25 Best Things to Do in Montezuma, Costa Rica (All Budgets)

1. Walk the Beach for Miles

From downtown Montezuma, you can take a scenic walk north along Playa Montezuma and several other beaches connected by trails. Along the way, you’ll find numerous tide pools where you can take a refreshing dip to cool down.

Travel Tip: I marked the free parking lot on Google Maps here. Just don’t leave anything of value in your car. Nobody is guarding cars here.

At the very end of this walk, you’ll come to the El Chorro Waterfall. This is a stunning cascade that flows directly into the ocean. Just note that the waterfall typically dries up during the dry season. It is definitely most impressive from July to November.

This beach walk is an ideal morning activity before it gets too hot for the day. Just keep in mind that the beaches can be hard to walk along during high tide, so we suggest starting about an hour before the lowest tide if possible.

Check Out Our Complete Guide to the Montezuma Beach Walk

2. Hike to the Montezuma Waterfalls

The iconic Montezuma Waterfalls is a series of cascading falls nestled in the jungle. We love that you can easily access this from downtown Montezuma, even without a car.

The hike to the waterfalls is a bit of an adventure. The trail can be challenging in places and involves climbing over a lot of rocks.

The first waterfall you’ll encounter from town is the tallest. It has a dramatic drop of over 80 feet into a clear pool below. This is a great spot for swimming and cooling off after your hike.

If you are feeling more adventurous, there are two smaller waterfalls further upstream. Keep in mind that to get to the upper two falls you will cross into private land and will need to pay a small fee. There is also another access point from the road at the upper falls.

For more info on the hike and two access points check out our guide to Montezuma Waterfalls

3. Take a Day Trip to Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga is the epitome of a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and vibrant marine life.

This uninhabited tropical island is only accessible on a fun-filled day tour by boat. A day trip to Tortuga Island typically includes activities like snorkeling, swimming, and a delicious fresh lunch.

This tour can be done directly from downtown Montezuma with Zuma Tours.

Check out our guide to Isla Tortuga for more info

4. Visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Cabo Blanco Reserve is Costa Rica’s first national park and is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species.

The reserve covers over 3,000 hectares of land and includes a mix of tropical forest, mangroves, and pristine beaches. It’s also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds recorded in the area.

The reserve is located just past Montezuma and Cabuya. From the downtown area it will take you about 20 minutes to drive here.

The hiking trails in Cabo Blanco are well-maintained and offer varying levels of difficulty. The highlight of visiting Cabo Blanco (in my opinion) is reaching the reserve’s pristine beaches.

You can always book a private tour to Cabo Blanco here to explore this incredible natural reserve or visit on your own.

Check out our guide to Cabo Blanco for more info on how to visit

5. Take a Day Trip to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is the most popular town on the Nicoya Peninsula. In recent years it has exploded as a tourist destination for surfers and yoga enthusiasts.

Personally, I love staying in Montezuma for the peaceful vibes and just visiting Santa Teresa for the day. If you are interested in surfing you can take a lesson or easily rent a board.

The beaches are also very nice here for walking or relaxing and there are plenty of great restaurants including a few beach bars.

Check out our guide to Santa Teresa for more info

6. Take a Surf Lesson

Santa Teresa is great for more advanced surfers, but Montezuma is the perfect spot for beginners.

The local instructors are experienced and passionate about teaching. They will ensure that you’ll have a fun and safe experience on the water.

Lessons typically start on the beach, where you’ll learn the basics of paddling, standing up, and balancing on the board.

Once you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, it’s time to hit the waves!

Book Your Montezuma Surfing Lesson With an Amazing Instructor Here

8. Go on a Fishing Trip

For a truly local experience, join a fishing trip in Montezuma. The waters around this area are teeming with a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for both amateur and experienced anglers.

You can choose from deep-sea fishing, where you might catch marlin, tuna, or mahi-mahi, or opt for inshore fishing for species like snapper and roosterfish.

After your trip, many local restaurants will be happy to cook your catch for you.

There are several locals who offer fishing tours, or you can book your experience through Zuma Tours.

9. Go Bioluminescent Kayaking

Have you ever experienced bioluminescence before? If not, you are in for a real treat with this nighttime kayaking adventure!

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that occurs when tiny marine organisms called dinoflagellates emit light when disturbed, creating a mesmerizing glow in the water.

As you paddle through the calm waters, your paddle will leave a trail of sparkling blue light. It feels like you’re gliding through a sea of stars.

The best place for this is with the company Bahia Rica at Paquera Bay (where the ferry terminal is). This is about an hour drive from Montezuma.

Travel Tip: If you can, book your tour during a new moon when the sky is the darkest. You will then experience the most vibrant colors from the water.

Book Your Bioluminescence Kayak Adventure with Bahia Rica

10. Hike at Curu Reserve

Curu Reserve is located in the town of Paquera (where the ferry lands). It will take you about an hour to get here from Montezuma.

We love this reserve because it is not heavily visited by tourists (but it should be!).

As you explore the trails, you’ll encounter a variety of ecosystems, from dry forests to mangroves. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, deer, iguanas, and a wide array of bird species.

Curu Reserve also features beautiful beaches where you can take a break and enjoy a swim or a picnic.

If you do not have a rental car you can book a guided tour with transportation included here.

Check out our guide to Curu Reserve for more info

11. See a Giant Ficus Tree

On the road from Montezuma to Cabuya, you’ll find the impressive Giant Ficus Tree. This enormous tree is a sight to behold with its sprawling roots and towering presence.

There isn’t a parking lot here, but it is easy enough to just pull off to the side of the road to view it.

You will drive by this tree on your way to Cabo Blanco Reserve and the Cabuya Cemetery.

I also marked the location on Google Maps here.

12. Try a Traditional Meal

Costa Rican cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, and there are plenty of local eateries where you can sample the best of it.

Start your day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto. This is a savory mix of rice and beans often served with eggs and fried plantains or fresh fruit.

Did You Know the Nicoya Peninsula (where Montezuma is located) is one of the Blue Zones of the world? This means people regularly live over the age of 100. It is believed that what they eat is a big contributing factor to that.

For lunch or dinner, try Casado, a hearty meal that includes rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein.

Seafood is a staple in Montezuma, with fresh catches brought in daily by local fishermen.

Our favorite place in Montezuma for a relaxed traditional meal is Soda Típica las Palmeras

13. Check Out a Craft Brewery

There are two craft breweries that we love in the Montezuma area. They are:

• Butterfly Brewing Company: This is located just outside of downtown Montezuma. It is one of our favorite hang-out spots in all of Costa Rica. They brew their own beer here and also make delicious dishes. It’s a good spot to hang for lunch or an afternoon beer and snack.  
• La Selva Cerveza: This brewery is located in Cabuya. They brew their own beers on tap and also have a few other beers throughout the country available. They don’t serve food here.

15. Enjoy the Sunset

Montezuma offers some breathtaking sunset views.

The sun sets year round between about 5:15pm and 6:pm.

We like to head to the beach or find a high vantage point to watch the sky transform. It’s a perfect way to end a day in paradise.

Travel Tip: Because of the way Montezuma is positioned you can also enjoy some epic sunrise views here as well.

16. Take a Yoga Class

Relax and rejuvenate with a yoga class in Montezuma. The town is known for its wellness culture, and there are several studios and retreats offering classes.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, you’ll find classes to suit your level.

Our favorite place for this is MontezumaYoga. They have daily classes for $15 and also offer retreats. You can find out more on their website here.

17. Go Beach Hopping

Why stick to one beach when you can explore several white sand beaches on the Pacific Ocean?

Montezuma is surrounded by a variety of beautiful beaches. Personally, we like to head south towards Cabuya and stop at all the little beaches along the way (Playa Las Manchas, Playa Los Cedros, and Playa Cabuya).

All beaches in the country need to have public access by law, so all the coast is yours to explore.

Just keep in mind that the sun is very strong here. And, it is best to look up and check before sitting under any trees. Falling coconuts can be super dangerous.

18. Go Zip Lining

Experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops with a zip-lining adventure in Montezuma. SunTrails offers a 3-hour tour with 9 cables and 13 platforms. The cables range from 50 meters to 300 meters in length.

The tour also includes a stop at the Montezuma Waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim.

We love that the SunTrails property is located so close to the downtown area of Montezuma, so it is easy to access this adventure.

For More Details, Visit SunTrails Ziplining

19. See Sea Turtles

If you visit Montezuma during the right time of year, you might have the incredible opportunity to see sea turtles nesting on the beaches.

The best way to see them is on the Montezuma Beach in front of ASVO (Asociación de Voluntarios) Sea Turtle Hatchery. They typically release turtles at 4pm every day (during the right season).

20. Go Horseback Riding

Feel the wind in your hair and the sand beneath your feet as you ride along the beach and through the jungle on horseback.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, the local guides will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We suggest booking your experience with Indiana Horse Project. You can contact them via their Facebook page here.

21. Visit the Cabuya Cemetery

A visit to the Cabuya Cemetery is always a unique and fascinating experience. This cemetery is located on a small island that can only be reached by foot at low tide.

Travel Tip: This is a great spot to stop when heading back to Montezuma after hiking at Cabo Blanco Reserve.

The cemetery dates back to the early 20th century and is the final resting place for many locals. There are several really interesting gravestones.

Find Out More with Our Guide to Cabuya Cemetery

24. Get a Massage

After all your adventures, treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

Montezuma has several spas and wellness centers offering a variety of treatments.

Our personal favorite is Amara Healing Therapies. Amara will provide you with a wonderful massage at a fair rate. Get more info and contact Amara here.

Additionally, Ylang Ylang Beach Resort provides massage packages which include use of their pool, lunch, a rejuvinating green drink, and more. This is perfect if you are looking for a full day relaxation experience. Get more info here.

25. Try a Volunteer Experience

 RNVSM Romelia in Montezuma offers a chance to impact sea turtle conservation. They have a great program and depend on volunteers to care for and protect these creatures. 

During July to December, volunteers work closely with Ridley, Hawksbill, and Leatherback sea turtles, ensuring their safety. 

Typical Tasks

• Sea turtle conservation activities including night patrols, hatchery sitting, and data collection
• Maintenance of park trails and facilities
• Gardening, vineyard chores, and greenhouse work
• Creating and replacing park signs
• Assisting with cooking and kitchen cleanup

Get More Info on Volunteering with Sea Turtles Here