The frozen treat known as a Churchill is associated with the city’s waterfront food traditions. Ask a vendor what their version includes and enjoy discovering a local flavor. Ingredients and serving styles can vary.
Explore Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands
Puntarenas and the Gulf Islands offer a maritime view of Costa Rica, where coastal communities, island landscapes and boat journeys connect across the Gulf of Nicoya. Discover how people and wildlife depend on these Pacific waters. Let curiosity lead to understanding, gratitude and care for the people and landscapes that welcome you.
A Churchill in Puntarenas
Santa Teresa
Explore Santa Teresa and the southern Nicoya coast through surf, beach discoveries, coastal wildlife and thoughtful family outings.
Playa Carmen
Between Santa Teresa and Mal País, Carmen is a useful place to understand how the neighboring communities connect. Watch surfers and notice the beach’s changing sand patterns. Use permitted access paths and keep clear of river mouths.
Playa Hermosa – Santa Teresa
North of Santa Teresa, Hermosa offers another broad beach setting backed by coastal trees. Surf schools often use this area, but conditions determine the suitable spot and activity. This is the Hermosa near Santa Teresa, not the beaches with the same name elsewhere.
Mal País
South of Playa Carmen, Mal País has a quieter coastal character, rocky stretches and fishing activity. Look for differences in the shoreline as you explore from permitted paths. A nearby reserve boundary is not permission to enter protected land.
Playa Manzanillo – Cóbano
Farther north along the Santa Teresa coast, Manzanillo brings a smaller community and a different stretch of Pacific shoreline into view. Check the current route and tide locally. This is the Manzanillo in Cóbano, not the Caribbean destination.
Playa Cuevas / Los Suecos
At the southern end of the Mal País road, this small cove sits beside the Cabo Blanco protected area. Notice sand, rocks and forest from authorized beach access. It is not a public entrance into the reserve; avoid caves and wave-washed rocks.
Mal País Tide Pools
At suitable low tides, rocky sections of Mal País reveal small pools where coastal life may be visible. Observe without handling animals or moving rocks. Stay on secure footing with an adult and keep watching waves and the incoming tide.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
A longer outing from Santa Teresa leads to Cabo Blanco’s authorized visitor sector near Cabuya. The reserve protects forest and coastal habitat. Confirm current access, open trails and visitor requirements with SINAC before planning your day.
Cabo Blanco Forest Walks
Within Cabo Blanco’s visitor area, permitted forest trails offer opportunities to notice tree shapes, leaf litter and bird calls. Choose an open route suited to your group’s walking ability. Bring water and follow the ranger’s return-time and access instructions.
Playa Montezuma
The beach beside Montezuma village offers views of the sea, rocky sections and coastal vegetation. Compare its setting with the open-Pacific beaches near Santa Teresa. Follow permitted paths and ask locally about current sea conditions rather than assuming every cove is suitable for swimming.
Piedra Colorada
North of Montezuma, a small river meets the coast among colorful stones and woodland. Observe the meeting of fresh water and sea without moving or collecting rocks. Check access and recent rain locally; a natural pool is not automatically a suitable swimming spot.