Montezuma travel guide
Montezuma, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A relaxed, nature-loving, hippie beach town at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, with white sand beaches, jungle waterfalls and Cabo Blanco Reserve next door.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From San José
About 5 to 6 hours
Best Airport
SJO or LIR
Nearest town
Cóbano (15 min)
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Our take
Who Montezuma is for
Montezuma has a relaxed, nature-loving, hippie vibe, with beautiful white sand beaches and tons to do nearby. It’s for travelers who want waterfalls, hiking and quiet beaches more than nightlife. If we ever buy a house in Costa Rica, it will without a doubt be in Montezuma.
One thing to keep in mind: It’s remote. From San José it’s about 5 to 6 hours by car (or car plus the Puntarenas ferry), and you’ll want a car to get around since the activities are spread out.
How long to stay: At least 4 to 5 nights. There’s a lot to do nearby, from Cabo Blanco to Isla Tortuga.
Montezuma or Santa Teresa?
Choose Montezuma if…
You want a quieter, relaxed hippie beach town with waterfalls, tide pools and nature reserves right nearby.
Choose Santa Teresa if…
You want surfing, more of a backpacker feel, and more restaurants and nightlife.
Can’t decide?
Stay in Montezuma and visit Santa Teresa and Mal País for the day in the dry season. In the rainy season, the direct road has river crossings that can be impassable.
Getting there
How to get to Montezuma
From San José
You have two options. Drive the whole way, about six hours via Route 27 to the coast, then through Nicoya and south via Paquera and Cóbano. Or drive to Puntarenas and take the ferry to Paquera (70 to 80 minutes on the water), about five hours total. Book ferry tickets ahead. You can also fly or take a shuttle (see below).
From Liberia
You drive the whole way, no ferry needed. It’s about four and a half hours via Nicoya and Paquera.
Don’t take the west coast route, because it has river crossings that are nearly impassable. Use Waze, since road markings aren’t always clear.
For more info:
Rental car
You don’t need a 4×4 anymore since the roads have improved, but many places to stay are up steep, unpaved roads, so we suggest at least an SUV.
Flights and shuttles
Sansa flies from San José to Tambor, about 30 minutes from Montezuma. For shared shuttles, use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Montezuma is on the Pacific coast at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, near Cabuya and Cabo Blanco Reserve.
Good to know: The nearest ATM, gas stations and bigger grocery store (MegaSuper) are in Cóbano, about 15 minutes away. Super Montezuma downtown has the basics.
Weather
Montezuma weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Montezuma. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (mid-Dec: Apr)
The best time to visit, with sunny days and dry roads. It’s also peak season, so book early.
Rainy season (May: Dec)
May to August can bring afternoon storms (we had a rain-free visit in early August). From mid-August to December it rains heavily, and many restaurants and tours close for the season.
Best time
Late Dec to mid-Apr
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Wettest months
Mid-Aug to Dec
Our tip
Our tip: If you visit in the rainy season, go between May and early August. After that, many places close.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Montezuma
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort
Rustic luxury · Beachfront · Pool & yoga
Rustic luxury right on the beach, with jungle-feel rooms, a restaurant, a pool and yoga classes.
Vacation rentals
Casitas · Villas · Ocean views
We love renting a home here. Picks include the Octagonal Oceanfront Home (direct beach access), Montezuma Casita (secluded, private plunge pool) and Casa Mas Mañanas (modern 4-bedroom with a pool).
Also worth considering: Casa Frangipani (lush gardens and a pool, rainforest and ocean views), Casitas Sollevante (pool and hot tub, about a mile from downtown) and Luminosa Montezuma Hostel (dorms and a private room, right downtown).
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Montezuma rentals on VRBO →
See our 10 best hotels in Montezuma →
Good to know
Is Montezuma expensive?
Not especially. It’s comparable to the rest of Costa Rica, and you can save by eating at local sodas and enjoying the free beaches.
Tip: If you have extra time, consider adding two nights in Paquera. It’s less touristy, but still really nice.
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Things to do
Things to do in Montezuma
Waterfalls
Montezuma Waterfalls
Tiered waterfalls in the jungle, reached by a strenuous stream hike with lots of rock hopping. There’s a swimming hole at the base.
Good to know
Wear sturdy water sandals, since the hike involves a lot of rock hopping.
Day trip
Isla Tortuga
An undisturbed tropical island you can visit on a day tour from Montezuma, with snorkeling and time to relax on the beach. Lots of operators run trips.
Also nearby
Toward Cabo Blanco there are lots of small beaches you can pull over and explore. Beach hopping is one of our favorite things to do here.
Cabo Blanco Reserve
About $10 per person, with hikes of different lengths that end at a white sand beach.
Montezuma beach walk
A free morning walk along the beach with tide pools, ending at El Chorro waterfall. You might even see baby sea turtles.
Bioluminescent kayaking
Paddle through glowing water near Paquera. Several companies run tours from Montezuma, and Bahia Rica Adventures is a good pick if you’re driving yourself.
Cabuya cemetery island
A cemetery on a tiny island near Cabuya, about 30 minutes away. You can only walk out at low tide, so head back before the tide comes in!
Curú Wildlife Refuge
North near Paquera, with lots of trails, wildlife and very few tourists. We really, really like this spot.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Montezuma
Cocolores
Beachfront · Dinner · Meat, fish & pasta
A great spot for dinner right on the beach, with a varied menu of meat, fish and pasta.
Clandestina
Fresh food · Craft beer
Excellent fresh food, and they brew their own beer, so try the craft beer.
Ylang Ylang Restaurant
Mid-range · All diets
On the pricier end of mid-range, but totally worth it, with great food for every diet.
Soda Típica Las Palmeras
Costa Rican · $
Ridiculously tasty typical Costa Rican food at a good price, and it’s beautifully presented.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Montezuma
Clothes
Relaxed, mostly beach and hiking gear. Fast-drying, wrinkle-resistant clothes work best.
Rain gear
A must in the rainy season.
Don’t forget
A headlamp, bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen and water sandals for the waterfall and tide pools.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Montezuma is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings and don’t show off money or valuables.
Good to know
Practical basics
Groceries
Super Montezuma downtown has the basics. For a bigger store, head to MegaSuper in Cóbano.
ATMs and banks
The nearest ATM is Banco Nacional in Cóbano, about 15 minutes away.
Gas
There are two gas stations in Cóbano, about 15 minutes away, Cóbano Service Station and Servicentro Jimal. All gas stations in Costa Rica are full service, so stay in your car and an attendant fills it up.
Getting around
Getting around Montezuma
You’ll want a rental car here, since the activities are spread out. Many roads are hilly and unpaved, so an SUV or 4×4 is best.
Rental car
Best for day trips to Cabo Blanco, Cabuya, Curú and the beaches. The nearest gas stations are in Cóbano, about 15 minutes away.
Tours
Downtown is walkable, and many tours from Montezuma include transportation, which helps if you don’t have a car.
FAQ
Montezuma FAQ: your questions
Is Montezuma worth visiting?
Yes, it is 100% worth visiting. It’s less touristy than some other areas and the perfect spot if you want relaxed vibes, beautiful beaches and nature.
Is Montezuma safe?
We consider Montezuma safe, but keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying money or valuables.
Is Montezuma expensive?
It’s comparable to the rest of Costa Rica. You can save money by eating at local sodas and enjoying the free beaches.
Can you swim at Montezuma beach?
Be careful: the waves and rip currents can be strong. The tide pools are a safer place to swim.
How many days should I spend in Montezuma?
We recommend at least 4 to 5 nights, since there’s a lot to do nearby.
How do I get to Montezuma from San José?
Drive about 6 hours via Nicoya and Paquera, or drive to Puntarenas and take the ferry to Paquera (about 5 to 6 hours total). You can also fly Sansa to Tambor, about 30 minutes away.
Do I need a car in Montezuma?
Yes, a rental car is the best way to get around since activities are spread out. An SUV is best because many roads are hilly and unpaved.
Montezuma or Santa Teresa?
Choose Montezuma for a quieter, hippie vibe with waterfalls and nature. Choose Santa Teresa for surfing, a backpacker feel and more nightlife.
Every guide
All our Montezuma guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Nicoya Peninsula
Planning more of the region? See our full Nicoya Peninsula guide.
Thanks Paul! Those pictures make me really sad we’ve missed it so far. 🙁