Montezuma, Costa Rica: 2023 Travel Guide

Driving to Montezuma

Driving Directions to Montezuma from San Jose

We always suggest renting a car and driving to Montezuma on your own. 

There are two ways to make this trip.

1. Drive the entire way. This will take about six hours.
2. Take the ferry from Puntarenas. This will take about five hours (but 80 minutes of that are no driving because you’ll be on the ferry)

So, let’s go through each one.

Driving the Whole Way

If you choose to drive the entire way, we recommend taking Route 27 from San Jose to the coast. Just keep in mind that this is a toll road, and they accept both US dollars and colones.

Once you reach Puntarenas, you’ll exit onto Route 1 heading north. This road has been undergoing construction for some time now as they widen it.

So, while you may encounter smooth sailing, there’s also a possibility of running into construction delays.

When you reach the town of La Palma, you’ll come across a roundabout where you’ll need to take a left onto Route 18. 

If you’re in need of a restroom break or some food, there’s a small plaza on the right before the roundabout. There is a KFC and Subway in the plaza.

Aside from that, there aren’t many options for quick meals along the way.

However, I must admit that Subway is surprisingly good in Costa Rica.

Right after the roundabout, you’ll find a gas station on the left corner, which is a convenient spot to stop if you need gas, snacks, or a restroom break.

Continue on Route 18 until you reach Nicoya. Keep in mind that there are often police patrolling Route 18, so it’s important to stick to the speed limit.

In Nicoya, take a left turn and finally head south of the Nicoya hook. These roads have recently been redone, so many sections are in excellent condition.

However, be cautious as there are numerous speed bumps that are sometimes poorly marked. We’ve definitely encountered a few unexpectedly!

Drive along the coast until you reach the town of Paquera, which is where you would have arrived if you had taken the ferry.

When you hit the center of Paquera you will take a right on Route 160 towards Santa Teresa/ Cobano.

Continue on Route 160 for about 17 miles. You will pass the town of Tambor on your right.

After 17 miles you will come to a street called Calle Pura Vida. Take a left here and follow this road into town.

Note: Please don’t depend on these directions to get here. Most of these roads are not marked clearly and sometimes you’ll come to an intersection and have no idea which way the road continues.

We suggest the free app Waze for getting around.

Taking the Ferry

The best way to do this (if coming from San Jose) is by going on the Puntarenas ferry to Paquera. In total this trip will take about five to six hours.

However, about two of those hours will be spent on the ferry/ getting off the ferry. So, in actuality, it is not too much driving.

Enter,”Naviera Tambor ferry” as your destination in your GPS. This will bring you to the ferry terminal in Puntarenas.

Basically, you will drive on Route 27 all the way to the city of Puntarenas. Route 27 is a toll road. You will spend about $8 USD in tolls. They accept US dollars or Costa Rican colones. 

In Puntarenas you will exit and drive straight through the downtown area until the very tip of Puntarenas. 

This is a city so there are a lot of traffic lights and people walking everywhere.

At the ferry terminal, you will drive your car onto the ferry, exit your car and sit up top and enjoy the ride.

⤷ Check out our guide to the Puntarenas ferry for all the details

We suggest pre-booking a ferry ticket to ensure you get on board. You want to go in the direction of “Paquera”

From Paquera, continue driving on Route 160 towards Santa Teresa/ Cobano.

Continue on Route 160 for about 17 miles. You will pass the town of Tambor on your right.

After 17 miles you will come to a street called Calle Pura Vida. Take a left here and follow this road into town.