16 Magnificent Things to Do in Montezuma

Discover the best things to do in Montezuma, Costa Rica, plus where to stay, how to get here, what to eat, and more in this complete travel guide.

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Nestled on the southern coast of the rugged Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is a charming beach town that’s relatively untouched by mass tourism. If you’re looking for empty beaches, remote campsites, hikes through the jungle, secret swimming spots, and native wildlife, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled this complete travel guide to Montezuma with everything you need to know about visiting the town, from how to get here to the best hotels and restaurants. We’ve also listed the best things to do in Montezuma and the surrounding area, from hiking to Montezuma Waterfall to wildlife watching in protected nature reserves, to help you plan your trip.

About Montezuma

Montezuma is a bohemian beach town known for its lush rainforest, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife like monkeys and birds. Surrounded by thick jungle, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches, Montezuma has long been a favourite destination for eco-tourists, backpackers, and those seeking to connect with nature.

Montezuma is home to a thriving artistic community with a large number of expats settling in the town. Well off the tourist trail, Montezuma has a more laid-back and authentic feel than nearby towns like the commercialised surfing hub of Santa Teresa. Despite development in recent years, the town is not super crowded due to its still relatively remote location. Being a bit tricky to reach has preserved its charm.

Where is Montezuma?

Montezuma is a remote town located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It sits about 25 miles (41 km) southwest of the port town of Paquera and about 17 miles (27 km) east of the popular surfing town of Santa Teresa.

Montezuma Map

Use the filter function on the left-hand side to see the best attractions, beaches, hotels, and restaurants in Montezuma and the surrounding area.

What to see in Montezuma

Montezuma is most known for its stunning natural landscapes and scenic views. The appeal here is leaving the tourist trail and immersing in nature. Some of the key attractions to see in Montezuma include:

What to do in Montezuma

Most activities in Montezuma revolve around the outdoors, allowing visitors to explore the best of Costa Rica’s remote and rugged natural areas. The best activities in Montezuma include:

The best things to do in Montezuma

We’ve split this article up into two main sections. These are the things to do in Montezuma that you can enjoy in and around the town. They’re easily accessible attractions you can reach on foot and wouldn’t need to go very far for.

1. Explore the town

Montezuma town is a small but vibrant central area with a relaxed, community feel. The streets are lined with street vendors and art shops showcasing local handicrafts and macramé artists. There are colourful signs and murals all over promoting environmental and social projects and local establishments are committed to sustainability initiatives, including combatting plastic waste.

Relax on the central Playa Montezuma, shop in the Beach Market, and browse the stalls in the Artisan Market. There are also a variety of great restaurants and cafés serving delicious dishes and authentic local meals.

2. Learn to surf

Montezuma has a reputation for its surf culture. If you’re a newbie surfer, you can take a beginner surf class on Montezuma Beach and learn to catch a wave. If you’re a seasoned professional, you can rent a board and head straight out to sea or take an intermediate surf class and hone your skills on the board.

Despite its reputation, Montezuma Beach isn’t actually that great for surfing, with rough waves and sharp rocks. Head to Playa Grande for the best swells and consistent surf. Playa Los Cedros and Playa Cabuya are good options too if you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter. If you’re a keen surfer it might be worth stopping off in Santa Teresa, a nearby surfing town.

3. Relax on beautiful beaches

Montezuma is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of the Nicoya Peninsula. Surrounded by lush jungle with pristine sand and warm waters, these sun-soaked sands are great for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.

These beaches are also great wild camping spots. We had the best time parking our Nomad America 4×4 Camper Rental up by the beach, falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, and waking up surrounded by monkeys.

Here are some of the best beaches in Montezuma:

4. Hike to Montezuma Waterfall

A set of 3 falls nestled in the Costa Rican jungle, Montezuma Waterfall is a popular spot near the town. With several access points, it’s easy to hike to Montezuma Falls but can be tricky to decide which route to take.

Visitors are rewarded with stunning views and refreshing pools perfect for cooling off from the midday heat. You can hike between each level, exploring all three waterfalls from the top and bottom of the cascade. There’s even a rope swing you can jump off for an extra fun way to experience the falls.

5. Go wildlife watching

Montezuma is surrounded by lush jungle that’s home to incredible biodiversity that makes it a popular destination with wildlife lovers. It’s common to spot animals like monkeys around the town and by the beaches.

Montezuma is also home to a huge biological corridor of protected areas known as the Tempisque Conservation Area (ACT). Created by a husband and wife team, these protected conservation areas include:

While animals can be spotted all around Montezuma, wildlife refuges are some of the best places to spot native animals. Bring your binoculars and spend a day wandering trails through conserved rainforests, spotting animals like monkeys, sloths, coati, and agouti.

6. See baby turtles hatch

As Montezuma is nestled in the south of Nicoya, it’s in prime position to receive the peninsula’s native turtle population. Several species nest on the beaches around Montezuma, including including green, hawksbill, and olive ridley, from May to December. The peak is between August and November, which is the best time to witness baby turtles hatching.

All species of turtle are endangered so there are a couple of great conservation initiatives in the area to protect the turtles that nest and hatch here.

ASVO Sea Turtle Hatchery (Asociación de Voluntarios) is located on Montezuma Beach. A team of volunteers patrol the beach to deter poachers and exhume eggs, which are moved to the nursery before being reburied in the sand. The eggs then incubate in a protected area before babies hatch and are released on the beach. You can witness this natural spectacle during the hatching season at around 4:00 PM in an ethical, hands-off experience. The Romelia Wildlife Refuge (RNVSM) also runs a similar experience.

For a more participatory experience, you can volunteer with either organisation or become a research assistant, helping to patrol the beaches, monitor the eggs, and release the turtles.

7. Zipline through the canopy

While Montezuma isn’t known for its ziplining scene – you’d need to head to Monteverde or La Fortuna for that – it is home to a fun ziplining course. Sun Trails runs the course, where you can zip over the canopy, along a course of 9 wires and 13 platforms.

At Sun Trails, you can also hike through the rainforest – on your own or with a guide, crossing hanging bridges and stopping at the iconic Montezuma Waterfall.

8. Relax in the Playa Palmeras Rock Pools

Located just south of the town, Playa Palmeras is a small and rocky beach. At low tide, pools of water are revealed from the volcanic rock. These tide pools are a popular place to relax in the warm waters, taking in stunning coastal views. Be aware of large waves that can come in full force, even at low tide. Playa Palmeras is also a great place to camp if you’re driving around Costa Rica in a camper.

9. Hike the Sendero Verde

Literally translating to ‘Green Trail’, this little-known hiking trail is a true Montezuma hidden gem. Begin the Sendero Verde hike at the Montezuma sign (Totém Montezuma) and follow the coast up Montezuma Beach. You’ll pass points of interest including the Nicolas Wessberg Reserve (Reserva Natural Absoluta Nicolas Wessberg) and Piedra Colorada. An area of beachfront freshwater pools with several small waterfalls perfect for swimming in, this secluded cove is surrounded by stacked rocks forming creative sculptures. The hike ends at the vast Playa Grande where you can relax on the sprawling sands or explore the Romelia Wildlife Refuge (Nacional ​​Wildlife Refuge Romelia), a protected wildlife area.

The Sendero Verde Trail is just over 2 miles (3.4 km) long one-way and is pretty easy terrain across beaches and through the forest. We’d recommend at least two hours for the out-and-back walk with time to explore along the way.

10. Hike to El Chorro Waterfall

If you fancy a longer hike, continue on from Playa Grande and you’ll reach Playa Cocalito, a stunning secluded beach north of Montezuma. This is where you’ll also find the unique El Chorro Waterfall (Catarata el Chorro), which cascades onto the beach and directly into the ocean.

The Play Cocalito hike from Montezuma is a pretty difficult one, at about 4 miles (6.5 km) each way. It’s important to check the tide times as the trail pretty much disappears at high tide and you don’t want to get stuck at the far end. We’d recommend leaving at least 5 hours to complete the out-and-back walk with stops.

If you don’t fancy walking all the way from Montezuma, you can drive around to the northern end of the beach where there’s a small car park (follow signs for ‘cascada’ or ‘cataratas’) and follow a trail for 15 minutes that takes you right to the waterfall.

11. Learn Spanish

Montezuma is a popular town with expats and volunteers so you can get by with English but it’s always best to know a bit of the local language. Take an immersive Spanish class in Montezuma and learn to speak the lingo with confidence.

Day trips from Montezuma

In this section, we’ve listed the best day trips from Montezuma. These are the attractions that lie a little further afield, a short drive by car or journey on public transport. They’d typically take at least half a day to explore thoroughly.

12. Visit Isla de Cabuya

If you explore the coastline, you’ll probably spot the Cabuya Island Cemetery from Montezuma. Unlike normal graveyards, Isla Cabuya is a beautiful, remote island that you can walk across to. Start at Playa Cabuya, a stunning beach, and head out over the sandbank, which is only revealed at low tide.

Cabuya town itself is charming and home to cosy cafés, local restaurants, and a craft brewery. It’s also home to some lovely boutique hotels, making it a great way to stay if you plan to visit Cabo Blanco National Park.

13. Explore Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Montezuma is close to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco), Costa Rica’s first national park. A 3,140-acre protected area, this is a great place to hike the trails and see animals, including monkeys, coatis, anteaters, raccoons, and porcupines.

Hike the Sueco Trail through the jungle to Playa Cabos Blanco, a stunning beach. It’s about 6 miles (10 km) out and back and takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how much you stop off.

Cabo Blanco is open Wednesday to Sunday and is only a 30-minute drive from Downtown Montezuma. If you haven’t got a car, a bus runs the route a couple of times a day.

14. Snorkel at Tortuga Island

Located north of Montezuma, Isla Tortuga is a popular day trip. Featuring a vibrant coral reef and a stunning island with sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the main attraction here is the chance to swim with turtles, but you might also see rays, sharks, and tropical fish too.

Isla Tortuga is a short boat trip from the mainland. You can take a day trip from Montezuma or drive there yourself. Day trips are also popular from San José and Santa Teresa but take much longer in transit.

15. Kayak among bioluminescence

A natural phenomenon, bioluminescence is when living organisms produce and emit light through chemical reactions. It looks like sparkling blue and green light glittering throughout the ocean as the water is disturbed.

There are a couple of places around Montezuma home to this stunning natural spectacle:

You can take a kayak tour in Rica Bay to experience this for yourself and swim in the ocean surrounded by the shimmering lights. The best time to see bioluminescence is when there’s as little light as possible, so you’ll want to plan your trip around the new moon.

16. Surf in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a bohemian surf town on the west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Spend the day relaxing on Playa Santa Teresa, take a surf lesson, or join a yoga class. Visit the neighbouring Playa Mar Azul and relax in the Mal Pais tide pools or sit back and sip a cocktail at Banana Beach.

At only an hour’s drive from Montezuma, Santa Teresa is a great day trip. Buses also run the route a couple of times a day if you’re backpacking.

Where to stay in Montezuma

Montezuma is home to some of the best hotels in Costa Rica, from boutique hotels to treehouses and glamping pods. Here are some of the best places to stay in and around the town.

Camping in Montezuma

If you’re camping in Costa Rica, there are a variety of amazing campsites in Montezuma. From beachfront sites to secluded spots, Montezuma had some of our favourite sites alongside Dominical.

We’d recommend making your way down the coast. Both Playa Los Cedros and Camping Fernando Morales at Playa Cedros are great beachside campsites where you can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. We also woke up to a pack of howler monkeys calling in the trees right above us!

You can also camp right on Montezuma Beach if you want to be closer to town. This spot gets busy in peak season so arrive early to secure a spot.

Where to eat in Montezuma

Montezuma is home to a variety of cosy cafés and local restaurants serving delicious and authentic food. Here are some of the best places to eat.

Montezuma Restaurants

For a local experience, Montezuma Beach Market hosts a Farmers’ Market each Saturday morning around 11 AM.

How to get to Montezuma

It’s easy to get to Montezuma via a variety of transportation methods but the journey can take longer than on the mainland due to the town’s more remote location on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

By ferry

While you can take the longer route around the headland, the quickest way to get to Montezuma from the mainland is by taking the Nicoya Peninsula Ferry which crosses between Puntarenas and Paquera. You can cross with a vehicle or as a foot passenger and most bus routes include the ferry crossing in your ticket. There are several departures each way a day and the crossing is super scenic.

By car

The easiest way to get to Montezuma is to rent a car in Costa Rica and drive yourself. Depending on the route you take, getting to Montezuma can involve travelling along bumpy dirt roads. However, most of the main roads to the town are now paved.

From San José or Juan Santamaría International Airport to Montezuma, it’s about 5 hours’ drive:

If you’re coming from northern Nicoya, like Tamarindo:

From Santa Teresa and the west coast:

Do I need a 4×4 to drive to Montezuma?

It’s not completely necessary to have a 4×4 if you’re just going to the town but we’d recommend one, especially if you’re travelling in the wet season when the roads are covered in potholes. The main roads to Montezuma are paved and you could get away with a standard car. But, if you want to explore the area around Montezuma, including the coast towards Cabo Blanco, it’s best to have a 4×4 car, as these roads are unsealed and can be muddy and bumpy.

By bus

If you’re getting around on public transport, you can take the bus to Montezuma.

From San José, you can catch the Transportes Cobanó bus to Montezuma at 6:00 AM from Terminal 7-10. There is one bus a day and you’ll go on the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera as a foot passenger as part of your ticket. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs around $16 USD per person.

By shuttle

If you’re looking for something much easier than taking the bus and don’t mind paying a little more for convenience, taking a tourist shuttle is a great option. These mini-bus style vans can be booked in advance and will pick up and drop off from centrally agreed locations or take you from door to door. You can book a private or shared shuttle for a stress-free transfer.

By plane

Most international visitors will fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica’s capital. From here, you can follow the directions above to reach Montezuma, or you can connect to a regional flight to an airport that’s closer.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, northwest Costa Rica, is also a popular airport to fly into with direct access to the Nicoya Peninsula. From here, you could drive down the peninsula or connect to a domestic flight to a closer airport.

What airport to fly into for Montezuma?

The closest airport to Montezuma is Cobanó Airport (ACO), which is 3.2 miles (5.2 km) away from the town. This is a tiny airport and you’d need to connect onto a domestic flight from a larger airport like San José or Liberia. Costa Rica Green Airways flies back and forth between San José and Cobanó up to six times a day.

You can also fly to Tambor Airport (TMU), which is only 14 miles (23 km) from Montezuma. SANSA offers daily flights from San José to Tambor.

How to get around Montezuma

It’s easy to get around Montezuma via a variety of methods.

On foot

Montezuma’s centre is compact and easy to access on foot. Most of the town’s major attractions like its beaches and waterfalls can be reached by walking from the town. There are some lovely hikes in the area allowing you to see more of the region without transportation too.

By car

Driving around Montezuma in a rental car is the easiest way to get around the town. This gives you complete freedom to follow your own itinerary and visit more remote places. It also allows you to arrive at major attractions long before anyone else, having them all to yourself.

By taxi

There are plenty of taxis around in Montezuma which can make short journeys between attractions and accommodation quick and convenient. However, taking taxis for longer journeys can be expensive and it can be hard to guarantee a ride back to town.

By bus

There are a couple of bus routes that pass Montezuma so it’s not impossible to get around by bus. Head to Montezuma bus station (Estación de buses de Montezuma) for all the most up-to-date information on bus routes. Taking the bus can be a cheap and convenient way to explore local towns.

When to visit Montezuma

The best time to visit Montezuma depends on your preferences. Typically, the dry season from December to April is the best time to visit Montezuma. This period sees the best weather, which is great for relaxing on the beach and hiking. However, dry season is also the busiest time with the highest prices.

The wet season in Montezuma runs from July to November. This is a great time for backpackers on a budget to visit Montezuma as prices are lowest and there are fewest visitors. However frequent rains can cause transportation delays and tour cancellations. The weather might also not be optimal for outdoor activities like hiking and relaxing on the beach, which Montezuma is known for.

The wet season is also called the ‘green season‘. But Montezuma’s true green season is around May and June. During this period, infrequent showers (typically in the afternoon) water natural areas, creating lush jungle landscapes.

We travelled Costa Rica in the green season and found it to typically only rain in the afternoon or evening so it didn’t really disrupt our plans. We also loved how quiet Montezuma was in the green season – often we were the only people at a campsite or attraction. The roads were wet and full of potholes so we were grateful for our 4×4 rental.

Montezuma Weather

If you’re keen for a typical tropical vacation, we’d recommend visiting in the dry season but, if you like to get off the tourist trail, visit in green or wet season and you’ll have the whole area to yourself.

How long to spend in Montezuma

Ideally, we’d recommend you spend between 3 and 5 days in Montezuma. This gives you enough time to explore the town and the surrounding region, visiting key attractions like Montezuma Waterfall and Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. This also allows extra time for relaxing on the beaches and day trip possibilities like Isla Tortuga.

If you have limited time, 2 to 3 days is enough to see the town and the main sights in Montezuma.

Our experience in Montezuma

We loved the rugged charm and remote feel of Montezuma. We camped in our Nomad America rental along the beaches south of the town, falling asleep by the sea and waking up to the sound of howler monkeys. One morning we found a troop of them 5 minutes from our tent! The town itself is super charming with a relaxed vibe and some great places to eat. The beaches along the coast are some of the best in the country with barely anyone else on them (travelling in green season definitely helped with this). Hiking to Montezuma Waterall was a highlight and we found that the journey – driving around the peninsula and taking the ferry – was just as rewarding as the destination.

Montezuma FAQs

We’ve answered these frequently asked questions to help you plan a fun and stress-free trip to Montezuma.

What is Montezuma known for?

Montezuma is known for its bohemian, relaxed atmosphere, eco-conscious town, and stunning beaches. Its most famous attraction is Montezuma Waterfall, a set of 3 cascades that can be hiked to from town and are perfect for swimming in. Nearby, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve is also a popular attraction for wildlife lovers.

Is it worth going to Montezuma?

Yes, Montezuma is absolutely worth visiting! It was one of our favourite stops on our road trip. With a mix of yoga retreats, an artsy community, and outdoor adventure activities like hiking and ziplining, Montezuma has it all. Its off-the-beaten-path vibe makes it perfect for those who want to immerse in nature and experience the best of Costa Rica’s rugged landscapes and native wildlife.

Is it safe to go to Montezuma?

Montezuma is generally safe for travellers. It has a pretty diverse expat community and little crime. However, it’s always best to be prepared as you would anywhere else. Basic precautions, such as keeping your belongings out of sight and being aware of your surroundings, are recommended. Be cautious when walking on unlit roads at night, don’t drive at night, and be mindful of natural hazards like wildlife and strong ocean currents.

Can you swim in Montezuma?

Yes, you can swim in Montezuma, but it’s essential to choose safe spots as some beaches have strong currents. Playa Grande and Playa Las Manchas are suitable for swimming, while Playa Las Palmeras has some great tidal rock pools for swimming in. Always check local advice and observe warning signs before entering the water.

Is the water in Montezuma safe to drink?

The water in Montezuma is generally considered safe to drink, especially in well-established restaurants and hotels. However, it’s best to bring a filter water bottle as a precaution.

Is Montezuma a party town?

Montezuma is not known as a major party town but there are some lively spots, especially during the high season. Chico’s Bar is the place to go for a night out – it’s a popular nightlife venue with live music and dancing on the beach.

Are there crocodiles in Montezuma?

Crocodiles are more commonly found in rivers and estuaries rather than the open beaches of Montezuma. While sightings are rare near tourist areas, it’s wise to stay cautious around river mouths and areas with fresh water.

Are there sharks in Montezuma?

Shark encounters are rare in Montezuma. The beaches are generally safe for swimming and water activities, but like any coastal area, there is always a minimal risk of marine life encounters. However, you’re more likely to experience turtles and rays and any sharks you do encounter will likely be harmless.

Is Montezuma or Santa Teresa better?

The choice between Montezuma and Santa Teresa depends on whether you prefer a laid-back, nature-focused visit (Montezuma) or a more dynamic, surfing and social atmosphere (Santa Teresa). Santa Teresa is more commercialised with a strong surf culture, trendy restaurants, and a more active nightlife scene. While Montezuma is better for leaving the beaten path behind, immersing in nature, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Read next:

How to Get to Montezuma Waterfall

How to Take the Nicoya Peninsula Ferry

A Perfect Costa Rica Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary

An Essential Guide to Driving in Costa Rica

The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Costa Rica

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