2019 and now emphasizes seafood and paellas. But you can still eat a classic casado off a timber table in a garden that rolls onto the rocky beach. It also does steak, chicken and vegetarian dishes, but the best reason to come here is to feel the ocean breeze.

It also has a few fully equipped cabins (from US$50) for rent – on the beach, no less.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mal País & Santa Teresa attractions

1. Playa El Carmen

1.03 MILES

Playa El Carmen, downhill from the main T-intersection coming into town, is a good beach break that can be surfed anytime. The beach is wide and sandy and…

2. Playa Santa Teresa

2.27 MILES

Playa Santa Teresa is a long, stunning beach that's famous for its fast and powerful beach break. The waves are pretty consistent and can be surfed at…

3. Playa Hermosa

3.23 MILES

Somewhere north of town, Playa Santa Teresa ends and Playa Hermosa starts. This gorgeous beach deserves its hermosa (beautiful) moniker and then some. It…

4. Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco

4.26 MILES

Costa Rica’s oldest protected wilderness area covers 12 sq km at the tip of the Península de Nicoya. The unique park is covered by evergreen forests,…

5. Playa Manzanillo

4.69 MILES

About 8km north of the Playa El Carmen intersection (past Playa Hermosa), Playa Manzanillo is a combination of sand and rock that’s best surfed when the…

6. Montezuma Gardens

5.23 MILES

About 1.5km south of town, alongside the waterfall trail, you can tour this lush mariposario (butterfly garden) and nursery where the mysterious…

7. Montezuma Waterfalls

5.46 MILES

A 40-minute river hike leads to a waterfall with a delicious swimming hole. Further along, a second set of falls offers a good 12m leap into deep water…

8. Montezuma Bay

5.76 MILES

This pretty little beach is the centerpiece of Montezuma, as fishers, ferries and tourists come and go. Unfortunately, it's not really recommended for…