Montezuma Beach Walk Guide (Distance, Map, Waterfall + Tips)

The Montezuma beach walk is one of our favorite things to do on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. This scenic coastal hike takes you past hidden beaches, tide pools, and jungle-lined shoreline, all the way to a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean.

We’re Sarah and Thomas from Costa Rica Vibes, and after living in Costa Rica since 2016, this is one of our favorite walks in the country (and one we’ve done multiple times).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, including the route, distance, tide timing, what to bring, and tips to help you plan the perfect beach walk in Montezuma.

Montezuma Beach Walk at a Glance

Distance: About 5 miles (8 km) round trip, ending at the Cocolito Waterfall.
Time: 3 to 4 hours with swim breaks. You can turn around at any point and still have a great time.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some rocky sections.
Start: Playa Montezuma, then head north (left).
Tides: Start about two hours before low tide, since some beaches become impassable at high tide.
Parking: Use this lot, but it’s unguarded and remote, so leave nothing in your car.
Along the way: The turtle conservatory, Piedra Colorada’s rock cairns, a one-mile jungle path and the almost deserted Playa Grande. Most people turn around at Playa Grande.
Food: Ylang Ylang is the only lunch spot, so bring water and snacks. Stop there on the way back so you’re not too full to keep walking.
Wear: Keens or similar, since you’ll get wet crossing the stream. Pack SPF 50 sunscreen and a microfiber towel.
Stay: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is our top higher-end pick in Montezuma.

The Walk Details

So, to begin, you should start at Playa Montezuma (the main beach right at the edge of town) and walk north (left).

You can park your car here Leave NOTHING in your car. It is remote and unguarded.

Where to Stay in Montezuma: Our Top Picks

Luxury

Hotel Nya

📍 Montezuma

A stunning design hotel set in a lush tropical garden.

Check prices →

Mid-Range

Jungle Lodge at Wild Sun Rescue Center

📍 Montezuma

Stay in the jungle at a wildlife rescue center. A truly unique experience.

Check prices →

Budget

Luminosa Montezuma Hostel

📍 Montezuma

Right on the ocean, about a 10-minute walk from downtown.

Check prices →

🚗 Not sure how to get to Montezuma? We have a complete Montezuma transportation guide which goes through all the best options from San Jose.

The full route to the Cocolito waterfall and back takes about 3 to 4 hours, but you can turn around at any point and still have a great time. Here’s what you’ll encounter along the way….

Playa Montezuma & the Turtle Conservatory

The walk starts on the wide, sandy main beach.

Within about ten minutes you’ll pass the turtle conservatory (ASVO) on your left. There are typically turtle releases around 4pm most days, though it’s not guaranteed (it’s only during nesting season), so don’t make it your only plan.

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If you are interested in volunteering with ASVO to protect sea turtles, you can get all the details here.

If you spot a baby turtle, give it space and clear any debris from its path to the water. Watch until it swims off. Don’t get too close to any egg holes near the top of the beach.

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort

A few minutes further on, you’ll pass the Ylang Ylang Beach Resort. It will be tucked into the treeline on your left.

Don’t be startled if you see someone standing still in the woods near here. It’s just resort security.

The resort has a lovely open-air restaurant that’s well worth a stop, either on the way out or (probably wiser) on the way back so you’re not too full to keep walking.

Check out their lunch menu here

Travel Tip: Ylang Ylang is also our top choice if you are looking for a hotel on the higher-end range in Montezuma without being pretentious. It’s really an amazing place to stay. Check availability and prices

Piedra Colorada

About twenty minutes in you’ll reach Piedra Colorada.

A local artist started building rock cairn sculptures here each morning, and the tradition has stuck. The beach is now dotted with beautiful, balanced stacks of stone. There’s also a small waterfall with a natural pool and a stream crossing.

This is a great place to stop for a swim.

Be prepared to get wet crossing the stream regardless. During high tide it can be more than ankle-deep.

Reserva Natural Absoluta Nicolas Wessberg

Just after Piedra Colorada, you’ll reach the one-mile woodland path through the Nicolás Wessberg Natural Reserve.

Signboards along the way tell the story of the couple who founded this reserve and helped pave the way for Costa Rica’s entire national parks system. It’s worth reading every one.

The trail takes you away from the coast and into jungle (but it runs parallel to the coastline). It is a nice break from the open sun for some nature.

Playa Grande

Next, you’ll emerge onto Playa Grande. This is a long, wide, flat beach that’s usually almost completely deserted. This is where most people turn around, and it’s a great endpoint if you’re short on time or energy.

If you’re continuing, now’s a good time for a little break with some snacks and drinks.

Romelia Wildlife Reserve & Playa Cocolito

If you continue past Playa Grande, the trail leads into the Romelia Wildlife Refuge. This protected area was established in 1998 by Albert Ingalls and Gitza Gatti, with the goal of preserving the land for future generations.

Today, Romelia is part of a larger biological corridor on the Nicoya Peninsula. It covers about 550 acres and includes a mix of ecosystems (primary forest, secondary forest, and coastal areas) which makes it a great spot for wildlife.

As you walk through, keep an eye out for monkeys, birds, and other animals.

Eventually, you’ll reach Playa Cocolito. This is a quieter and more remote beach.

Cocolito Waterfall (The Final Stop)

At the far end of Playa Cocolito, you’ll find one of the most unique sights in the area: a small waterfall that flows directly over the rocks into the ocean.

It’s not huge, but it definitely feels like a bit of a reward after the longer walk. I think it is so pretty!

That said, the flow is very dependent on recent rainfall. During dry season, it can slow to a trickle or disappear completely. Even during rainy season, we’ve seen it be surprisingly light, so it’s best to go in with flexible expectations.

This is the natural turnaround point for the walk. From here, you’ll head back the same way you came.

💡 Sarah’s Tip

Start about two hours before low tide so you have mostly low water for your whole walk. And leave nothing in your car while you’re out.

What to Wear & Bring

To Wear

UV blocking short-sleeve or long sleeve shirt (I would go long-sleeve for added sun blocking)
Sporty shorts that can get wet and dry quickly
Your bathing suit (if you want to swim along the way)
Water shoes (we love Keens for Costa Rica adventures)
A wide brim hat (I love this nerdy one from Columbia)

SPF 50 sunscreen
Drinks (I suggest a lot of water and an electrolyte drink like Gatorade) There is a grocery store right in the middle of downtown Montezuma that I know for a fact has Gatorade
Snacks: Keep in mind that besides Ylang Ylang as a possible lunch spot, there are no food stops along the way. So, bring yourself a snack and maybe a little picnic.
Dry bag backpack (we love this one for rain, boat rides, waves etc.)
Towel (go for a micro-fiber towel. It folds up small and dries quickly)
Charged cell phone for pictures, Google Maps, and to call for help in an emergency

Where to Stay

We’ve put together a full guide to our favorite hotels in Montezuma for all budgets, but here are a few standout options:

Best beachfront stay: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort (perfect location right on the sand)
Best secluded luxury: Adeluna Luxury Villas (incredible views, very private)
Best mid-range option: Hotel El Jardin (walkable to everything)
Best budget stay: Luminosa Montezuma Hostel (great location + value)

👉 Check out our full guide: The 10 Best Hotels in Montezuma, Costa Rica for All Budgets

Tips for the Montezuma Beach Walk

You can fish here. Thomas loves fishing from the rocks in Montezuma. It does tend to get a bit more difficult during high tide, so we suggest going here during low tide if possible.
We’ve always felt safe here, but don’t walk at night and don’t carry valuables. We’ve never had anything bad happen to us in Costa Rica, but just remember you are in a foreign country and sometimes the Montezuma beaches can be really empty. You will most likely be fine, and maybe we are a bit too cautious, but you never know!
It is best to do the walk during low tide. It is possible to walk during high tide but some of the areas will become more difficult to pass. If you plan on doing the entire walk (about three hours round trip) we suggest starting about two hours before low tide so you’ll have mostly low water for your whole walk.
Don’t hesitate to jump in the water! The ocean is really refreshing and typically very clear. A few quick jumps in the water along the way will definitely help you to stay cool during your beach walk.
Just be aware of rip currents. There can be rip currents in this area so definitely use caution. We suggest staying where you can still stand in the water.
And don’t forget, we made a free map of the important points in this walk for you. Enjoy!

What to Do After Your Walk

After the Montezuma beach walk, we suggest exploring the souvenir shops in downtown Montezuma, and then checking out the Montezuma waterfall.

Although, I think after doing this beach walk, especially if it is sunny, you will probably be completely ready to head back to your hotel for a nap.

We have a whole guide to Montezuma which will give you a better idea of amazing things you can do in the area including our favorite restaurants, the coolest activities, and nice places to stay.

If you have any questions or comments about the Montezuma beach walk don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We love to hear from you and are always happy to help you out!

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Start here

Montezuma Beach Walk: The Best Coastal Hike to a Hidden Waterfall

The Walk Details