Dusty, unpaved roads, laid back locals and foreigners, flowing rivers and waterfalls, sandy beaches with salty waves. If this is what you dream of when you think of visiting Costa Rica, then Montezuma is likely the place for you.
The small town, once an unknown fishing village, gained popularity during the 80s and 90s and has continued to draw a certain Bohemian/hippy vibe to its still underdeveloped shores. Located on the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the distance from San Jose and Alajuela has helped Montezuma retain its charm, as it still takes some determination to reach.
Majestic Tropical Waterfall in Montezuma, Costa Rica7 of the Top Things to Do in Montezuma, Costa Rica
1. Montezuma Waterfalls
Visiting Montezuma and not seeing the waterfalls is practically a sin. The Montezuma Waterfalls are one of the main draws in this beachside town and are definitely worth a visit. Three falls cascade down the mountain, with two that you can swim at the base of, and a few places for cliff jumping.
There are two ways to reach the falls. One option is via the Riverbed Trail. This is a free access point (unless you drive to the entrance, in which case you pay $4 to park), and you can reach it by walking from town. This is the best way to visit the Lower Falls, which is the most visited as it’s the highest cascade and the best pool for swimming, and the entrance is free!
The other option is to enter from the Canopy Tour Trail, which is operated by Sun Trails Canopy/Zip Line. This is a paid entrance, though you can do the self-guided hike, and it will take you to the two upper falls. You can reach the lower falls via this option, but it’s a steep hike down of almost 300 steps, and you’ll need to hike back up. This option requires a car or a taxi to get out of town and access the falls from this side.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, like hiking on slippery rocks (Riverbed Trail) or paying to enter (Canopy Trail, $5), but either way, you won’t be disappointed by Montezuma Waterfalls.
2. Explore The Beaches
Playa Montezuma is the main beach right in town, and there are several other beaches up and down the coast that you can walk to. You can walk down the coast and come across Playa Las Manchas, Playa Los Cedros, and Playa Las Rocas. If you head north, you’ll find Piedra Colorada and Playa Grande. A lot of the coastline here is rocky, which makes for great tide pools when the tide is low. But be aware that the waves can get quite large at times and there are not lifeguards, so respect the ocean and listen to the locals’ advice.
3. Nightlife in Montezuma
Despite being on the smaller side, Montezuma has a fun nightlife scene. In high season, the town can get quite lively. Fire-dancers on the beach and the mix of hippies with Ticos gives this town a unique and sometimes whacky feel. Chico Bar and Cafe Organico are a few of the spots to check for action if you’re looking to have a little late-night fun.
4. Visit Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga is about a 45-minute boat ride from Montezuma, and visitors to the island spend the day lounging on the white sand beaches, snorkeling in the clear water, or kayaking around the island. Most tours include lunch served on the island, and the tour usually lasts most of the day. This is a very popular activity for visitors to Montezuma and is worth checking out if you have more than a few days in the area.
5. El Chorro Waterfall Hike
The stunning waterfall El Chorro, takes a bit more time and effort to reach than Montezuma Falls, but it does not disappoint. You must hike to reach El Chorro, and it takes about 4 hours round-trip from Montezuma. Head north to Playa Granda and continue to the next beach, Playa Cocolito. You’ll see signs marking the trails all along the way. El Chorro Waterfall drops from the rocky cliffs straight into the ocean. This remarkable site is worth the physical effort; just make sure to take plenty of water, as there are no public services along the hike.
6. Day Trip to Cabuya
A 20-minute drive down the coast, you’ll come across the small town of Cabuya. This town is slightly larger than Montezuma and is set back from the beach. The beach is worth checking out, but the primary adventure in Cabuya is the walk to Isla de Cabuya. At low tide, you can hike across the exposed rock to reach the tiny island. It only takes about 15 minutes to hike out to the island, but you can only do this at low tide, so be sure to check the tide online or ask locals before you venture out, ensuring you’ll be able to get back!
7. Reserva Cabo Blanco
Not far from Montezuma is the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, the largest national park in the Nicoya Peninsula. Cabo Blanco is just south of the town of Cabuya, only about a 25-minute drive from Montezuma. Visiting Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is an excellent way to spend a day while you’re in the Montezuma area. The reserve is home to about 150 species of trees, 240 species of birds, wild cats, anteaters, monkeys, and more.
Beaches in Montezuma, Costa Rica
Montezuma Beach
The main beach in town is Montezuma Beach. It’s a fun place to hang out and meet locals and other visitors. It’s not the best for surfing, but what it lacks in waves it makes up for in vibes.
Playa Grande
Just north of Montezuma is Playa Grande. This expansive stretch of beach is the best place in the area to catch some waves. Playa Grande is a great place for beginner surfers, and there are lessons here when the swell is just right. It’s only a 3-kilometer walk along the beach from Montezuma. Keep heading north from Playa Grande to reach Playa Cocolito and the El Chorro Waterfall.
Playa Las Manchas
Just two kilometers south of Montezuma is the rocky beach Playa Las Manchas. There’s great tide pooling here when the tide is low, and you can cool off in the little pools that become exposed. Be careful when the tide is high, as you can’t see all of the rocks, but they are still there!
Montezuma, Costa Rica Weather
Montezuma experiences hot weather year-round, with the typical Guanacaste seasons. The dry season runs from December to April, when temperatures reach the mid to high 90s daily.
The rainy season, or green season, is from May to November, but the temperatures don’t drop much. The days are still in the mid 80s, with rain in the afternoons and evenings, cooling things off into the 70s. The wettest months are October and November.
Restaurants in Montezuma, Costa Rica
Thanks to the international Bohemian vibe, Montezuma is home to a ton of yummy restaurants with a wide variety of food options, from local Tico fare to top-notch pizza and pastas, vegetarian options, and fresh-caught seafood. The vibe of Montezuma might still say backpacker destination, but the culinary scene says international destination.
Don’t miss:
- Butterfly Brewing Company: Brew Pub, American, $$-$$$
- Pizzeria Chelo Montezuma: Italian, Pizza, $$
- Cafe Orgánico: Vegetarian, Vegan, $$-$$ — Great for live music too!
- Cocolores: Mediterranean, Seafood, $$$
How to Get to Montezuma, Costa Rica
Montezuma is located towards the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, and there are several ways to reach it. Depending on your preferred mode of travel — bus, car, ferry, or plane — you have options that vary in price, duration, and experience.
Closest Airport to Montezuma, Costa Rica
By far the fastest way to get from the San Jose area or Juan Santamaria Airport is to fly from SJO to Cobano, with Green Airways or Sansa. The flights cost between $120 and $130 and take about 30 minutes. Once you land in Cobano, the main hub town of the area, you’re only a 15-minute taxi ride from Montezuma. This is by far the fastest way to get to Montezuma.
By Car/Ferry
Reaching Montezuma by car takes more time and effort, but it’s a fun way to see more of Costa Rica and the Nicoya Peninsula and allows for more freedom to move around and explore more of the area during your stay. From the San Jose or Alajuela area, head west on Ruta 27 or the Interamericana Highway 1. You’ll hit Puntarenas, and from here you’ll drive onto the ferry, which takes you across the Gulf of Nicoya to Naranjo. From here, you drive to Montezuma. The whole thing takes between 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and time of day. It’s definitely a longer haul to get there, but the joy is in the journey!
By Bus/Shuttle
There are some shared shuttle services available between San Jose and Montezuma, and the price is around $60 to $80 per person, depending on the company. The trip takes the same time as driving, around five hours.
For the public bus, the journey is longer, and you’ll have to take the bus from the Gran Terminal Atlantico in San Jose. Transporte Cobano is the company line. The cost of the ticket is around $15 USD, and the journey includes the ferry crossing. The total time via the bus to Montezuma is around seven hours. It is the longest option, though by far the cheapest.
Montezuma has retained some of that charm that used to be known throughout Costa Rica: backpackers and hippies, surfers and intrepid travelers, taking long bus rides to find untouched beaches and small communities. While much of Costa Rica has grown and developed immensely over the last few decades, Montezuma is a nod to the past and the pull for the pura vida pace of life. If you’re interested in visiting Montezuma, contact us at Costa Rica Escapes and we’ll happily help you make your Costa Rica dream vacation come true.