Introduction: Not All Costa Rica Beaches Offer the Same Experience
When travelers start planning a trip to Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, a few names almost always come up: Santa Teresa, Mal País, Montezuma, and — less frequently — Playa Los Vivos.
All four are located relatively close to one another, yet the experience they offer could not be more different.
Choosing the right beach isn’t about which one is “better.” It’s about alignment — with your travel style, your energy level, and what you want to feel during your time in Costa Rica.
This guide compares Playa Los Vivos with Santa Teresa, Mal País, and Montezuma to help you understand what each destination offers — and which one fits you best.
Santa Teresa: Energy, Surf, and Social Life
What Santa Teresa Is Known For
Santa Teresa has become one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns. It’s internationally recognized for:
- Consistent surf
- Trendy cafes and restaurants
- Yoga studios and fitness culture
- Nightlife and social scenes
For many travelers, Santa Teresa is exciting, dynamic, and stimulating.
The Reality of Santa Teresa Today
With popularity comes density.
Santa Teresa is busy year-round. Traffic, construction, and crowds are now part of daily life. During high season, beaches are active from sunrise to sunset, and finding quiet space can be difficult.
This isn’t necessarily a negative — for travelers who enjoy movement, variety, and meeting people, Santa Teresa delivers.
Who Santa Teresa Is Best For
Santa Teresa is ideal for travelers who:
- Enjoy social energy
- Want many dining and activity options
- Like vibrant surf scenes
- Prefer walkable convenience
It is less ideal for those seeking silence, solitude, or a secluded beach experience.
Mal País: A Quieter Extension of Santa Teresa
What Makes Mal País Different
Mal País sits just south of Santa Teresa and offers a slightly calmer atmosphere. Development is lower, and the vibe is more understated.
However, Mal País is still closely connected to Santa Teresa. Many visitors move between the two easily, and the influence of Santa Teresa’s growth is present.
The Experience in Mal País
Mal País offers:
- Rocky shorelines mixed with sandy areas
- Fewer restaurants and shops
- A calmer pace, but not complete seclusion
While quieter than Santa Teresa, Mal País does not offer the same level of isolation as more remote beaches further south.
Who Mal País Is Best For
Mal País suits travelers who want:
- Reduced crowds without total isolation
- Access to Santa Teresa when desired
- A relaxed but still social environment
Montezuma: Community, Waterfalls, and Character
Montezuma’s Unique Personality
Montezuma has a strong community feel and a distinct identity. It’s known for:
- Waterfalls
- Art and culture
- Walkable town center
- A bohemian atmosphere
The town attracts long-term travelers, creatives, and those looking for connection.
What Montezuma Feels Like
Montezuma is lively but intimate. There’s a sense of familiarity — people recognize each other, conversations are easy, and the town feels personal.
Beaches near Montezuma vary, but many are accessed via trails and shared with others. True seclusion is limited, especially during peak travel months.
Who Montezuma Is Best For
Montezuma works well for travelers who:
- Enjoy small-town energy
- Want waterfalls and hikes nearby
- Value community interaction
- Prefer walkable environments
Playa Los Vivos: Seclusion, Space, and Stillness
What Sets Playa Los Vivos Apart
Playa Los Vivos is not a town. There is no commercial center, no nightlife, and no social scene to plug into.
What exists instead is:
- A long, open, secluded beach
- Dense jungle
- Minimal development
- Natural rhythms that shape the day
This absence of stimulation is the defining feature.
The Experience of Playa Los Vivos
At Playa Los Vivos:
- Days unfold slowly
- The beach often feels empty
- Natural sounds replace human noise
- Time becomes less structured
Guests often describe the experience as grounding, restorative, and clarifying.
Rather than offering things to do, Playa Los Vivos offers space to be.
Who Playa Los Vivos Is Best For
Playa Los Vivos is ideal for travelers who:
- Seek a secluded beach environment
- Want silence and mental rest
- Value nature over nightlife
- Are comfortable with simplicity
- Want distance from crowds and schedules
It attracts solo travelers, couples, creatives, and anyone seeking intentional quiet.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Destination | Energy Level | Crowds | Development | Best For |
| Santa Teresa | High | High | Dense | Social, active travelers |
| Mal País | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Balance seekers |
| Montezuma | Medium | Medium | Town-based | Community lovers |
| Playa Los Vivos | Low | Very Low | Minimal | Secluded beach seekers |
Surfing Comparison
- Santa Teresa: Consistent surf, crowded lineups
- Mal País: Powerful waves, fewer people
- Montezuma: Mixed conditions, limited breaks
- Playa Los Vivos: Fewer surfers, more space, quieter sessions
Surf quality varies by season, but crowd density is the major difference.
Wildlife and Nature
Wildlife sightings increase as development decreases.
Playa Los Vivos, with its minimal infrastructure, supports frequent wildlife encounters — monkeys, birds, and coastal animals are part of daily life.
While wildlife exists near all four destinations, it becomes more visible and present the farther south you go.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Trip
Many travelers combine destinations:
- Santa Teresa for social energy
- Montezuma for community
- Playa Los Vivos for rest and reset
Using Playa Los Vivos as either a final stop or primary base allows travelers to decompress after stimulation-heavy destinations.
Staying Near Playa Los Vivos
Because Playa Los Vivos is intentionally quiet, accommodations play a key role.
Los Vivos Beach Experience was designed to support this environment — offering comfort and access without disrupting the landscape.
Stays are intentionally limited, supporting tranquility rather than volume, and allowing guests to fully experience the secluded beach atmosphere.
Why This Comparison Matters
Choosing the wrong destination can shape your entire trip.
A traveler seeking peace may feel overwhelmed in Santa Teresa. A social traveler may feel isolated at Playa Los Vivos.
Understanding these differences ensures expectations align with experience — and that alignment is what creates meaningful travel.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Fit, Not Popularity
Santa Teresa, Mal País, Montezuma, and Playa Los Vivos each offer something valuable. None is objectively better — but each serves a different type of traveler.
If your idea of Costa Rica includes movement, interaction, and stimulation, Santa Teresa or Montezuma may be the right fit.
If your idea of Costa Rica includes space, silence, and a secluded beach experience, Playa Los Vivos offers something increasingly rare.
And for travelers who choose it intentionally, that difference is everything.
